Omnisend's Email Builder lets you toggle between desktop and mobile editing views directly in the editor – so you can design and edit your email for both devices without switching tools.
In this article, you'll learn how to switch views, edit in mobile mode, control column stacking, and show or hide content by device.
Before You Begin
Use a desktop or laptop to edit emails. The Email Builder is not optimized for mobile devices and may not function properly on small screens.
This feature is available in both Email Campaigns and Automation Workflows.
Mobile view shows static content only – dynamic elements (contact names, product recommendations, discount codes) won't display. Use Preview & Test to view dynamic content and dark mode rendering before sending.
This feature is different from Preview & Test, which shows your email's final render with dynamic content and dark mode. Mobile view in the builder is for editing and design work.
This helps you:
Design with mobile-first in mind
Edit content while viewing the mobile layout
Catch layout issues early without leaving the editor
Save time and streamline your workflow
Switch Between Desktop and Mobile Views
Toggle between desktop and mobile views directly in the Email Builder to design and edit your email for each device.
To switch views:
Open the Email Builder (in a Campaign or Automation email step).
Locate the device toggle in the top toolbar (next to the undo button).
Click the icon to switch between:
Desktop (monitor icon) – Default editing view
Mobile (phone icon) – Mobile layout editing view
The canvas resizes instantly to simulate the selected device. You can edit your email in either mode.
💡 Note: Switching views is instant and non-destructive – it only changes how your email is displayed in the editor, not its structure.
Edit in Mobile View
You can fully edit your email while viewing it in mobile mode. All editing actions work in both desktop and mobile views:
Drag and drop blocks
Edit text
Replace images
Modify buttons
Adjust spacing
Update product items
You don't need to switch back to desktop view to make any changes.
How Mobile View Works
When you switch to mobile view:
The canvas adjusts to mobile screen width (approx. 320–414px).
Content displays as it would in mobile email clients.
Changes reflect in real time.
The mobile view shows how your email will render on mobile devices, including:
Column stacking (multi-column layouts become single-column)
Text wrapping
Button scaling
Spacing adjustments
This ensures your design matches the final result seen by recipients.
⚠️ Important: Mobile view in the builder displays static content only. Dynamic elements like contact names, product recommendations, and discount codes won't display. To preview dynamic content and dark mode rendering, use Preview & Test (top toolbar).
💬 Learn more: Preview and Test Campaigns & Automations
Control Column Stacking on Mobile
By default, multi-column layouts stack vertically on mobile devices. You can customize this behavior.
To change column stacking:
Click the layout (not individual items inside it).
Go to Layout (right panel) → Mobile stacking.
Choose:
Stack columns (default) – Columns appear one below another on mobile
Keep side-by-side – Columns remain next to each other on mobile
Use cases: Product grids, comparison sections, or layouts where side-by-side content is essential on mobile.
💬 Learn more: Optimize Email Layouts with Mobile Stacking
Show or Hide Content by Device
Control which content appears on desktop, mobile, or both.
To set visibility:
Click the item or layout you want to adjust.
Go to Layout (right panel) → Display settings.
Choose:
All devices (default)
Mobile devices only
Desktop devices only
Display a large hero image on desktop only
Show a simplified version for mobile users
Use different layouts for each device
This helps you optimize your email without duplicating templates.
💡 Tip: Use the Preview & Test tool to check how your email appears on both devices with dynamic content.
FAQ
Can I edit in mobile view on my phone or tablet?
No. The Email Builder (including mobile view toggle) is optimized for desktop and laptop use only. Use a desktop browser (Chrome recommended) for the best experience.
Does switching to mobile view change my email's structure?
No. The toggle only changes how your email is displayed in the editor – it does not alter the actual structure or code. Your email will render correctly on both devices.
What's the difference between mobile view in the builder and Preview & Test?
Mobile view toggle (in the builder): Lets you design and edit while seeing the mobile layout. Content is static – dynamic elements (contact names, product recommendations) won't display. Use this for design work.
Preview & Test: Shows how your email will actually render in email clients, including dynamic content, dark mode, and device-specific rendering. Not editable – use this for final review before sending. 💬 Learn more: Preview and Test Campaigns & Automations, Dark Mode in Emails
Can I set different images for mobile and desktop?
Yes. Use Display settings (Layout → Display settings → Mobile devices only / Desktop devices only) to show different images on each device. This is useful for showing optimized images for each screen size.
Will my subscribers see what I see in mobile view?
Yes, with one exception: mobile view shows static content only. Your subscribers will see the mobile layout plus dynamic content (their name, personalized product recommendations, discount codes, etc.). Always send a test email to see the final result.
⚠️ Note: Advanced mobile customization features (e.g., mobile-specific padding, font sizes, or independent mobile layouts) are not yet available. These may be added in future updates.
Need help? Contact us at [email protected] or via the in-app chat.