Using structures and link blocks in email layout
Last updated August 5, 2026
Objective
The current email template builder in Recur can be "fussy" regarding formatting. To ensure your images align correctly and function as links, you must provide a structural wrapper (tables or grids) around your content. This guide explains how to use these structures to gain full control over your email layouts.
Key Steps
Step 1: Use Structure Elements for Alignment
Images dropped directly onto a page without a "wrapper" will not respond to alignment commands (left, right, or center).
The Fix: Always start by dragging a Section or Grid element from the layout menu onto your page.
Layout Options: You can choose a full-width section or split sections (like a half-section for two columns).
Nesting: You can drag an image into a specific table cell. Once inside, use the Table Cell Alignment settings to position your image exactly where you want it.
Step 2: Create Image Links
In this builder, you cannot apply a link directly to an image file. You must use a Link Block as a container.
Drag a Link Block: Find the "Link Block" element and drag it into a cell in your grid. It will initially appear empty.
Nest the Image: Drag your image into the Link Block. You will see a yellow highlight indicating the block is selected and a green line showing the image is being dropped inside.
Set the URL: Click on the Link Block (not the image itself), then click the Settings Cog. Enter your destination URL in the link settings.
Step 3: Resize and Match Images
Manual Resizing: Click the corner of an image to drag and resize it.
Visual Symmetry: If using a two-column grid, resize both images while they are side-by-side to ensure they look balanced in the recipient's inbox.
Troubleshooting "Fussy" Formatting
Alignment Buttons Not Working: If you click "Left" or "Center" in the Typography settings and nothing happens, your image is likely sitting on the page without a structural wrapper. Move it into a Section or Table Cell to fix this.
Difficulty Selecting Blocks: Use the breadcrumb navigation (usually found at the bottom or top of the editor) to ensure you have selected the Link Block or the Table Cell rather than just the image.
Tips for Efficiency
Grid First, Content Second: Get into the habit of building your "skeleton" using sections and grids before adding any images or text.
Call to Action (CTA): Turning an image into a link is a great way to create custom "buttons." Just make sure the Link Block contains the entire image so the whole area is clickable.
Stay Tuned: A new, more intuitive drag-and-drop builder (similar to the Recur Web Builder) is currently in development and will replace this "fussy" version in the coming weeks.