Developers often grapple with rigid, high-maintenance email and page builders that limit flexibility and customization. Unlayer changes this by offering a truly developer-friendly, no-code builder that seamlessly integrates into the existing host applications while ensuring complete customization and control.
This white paper explores how Unlayer simplifies the development process, enhances efficiency, and provides a scalable, embeddable white-label solution that developers and businesses can rely on.
The Challenges Developers Face with Email & Page Builders
Limitations of traditional WYSIWYG builders
Many developers find that traditional WYSIWYG editors lack precision. Because they often generate inconsistent or unpredictable output, making it hard to maintain brand consistency or control the final rendering.
Common pain points
Rigid templates: Pre-built templates are often too restrictive. Developers and designers want the flexibility to create custom components or modify layouts freely without being locked into rigid structures.
Lack of customization: Many builders limit developers’ ability to inject custom HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and dynamic content.
Cross-client compatibility: Developers worry about email rendering issues across Outlook, Gmail, Apple Mail, and other Email Service Providers (ESPs).
Performance concerns: Some builders generate slow-loading emails or pages due to excessive styling and scripts.
The need for a developer-friendly low-code solution
Given these challenges, developers need a white-label solution that pairs the intuitive experience of a WYSIWYG editor with the flexibility to build custom tools, enforce brand consistency, and integrate seamlessly into their existing stack.
Here are some key components that form the core of a developer-friendly builder:
Complete customization options without restrictive templates.
Optimized, clean code output to prevent performance issues.
Seamless integrations with existing tools and workflows.
Cross-platform compatibility to ensure consistent rendering across all devices and email clients.
How to Get Started With Unlayer’s No-Code Builder?
Integrating Unlayer is quick and efficient. Follow these steps to embed the no-code email/page builder into your application.
1️⃣ Add JavaScript library (2-3 minutes)
Include Unlayer’s script in your web app:
2️⃣ Add editor container (1-2 minutes)
The Unlayer editor needs a container element on your page. Insert a blank <div> where the editor will be displayed:
Recommended size for the container: 1024px wide, 700px high.
3️⃣ Initialize the editor (3-5 minutes)
Initialize the editor inside the container you just created by passing its id and configuration options.
Retrieve the Project ID from the Developer Console under Project > Settings.
4️⃣ Customize configuration (5-10 minutes)
Configure settings such as:
Locale (language support)
Appearance (branding & themes)
User Info (id, name, email through merge tags)
Custom Tools, Blocks, Fonts, CSS & JS
5️⃣ Enable multiple instances (Optional) (3-7 minutes)
If using multiple builders on a single page:
6️⃣ Deploy to production (5 minutes)
To enable premium features and secure your builder in production:
Log in to the Developer Console and navigate to your project.
Retrieve the Project ID from Project > Settings and pass it in unlayer.init().
Add Allowed Domains to ensure the builder works only on specified domains:
Go to Project > Settings > Deployment.
Add your allowed domains under the “Allowed Domain(s)” section.
7️⃣ Connect the API (5-10 minutes)
Unlayer’s builder provides APIs to load, save, and even auto-save designs in your host application. Learn more about this here.
Load & save designs
Use unlayer.loadDesign() to preload saved templates:
Save designs with unlayer.exportHtml():
Enable auto-saving
Automatically save user changes by listening for the design:updated event:
This ensures that every modification is saved in real time without requiring manual intervention.
What Makes Unlayer Different?
Unlayer is purpose-built for developers. It offers a no-code, deeply customizable framework that empowers teams to embed powerful content creation tools quickly and easily without sacrificing control, security, and scalability.
1. Fully embeddable in any stack | Unlayer effortlessly integrates with any application using its JavaScript SDK or plugins for React, Angular, and Vue. This allows developers to go from installation to integration in minutes without needing to build and maintain a no-code builder from scratch. |
2. Customization & flexibility that goes beyond skins | Unlayer offers full flexibility—from custom blocks, themes, and UI overrides to editing raw HTML and injecting custom Javascript/CSS. Developers can even build custom tools, define property editors to dynamically control editor’s behavior, and programmatically access and manipulate email templates, designs, and other Unlayer resources via APIs. |
3. Clean, responsive code output | Unlayer generates lightweight, responsive, and standards-compliant HTML optimized for performance across devices and platforms. 40% average reduction in development cycles for content creation. +20% improvement in email deliverability rates reported by enterprise customers. Code is pre-tested for compatibility across major email clients and web browsers. |
4. Developer-focused SDKs, Plugins & APIs | Whether you’re embedding our editor, triggering events, or integrating backend logic—Unlayer offers comprehensive JavaScript SDK, REST APIs, and plugins for React, Angular, and Vue—all backed by robust documentation and support. |
5. A true white-label experience | Rebrand every inch of the editor experience—from logos to UI components—ensuring your end-users feel right at home. With fully white-labeled deployment, Unlayer becomes a seamless part of your product—not a third-party tool bolted on. |
6. Built for enterprise-grade security | Unlayer is SOC 2 Type II certified, compliant with industry standards in Security, Availability, and Confidentiality. Supports secure hosting and self-hosted deployment options GDPR and CCPA-ready out of the box. Role-based access controls for granular user management. |
Keap & Unlayer: Improving Email Editing for Small Businesses
What is Keap?
Keap is a CRM and marketing automation platform designed for small businesses. It helps them manage customer relationships, streamline sales, and automate marketing efforts.
Pain point
Keap’s users struggled with the platform’s old email editor, which they had built in-house multiple times. The editor lacked flexibility, had a clunky interface, and required technical skills to design professional emails. This led to frustration and inefficiencies in email marketing efforts.
Solution implementation
Keap evaluated 12–15 email builders in the build vs. buy debate, ultimately selecting Unlayer after a detailed proof of concept. The free trial reinforced Unlayer as the right choice. And this is what made Unlayer stand out amongst its competitors:
A vast collection of templates.
Developer-friendly integration.
Intuitive drag and drop functionality.
Customization freedom to design any feature.
Impact
Saved 1 year’s worth of development hours by eliminating the need to build email and landing page editors from scratch.
Freed up resources by removing the burden of quality maintenance and template creation.
Allowed Keap to focus on helping small businesses grow.
Improved user experience with a seamless, no-code design interface.
Testimonial
Why Companies Choose Unlayer
Unlayer isn’t just another drag and drop builder. It’s a developer-friendly, no-code platform that delivers speed, flexibility, and control—without the overhead of building and maintaining your own editor from scratch.
By embedding Unlayer, you’re not just simplifying content creation—you’re unlocking:
Faster launch cycles.
Lower engineering overhead.
Consistent and scalable design systems.
Tools your end-users (and teams) actually enjoy using.
Whether you’re a startup building fast or an enterprise scaling content across teams and clients, Unlayer empowers your product to move faster without cutting corners.
Ready to embed a no-code builder your developers will love, and your end-users will thank you for?
1️⃣ Start Your Free Trial – Experience Unlayer’s powerful editor! [Try for Free →]
2️⃣ Book a Demo – See Unlayer in action! Get a personalized walkthrough and proof of concept. [Schedule a Demo →]
