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Why Set a Reference Email?

Without a reference email, Brew will be highly creative every time it generates an email - trying different layouts, structures, and design approaches. This is great if you’re still exploring the best design for your brand. However, many brands want consistency across their emails. A reference email sets guardrails on that creativity. Brew studies its structure, layout, spacing, and design patterns, and uses them as a baseline for every new email. The result is emails that look consistent while still being unique in content.
A reference email is a design guide, not a template. Brew learns your preferred patterns and applies them to new content - it doesn’t copy the email.
When you remix a template, the remixed template takes priority and your reference email is ignored for that generation. Your reference email is only used when generating emails from a prompt.

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How to Add a Reference Email

Browse emails from other brands that inspire you directly in Brew. Select one you like and Brew uses it as a blueprint - applying your own brand identity (colors, fonts, logo, tone) to the structure and layout.Best for: Teams that don’t have an existing email design system, or teams looking to overhaul their current design system with fresh inspiration.
Of all three methods, uploading HTML produces the most accurate results because Brew can read the exact structure, spacing, and styling directly from the source code. If you have access to the HTML of an email you like, this is the recommended option.
Build your own reference email. If none of the options above match what you’re looking for, create a campaign in Brew and iterate on it until the design is exactly how you want it. Then click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top bar, select Add to Templates, and set it as your reference email from the Brand page. This gives you full control over your design baseline without needing an external email or HTML file.

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FAQ

No, but it’s recommended. Without one, Brew defaults to general email design best practices. A reference helps Brew generate emails that feel more tailored to your style.
Yes. Brew learns the structure and design patterns, not the brand. Your emails will still use your own brand identity - colors, fonts, logo, and tone of voice.
One at a time. You can replace it anytime from the Brand page if your design preferences change.

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