What is Show on Desktop/Mobile/Both?
Show on is a setting on each block in the email editor. It controls whether the block shows on all devices, on desktop only or on mobile only.
Why you need it
- Without it, every block shows on every device, so a mobile reader gets the same banner, image or footer as a desktop reader.
- To give mobile readers a different version of a block, such as a shorter banner or a simpler footer, you would otherwise need a second email or custom HTML.
How to set it up
Before you start
Show on is in limited release. If you do not see it in your block settings, ask your Customer Success Manager to turn it on for your site.
Setting a block to one device
- Open the campaign or flow email you want to edit.
- Click the block you want to change.
- In the block settings, scroll to Show on.
- Select All devices, Desktop or Mobile.
- Save your changes.
The default for every block is All devices. Blocks that are already in your emails do not change.
Giving mobile readers their own version of a block
- Add the block you want desktop readers to see and set Show on to Desktop.
- Add the version you want mobile readers to see and set Show on to Mobile.
- Use the desktop and mobile view toggle at the top of the editor to check each version.
Note: Your email must show an unsubscribe link on both desktop and mobile. If your only footer is set to Desktop or Mobile, you cannot save the email. A desktop footer and a mobile footer together are fine.
How it works
In the editor
- The desktop view hides blocks set to Mobile, and the mobile view hides blocks set to Desktop.
- A block set to one device has a Desktop only or Mobile only label.
- If every block in the email is set to the other device, the editor tells you to switch views.
In the sent email
- Each block follows its Show on setting when the email is sent.
- Outlook on Windows always shows the desktop version of an email. Blocks set to Mobile do not show there.
Tip: Send a preview to your phone and to your computer to check each version in a real inbox.
FAQ
Can I use Show on with any block? Yes. Every block has the Show on setting.
What is the default? All devices. A block shows on desktop and mobile unless you change it.
Will my existing emails change? No. Blocks that are already in your emails stay on All devices.
Can I change font sizes or styles for mobile only? No. Show on controls whether a whole block shows. It does not change the font size or style of a block on mobile.
Why does my mobile-only block not show in Outlook? Outlook on Windows shows the desktop version of every email, so blocks set to Mobile do not show there.
Why can I not see Show on in my block settings? It is in limited release. Ask your Customer Success Manager to turn it on for your site.
For more on mobile layouts, see How to best optimise your email designs for Mobile.