# Email templates, content blocks and layouts

*Marketing Cloud Engagement Foundations Study Guide · Email Sending and Journeys · Last updated November 3, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/marketing-cloud-engagement-foundations/email-sending-and-journeys/email-templates-content-blocks-and-layouts*

How a Content Builder email template (layout, styles and content areas) differs from the reusable content blocks dropped into it, including Layout, Button, Image Carousel and Dynamic Content blocks, and how emails pick up a changed template.

- Certification: Salesforce Marketing Cloud Engagement Foundations
- Exam section: Email Sending and Journeys
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/marketing-cloud-engagement-foundations

**Official exam objective:**

> Distinguish between template components and content blocks when building emails in Marketing Cloud Engagement.

## What the exam expects

- Choose a template when emails must share structure and styles, and content blocks when a piece of content must be reused.
- Recognise the main block types (Text, Image, Button, Free Form, HTML, Image Carousel, Layout, Dynamic Content) and what each holds.
- Group several blocks into one reusable unit with a Layout block.
- Bring an existing email onto a changed template.
- Configure a Dynamic Content block with rules and default content.
- Key terms: **email template** (the reusable layout, design and styles of an email); **content area** (a slot in the template that receives content); **content block** (a reusable piece of content such as text, an image or a button); **Layout block** (a reusable group of content blocks); **default content** (what a Dynamic Content block shows when no rule matches).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Template kinds | Basic, Empty (layout only), Themed | [Explore Content Types](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/content-builder-features/explore-content-types) |
| Layout block | Reusable group of content blocks | [Explore Content Types](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/content-builder-features/explore-content-types) |
| Text block | Only text and links | [Explore Content Types](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/content-builder-features/explore-content-types) |
| Image Carousel | Up to ten images, every 7.5 seconds | [Add an Image Carousel Block](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_ceb_add_an_image_carousel_block.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Carousel fallback | First image, alt text and link | [Add an Image Carousel Block](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_ceb_add_an_image_carousel_block.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Template edits | Update Email Now from email properties | [Build an Email from a Template](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_es_build_email_from_template_using_content_builder_tools.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Active journey emails | Edits apply after you update the activity | [Build an Email from a Template](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_es_build_email_from_template_using_content_builder_tools.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| No rule matched | Default content displays | [Dynamic Content](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_ceb_dynamic_content.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Text-based emails | Can't use dynamic content | [Dynamic Content](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_ceb_dynamic_content.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |

## Check yourself

- Which starting template shows layout only, with no suggested images or text?
- When an email used in an active journey is edited, when does the journey use the change?
- Why does Help prefer a document link in a Button block over attaching the file?
- How many images can one Image Carousel block hold, according to Help?

## Sources

- [Explore Content Types (Trailhead)](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/content-builder-features/explore-content-types)
- [Build Emails with Content Builder (Trailhead)](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/email-creation-and-sending/build-emails-with-content-builder)
- [Build an Email from a Template in Content Builder](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_es_build_email_from_template_using_content_builder_tools.htm&type=5&language=en_US)
- [Create Content Blocks](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_ceb_create_content_blocks.htm&type=5&language=en_US)
- [Create a Layout](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_ceb_create_layout.htm&type=5&language=en_US)
- [Add a Button Block](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_ceb_add_button.htm&type=5&language=en_US)
- [Add an Image Carousel Block](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_ceb_add_an_image_carousel_block.htm&type=5&language=en_US)
- [Dynamic Content](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_ceb_dynamic_content.htm&type=5&language=en_US)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 6 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Marketing Cloud Engagement Foundations pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams