How to Customize WooCommerce Emails with Templates

If you run a WooCommerce store, your email communication with customers is crucial. Whether it’s order confirmations, shipping updates, or password resets, these emails shape your customers’ experience. By default, WooCommerce emails are functional—but quite basic. Customizing WooCommerce emails with templates can help you maintain branding, increase engagement, and leave a lasting impression.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily customize WooCommerce email templates using both manual methods and plugins—no coding skills required!

📬 Why Customize WooCommerce Emails?

Here are a few solid reasons to customize your WooCommerce emails:

• ✅ Brand Consistency: Match email designs with your store’s branding.
• ✅ Better Engagement: Add personalized messages, upsell offers, or discounts.
• ✅ Improve Trust: Professionally designed emails appear more legitimate.
• ✅ Enhanced UX: Customize structure, content, and colors for better readability.

🔧 Method 1: Customize Default WooCommerce Email Templates (Code Method)

WooCommerce allows you to override email templates through your theme folder. Learn more about WooCommerce Template Structure.

Step-by-Step:

1. Go to your site’s root directory (via FTP or File Manager).
2. Navigate to:
   wp-content/plugins/woocommerce/templates/emails/
3. Copy the template you want to customize (e.g., customer-completed-order.php).
4. Paste it into your theme at:
   wp-content/themes/your-theme/woocommerce/emails/
5. Open the file in a code editor and make your changes. You can customize:
   • Header text
   • Footer content
   • Inline styles
   • Add dynamic data using WooCommerce hooks

🧩 Method 2: Use a Plugin to Customize WooCommerce Emails (No Coding)

If you’re not comfortable editing PHP files, plugins are your best friend.

🛠 Recommended Plugins:

1. Kadence WooCommerce Email Designer (Free)

• Drag-and-drop email builder
• Live preview
• Customize header, body, footer, and more
• Supports WooCommerce core emails

🔗 Download from WordPress.org

2. YayMail – WooCommerce Email Customizer

• Visual editor with real-time preview
• Drag & drop blocks (buttons, images, columns)
• Pro version supports 3rd-party plugins like Subscriptions or Bookings

🔗 Visit YayCommerce

3. MailPoet

• Send WooCommerce emails through MailPoet
• Advanced segmentation
• Stylish templates for marketing + transactional emails

🔗 Explore MailPoet Features

✏️ Which Emails Can You Customize?

WooCommerce supports customization for several email types, including:

• 🧾 New Order
• ✅ Completed Order
• 🔄 Processing Order
• 📦 Customer Invoice
• 🧍 Customer Note
• 🔐 Reset Password
• 📧 New Account

You can manage them via: WordPress Dashboard → WooCommerce → Settings → Emails

Here, you can:

• Enable/disable emails
• Set recipients
• Edit subject lines and headings
• Add additional content
• Change sender name/email

🎨 Email Design Best Practices

• Keep it simple – Use clean layouts and avoid clutter.
• Use your logo – Place it in the header for brand recognition.
• Consistent colors – Use your store’s color palette.
• Mobile responsive – Make sure your emails look great on all devices.
• Clear CTAs – Add buttons for actions like “View Order” or “Continue Shopping.”

🧠 Pro Tips for Advanced Users

• Use hooks and filters in functions.php to modify email behavior. Learn more at WooCommerce Hooks Reference.
• Customize email headers/footers using woocommerce_email_header and woocommerce_email_footer actions.
• Add dynamic upsells based on purchased products.

add_action('woocommerce_email_after_order_table', 'custom_thankyou_message', 10, 4);
function custom_thankyou_message($order, $sent_to_admin, $plain_text, $email) {
    echo '<p style="font-weight:bold;">Thanks for shopping with us! Enjoy 10% off your next purchase with code THANKYOU10.</p>';
}

Customizing WooCommerce emails is a must for any serious eCommerce brand. Whether you go the manual route or use a plugin, you can drastically improve your customer experience. The best part? Most changes can be made without touching code.

Start small with just your completed order email—then gradually update all others for a fully branded communication system.