> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://flywheel.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Transactional Email

> Send automated, personalized emails triggered by user actions and events

Transactional emails are automated messages sent to individual users in response to specific actions or events. Unlike broadcasts, these emails are triggered by user behavior and are highly personalized, making them essential for user engagement and business operations.

## What are Transactional Emails?

Transactional emails are automated, one-to-one messages that are triggered by user actions or system events. Common examples include:

* **Welcome emails** when users sign up
* **Password reset** confirmations
* **Purchase confirmations** and receipts
* **Shipping notifications** and tracking updates
* **Account activity** alerts
* **Subscription** confirmations and renewals

## Templates vs Custom Emails

Flywheel supports two approaches to transactional emails:

### Email Templates

**Templates** are pre-designed email layouts that you can reuse across multiple transactional emails:

* **Reusable Design**: Create once, use for multiple email types
* **Consistent Branding**: Maintain brand consistency across all communications
* **Variable Support**: Use placeholders for dynamic content
* **Easy Management**: Update the template to change all emails using it

### Custom Emails

**Custom emails** are built from scratch for specific use cases:

* **Unique Design**: Completely custom layout and styling
* **Specific Purpose**: Tailored for particular transactional scenarios
* **Full Control**: Complete control over HTML, CSS, and content
* **One-time Use**: Designed for specific email types or campaigns

## Creating Transactional Emails

1. Go to **Email** → **Transactional**

<Card title="Transactional Emails" horizontal icon="mail" href="https://app.flywheel.cx/dashboard/deeplink?target=/transactional">
  Create and manage transactional email campaigns
</Card>

2. Click **Create New Transactional Email**
3. Configure your email settings
4. Write your email content and add variables

## Sending Transactional Emails

### Using the API

Send transactional emails programmatically using Flywheel's API:

<Card title="Transactional Email API" icon="square-terminal" href="/api-reference/transactional-email">
  Complete API documentation with interactive playground for sending custom emails and template-based emails
</Card>