Gmail templates that actually work. No extensions, no workarounds.

The problem with Gmail templates today

If you send similar emails regularly — sales outreach, support replies, onboarding emails, follow-ups — you need templates. Gmail offers "Templates" (formerly Canned Responses), but they're limited:

• No variables — you can't auto-fill the recipient's name, company, or other details. Every template needs manual editing after insertion.
• No attachments — you can't save a file (like a brochure or price list) as part of the template. You have to attach it manually every time.
• Buried in menus — inserting a template takes 4 clicks: More Options → Templates → category → template. There's no quick search or keyboard shortcut.
• Plain text only — Gmail templates don't preserve rich formatting well. Bold, links, and inline images often break.

The usual workaround is a Chrome extension (Gorgias, Briskine, etc.). But browser extensions can read your email content, track your browsing, and break when Gmail updates its interface. They also don't work across different browsers or when you're offline.

How ChainMail templates work

Type a semicolon to search

In the compose window, type ; and a floating picker appears. Start typing the template name or shortcut to filter. Press Enter to insert. The whole interaction takes under 2 seconds.

Smart variables

Templates support variables that are automatically filled from the recipient's information:

• {first_name} — recipient's first name
• {last_name} — recipient's last name
• {full_name} — recipient's full name
• {email} — recipient's email address

You can also create custom placeholders like {proposal_date} or {meeting_time}. ChainMail warns you before sending if any placeholders haven't been filled in.

Attach files to templates

Sales decks, product sheets, contracts — if you always attach the same file with a particular template, save it as part of the template. The file is stored locally and attached automatically every time you insert the template.

Rich text formatting

Templates preserve full rich text: bold, italic, links, bullet lists, and inline images. What you save is what gets inserted — no formatting loss.

Pre-fill subject and recipients

Each template can optionally include a subject line and default To, CC, and BCC recipients. Useful for templates that always go to the same distribution list or always need a specific subject prefix.

Save any email as a template

Just drafted a great email? Click the "Save as Template" button in the compose window to turn it into a reusable template instantly.

Use cases by role

Sales

• Cold outreach with personalized {first_name} and {company}
• Follow-up sequences with attached proposal PDFs
• Meeting confirmation templates with calendar details

Customer support

• Common troubleshooting replies with step-by-step formatting
• Escalation templates pre-addressed to internal teams
• Refund/return process emails with policy links

HR and recruiting

• Interview scheduling with {full_name} and position details
• Offer letter cover emails with attached documents
• Onboarding welcome emails with links and next steps

Operations and logistics

• Shipping update templates with tracking placeholders
• Vendor communication with standard terms attached
• Status update templates for regular reporting

Templates vs. Chrome extensions

Capability	Gmail Built-in	Chrome Extensions	ChainMail
Smart variables	✕	✓	✓
File attachments	✕	Some	✓
Keyboard shortcut insertion	✕	✓	✓ Type ;
Rich text preserved	Partial	✓	✓
Pre-fill subject/recipients	✕	Some	✓
Works offline	✕	✕	✓
No browser permissions	✓	✕ Full page access	✓
Data stored locally	Google servers	Extension cloud	✓ Your machine