You can build and send the email in the right hand panel or you can pop out your draft into its own inset window by clicking the pop out icon at the bottom of the Activity screen.

You can either format and compose your message directly in the email window or you can pull in a preexisting template. Both methods are explained below

To build your email directly in the Email window, simply start typing in the text box and use the rich text editor options such as bold, italics, bullets, font, font size etc. (1) to create your message. You can also attach files and insert merge fields (2). Don't forget to include a subject line and use the CC line to copy any relevant assistants or program staff (3).

After you've built your email, you have the option to save that content as a template for future use. Simply click on the "add template" icon in the tool panel at the bottom of the email and click "Save as new Template".

To use an existing Salesforce email template, click on the "add template" icon in the tool panel at the bottom of the email. Then select "Insert Template" at the top of the menu.

You'll have the option to browse classic templates or lightning templates, simply navigate to the template you want and click on it to insert.

Note that classic templates cannot be edited in the email panel - if you need to edit a classic template, you can do so in Salesforce Classic mode in the Email Template folder. Instructions here

Once the template has been inserted, you'll see the personalized version of your email for the selected recipient reflecting any merge fields you included in the email template. In the example below, you'll see Charlotte's first name and personalized evaluation link have pulled into this draft.

Whether you've built a new email or inserted a template, be sure to review your email, including subject line, attachments and CC/BCC lines, before sending. If you are using a lightning template, click the eye icon to preview your email with the merge fields populated. Once you're all set, simply click "Send" to release the message to your recipient(s).