Overview
Keep your AI-generated emails on brand with your own approved images. Add the images you want, and Knak AI places them in your email for you.
You can use images in two ways:
As email content: Add images that should appear in your email, like a hero image, product photo, or speaker headshot.
As a layout reference: Upload a picture of an email design. Knak AI uses it as a guide to build the structure of your new email.
The table below shows each way to give Knak AI an image.
Method | What it does | Best for |
Upload an image file | Adds the image to your email | Photos and graphics saved on your computer |
Add an image from the Knak Image Library | Adds the image from your approved library | Approved images that you have used previously |
Add an image from your DAM | Adds the images from your Digital Asset Manager (DAM) | Approved images that exist in your DAM. |
Paste a direct image link in your prompt | Pulls the image from the web into your email | Images already hosted online, including GIFs |
Attach a Portable Document Format (PDF) file | Knak AI can use images found inside the PDF | Campaign briefs that already include images |
Use a file as a template | Guides the layout of your email | Matching a past email or a design mockup |
Before You Begin
Gather the approved images you want to use.
Give each image a short, clear file name, like Hero Image, Product A, or Speaker Headshot. Clear names help Knak AI place each image in the right spot.
Check that each file is 5 megabytes (MB) or smaller.
Add Images to Your Email
Choose the method that matches where your image is saved.
Upload an Image File
Enter your prompt in the prompt field on the Studio homepage or in a campaign folder.
Click the + button.
Select your image from one of these sources:
Your computer
Your Knak Image Library
Your connected Digital Asset Management (DAM) system
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each image. Upload one image at a time.
Tell Knak AI where to place each image in your prompt. Use the file name.
Click the arrow button to continue to email setup.
Add a Direct Image Link
Use this method when your image is already online. A direct image link opens the image file itself, not a web page. It usually ends in a file type like .png, .jpg, or .gif.
Copy the direct link to your image.
Paste the link into your prompt.
Tell Knak AI where to place the image.
Example prompt:
"Use this image in the header: [image link]"
This method works for static images and GIFs.
Note: Use a public link. Knak AI cannot open images behind a login or on a private page.
Use Images From a PDF
Knak AI can use images that are inside a PDF, like a campaign brief.
Click the + button.
Select your PDF.
Tell Knak AI to use the images from the PDF in your prompt.
Note: Knak AI can only pull images from PDF files. It does not pull images from .docx files.
Images From Web Page URLs
You can add a web page URL to your prompt for context. Knak AI only pulls the text from that page. Images on the page are not added to your email.
To use an image from that page, copy its direct image link. Add it to your prompt using the steps above.
Use an Image as a Layout Reference
Upload an image or PDF of an email design. Knak AI uses it as a visual guide to build your email's structure. Use a screenshot of a past email or a design mockup.
Enter your prompt and add any supporting content.
Click the arrow button.
Select a campaign.
Choose your Brand Voice, Color Kit, and Font Kit. These are optional.
Select Use a File as a Template when you choose how to build your email.
Upload your image or PDF.
Click Generate.
Note: You can only choose one build method. You can use a theme, select modules, or use a file as a template.
Get Better Results From Screenshots
A screenshot shows Knak AI the general look you want. Knak AI may still interpret some details differently. For more accurate results:
Add layout instructions to your prompt, like "Two-column product section below the hero image."
Upload the images you want in the email.
Write a more detailed prompt.
Use a theme instead if you need an exact brand layout.
Use a Screenshot for Restricted Pages
Some web pages block Knak AI. This includes pages behind a login, a paywall, or website security settings. When Knak AI cannot open a page, placeholder text and images in your theme may stay unchanged.
Attach a screenshot or PDF of the page instead. Mention it in your prompt.
Example prompt:
"Generate an email using the attached screenshot. Use the content to replace the placeholder copy in the selected brand theme."
Best Practices for Images
Name files clearly. Use names like Hero Image or Product A. Knak AI uses file names to decide where images go.
Point to each image in your prompt. Say which image goes where. For example, "Put Product A in the first product block."
Use approved images only. Knak AI uses the images you give it.
Use public, direct links. Images behind a login or on a private page will not load.
Keep files small. Compress large files so each one is 5 MB or smaller.
Use one brief and one layout reference. Too many reference files can lower accuracy.
Review and Replace Images After Generation
Your generated email is fully editable. Check every image before you send or publish your email.
Open your generated email in the builder.
Check that each image is in the right place.
Click any image you want to change.
Replace the image using one of these options:Supported image file types:
Browse your image library: Click Browse. Select an image from your Knak Image Library, or upload a new one.
Use a public image link: Paste a direct, public image link into the Image URL field.
Add alternative text (alt text) to each image. Alt text describes an image for people who use screen readers or cannot load images. Use AI Alt Text Suggestions to help. See AI Agents: Getting Started.
Theme Images
When you generate with a brand theme, keep these points in mind:
Placeholder images are replaced only when Knak AI can access your source content.
Hidden or locked images stay unchanged.
Locked content follows the theme's original settings.
Known Limitations
Feature | Limitation |
Image generation | Not supported. Knak AI cannot create new images. |
Image uploads | Upload one image at a time. |
File types | .svg and .gif files cannot be uploaded. Use a direct image link for GIFs. |
Attachments | Maximum of 20 files. Maximum file size is 5 MB per file. |
.docx files | Images inside .docx files are not used. Use a PDF instead. |
Web page URLs | Only text is pulled from a web page. Images must use a direct image link. |
Private links | Images behind a login or on a private page do not load. |
Need more help? Contact support via live chat within Knak using the chat bubble in the bottom right corner or email support@knak.com.