MailForge vs MJML

MailForge is a browser-based drag-and-drop editor for designing email templates and exporting them as HTML or MJML. Its visual builder uses pre-built blocks and does not require coding. Designs are processed in the browser, and the maker says email content is not sent to a server and projects remain in browser local storage. Once the page loads, the editor can work offline.

Exports include HTML with inline CSS and MJML source, with presets for Mailchimp and Klaviyo merge tag syntax. The maker says standard HTML works with services including Mailchimp, Klaviyo, SendGrid, and ConvertKit. MJML files can be imported and converted into editable blocks; raw HTML paste is listed as a future feature. An AI assistant runs a lightweight model in the browser, while advanced features can optionally use your OpenAI API key. The Free plan costs $0 forever and allows five exports per month and three projects. Pro costs $12/month; Team costs $29/month and includes five seats and collaboration features.

MJML is a markup language for building responsive email layouts. Its engine converts MJML into email HTML made with nested tables and inline CSS, with responsive behavior for popular email clients, including Outlook. Reusable, extensible components provide a starting point, and users can create their own components. MJML is open source under the MIT license and free to use. Its online editor supports writing and rendering MJML, and its free REST API renders markup into responsive HTML. The command-line interface can compile files, watch for changes, and save generated HTML to a chosen file. Local installation is available through npm on macOS, Linux, and Windows; plugins are available for Visual Studio Code and Sublime Text, alongside a desktop app. API accounts receive an Application ID and two API keys, with public and secret keys intended for browser and back-end use. Includes are ignored by default, and enabled include paths are restricted to approved roots. Once the HTML is rendered, users must send it through an email service provider or directly from a shell. The mj-button component is not fully clickable because of email-client support.