---
title: "How to create and publish a post"
updated: 2025-09-30
---

# How to create and publish a post

For those new to beehiiv, we’ve created this helpful resource guide on using the Post Builder to create and publish a post (your newsletter) from start to finish.

The post creation flow is organized into 5 tabs: [Compose](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/31326914767639), [Audience](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/13064033042199-options-on-the-audience-page-of-the-post-flow), [Email](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/30466984678679-options-on-the-email-page-of-the-post-flow), [Web](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/14493017506583-options-on-the-web-page-of-the-post-flow), and [Review](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/31813557023255) at the top of the Post Builder. The post flow is designed to guide you step-by-step through crafting and publishing a post, using the ‘Next’ button to move between pages. If you prefer to navigate out of order, you can use the 5 tabs to jump directly to any stage in the process of creating your post.

Simply click the topics below to access the content. 

---

## Getting Started 

**Accessing the Post Builder**

Upon logging in to beehiiv, you’ll be brought to your account dashboard where there are a few easy ways to start creating a post. To quickly open a blank draft in the Post Builder, you can just type [beehiiv.new](https://beehiiv.new/?utm_source=product.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=precision-popups) into an open browser tab.  
  
Or, from the left panel in your account, you can:

-   Click **Start Writing** to access your Post template library. After selecting a template the Post Builder will open on the Compose page.  
      
    ![Start Writing.png](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977365727767)
-   Click **Posts** to view all of your previous posts and drafts.  
      
    ![Posts from dashboard.png](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977365728279)
-   From your Posts page, click on **Start writing** in the upper right corner to open a new blank post draft immediately. Or, click the arrow next to **Start writing** to select from opening a **Blank draft** or **Use template** to be brought to your Post template library where you can select one of your previously saved templates.   
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977420667031)

[Refer to this article for more details on creating and using newsletter templates.](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/30974963947031) Once you select a blank draft or choose a template, the Post Builder will open on the Compose page.

**Drafting content in the Post Builder**

In the Post Builder, you’ll see 5 tabs at the top that link to these pages in the post flow: **Compose,** [**Audience**](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/13064033042199)**,** [**Email**](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/30466984678679-options-on-the-email-page-of-the-post-flow)**,** [**Web**](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14493017506583), and **Review**. Follow the steps below to create, configure, and publish your post.

## Compose Page

**Post Builder**

The Post Builder opens on the Compose page, where you'll use the post editor to create your content. On the right, the **Write** and **Style** tabs let you format and customize your post. By default, you'll start on the Write tab while drafting.  
  
![New Post Blank Draft.png](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977420667415)  
On the Write tab in the post editor, you can:

-   Give your post a title.
-   Include a subtitle.
-   [Add a post thumbnail](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413248838423).
-   [Add content tags](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/13080828738199).
-   [Add authors](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14492992641303).
-   View and place your available [ad opportunities from the Ad Network](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/18052198551703), when enabled.
-   Create your post content using the Write tab.
-   Customize your post using the Style tab.
-   Access the beehiiv Knowledge Base (where you’re at now).
-   Save your post as a template.
-   Access and revert to the post’s version history.
-   [Add comments to the post.](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/24822801559191-how-to-enable-comments-for-a-post)
-   [Set up backlinks for the post.](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/29431626912151-adding-internal-backlinks-to-your-beehiiv-posts)
-   Search the post copy and replace text if needed.

**Adding a thumbnail**

To add a thumbnail for your post, click **Add Thumbnail** and select **Upload an Image** or **Use from library.**  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768734871)

[Refer to this article for more detailed instructions about uploading a thumbnail for your publication](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/12258677912983). 

Once your thumbnail is uploaded, you'll notice a **Visibility eye** **icon** in the upper-right corner. Click this icon to toggle the **Show at top of web post** option on or off. You can replace or delete the thumbnail anytime.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737317911)

**Adding content tags**

Content tags help categorize your post and make it easier for readers to filter posts by topic on your website. [Refer to this article for more detailed instructions to create or assign content tags.](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/13080828738199)  
  
To add content tags to your post, click **Add Content Tags** above the post title and select from existing tags or create new ones.

![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737319063)
> **Pro Tip**
>
> While adding [content tags](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/13080828738199) is optional, they’re a great tool for organizing your posts by format or topic.

**Assigning Authors**

Your name will automatically appear as the author of your post. You can click the **X** next to your name to remove it. Click the **\+ plus sign** to access the **Visibility** settings, add an author or guest author, and manage your authors page.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977420668055)

If you remove all authors from the post, an **Add authors** option will appear at the top, allowing you to add them back at any time. [Refer to this article for more detailed instructions on adding authors to your posts.](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14492992641303)

**Adding a post title and subtitle**

By default, the post title and subtitle will appear at the top of your email post and serve as your email’s subject line and preview text.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768744215)  
To hide the title and/or subtitle from showing in your email, you’ll need to access the **Visibility** settings. To do so, click the **eye icon** next to the title or subtitle, select **Visibility**, and toggle off **Show in email**.  
  
Keep in mind there is a separate toggle for both the title and subtitle, and by default, they are both set to show in the email.  
  
![Title Visibilty Settings.png](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977365732759)

**Creating your newsletter content**

To begin writing your post, click in the designated text area where it says **Click here to start writing**.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768747287)  
Or, type the forward slash key ("/") to access the post editor where you’ll find several options including images, buttons, code blocks, content breaks, and more to add to your post. The post editor options are organized into 5 sections: Basics, Headings, Embeds, Dynamic Tags, and Premium (available based on your plan).   
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737330711)

> **Pro Tip**
>
> If your draft or template shows extra whitespace around elements, be sure to [preview your post or send a test email](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/4413249011607-previewing-and-sending-test-emails-of-your-post) before you publish. Preview reduces the draft’s padding and shows an accurate layout on mobile and desktop, so you can see exactly how your content will appear.

**Using the text toolbar**

Once text has been added, a toolbar will appear, providing styling options such as bold, italic, underline, and others.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737331735)

Here are some of that various formatting options accessible in the toolbar:

-   Create bullet lists, block quotes, or code blocks.
-   Change the font size, color, and family.
-   [Use beehiiv’s AI editing features](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/15882638374551) to improve your writing, translate text, or fix grammar.

**Growth features in the post editor**

![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768751895)  
  
If you're on a paid plan, you’ll have access to our Premium blocks in the post editor:

-   [Advertisements](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/17525818225431)
-   [AI Image and AI Writer](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/15882638374551-using-ai-features-in-the-beehiiv-post-editor)
-   [Referral Program](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/13090888705943)
-   [Paywall Break](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/9363839870743)
-   [Poll](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/13063183261335)
-   [HTML Snippet](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/4413248700439)
-   [Recommendation](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/13091498232855)
-   [Boosts](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14492963616279)
-   [RSS](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/9363537272215-how-to-enable-and-use-rss)

**Additional features and shortcuts**

**AI Writer**: Access the beehiiv AI tools to improve your writing, translate text, fix spelling and grammar, and more. [Explore the AI tools available on beehiiv by reading this article.](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/15882638374551)  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768752407)

## Shortcuts in the post editor

The beehiiv post editor offers a slew of easy shortcuts to speed up your workflow.  
  
![beehiiv editor cheat sheet.png](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/27331815662743)

**Toolbar Shortcuts**  
 

| Shortcut      | Command                                                                              |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Bold          | To quickly apply or remove bold from your text, type: Command/Control + B            |
| Italicize     | To quickly apply or remove italics from your text, type: Command/Control + I         |
| Underline     | To quickly apply or remove underline from your text: type Command/Control + U        |
| Strikethrough | If you need to add strikethrough to your text, type: Command/Control + Shift + X     |
| Highlight     | Need to highlight your text? Type: Command/Control + Shift + H                       |
| Superscript   | To see your text in superscript formatting, type: Command/Control +                  |
| Subscript     | To see your text in subscript formatting, type: Command/Control +                    |
| Markdown      | Using markdown will also work, like typing your text in * for italics or ** for bold |
| Align Right   | To align your text to the right, type Command/Control + Shift + R                    |
| Align Left    | To center align your text, type Command/Control + Shift + E                          |
| Align Justify | To justify align your text, type Command/Control + Shift + J                         |

  
**Text Visualization Shortcuts**  
 

| Shortcut      | Command                                                                                                                                                              |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Blockquote    | Need to quote someone? Use Command/Control + Shift + B to see their quote pulled out from the text as a blockquote.                                                  |
| Codeblock     | Have some code to share? Use Cmd/Ctrl + Opt/Alt + C then select which kind of code it is to display a line or chunk of code. Note: This does not transform the code. |
| Heading       | Switch between heading levels by typing Command/Control + Opt/Alt + <number> with the number indicating heading size for the text (H1, H2)                           |
| Numbered List | Easily create an ordered, numbered list by typing Command/Control + Shift + 7                                                                                        |
| Bullet List   | Create a bulleted list by typing Command/Control + Shift + 8                                                                                                         |

**General Shortcuts**  
 

| Shortcut                 | Command                                                                                                                                        |
| ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Open menu                | Open the beehiiv editor by typing /                                                                                                            |
| Adding Emojis            | Type a colon (:) followed by the emoji name                                                                                                    |
| Search and replace       | Use Command/Control + F to search and replace words or phrases in your post. You can replace one instance or all instances of a specific word. |
| Undo                     | Make a mistake? No problem. Use Command/Control + Z to undo your last action.                                                                  |
| Redo                     | If you used Undo and didn’t mean to, you can always fix it by typing Command/Control + Shift + Z to redo what you just undid.                  |
| Copy                     | Easily copy your work by typing Command/Control + C                                                                                            |
| Paste                    | Use Command/Control + V to paste with formatting                                                                                               |
| Paste without formatting | Remove all formatting and paste by typing Command/Control + Shift + V                                                                          |

**Shortcuts Native to beehiiv**

| Shortcut                            | Command                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Select Parent                       | To highlight and select the individual node you’re working in, type: Command/Control + A (1x)If you want to highlight and select the entire section you are working in, type: Command/Control + A (2x)If you wish to select the entire newsletter you have written, type: Command/Control + A (3x) |
| Insert new Footnote with marker     | Insert a new footnote with a market by typing ^^                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| Insert marker for existing footnote | If you wish to add a marker to an existing footnote, type: ^<footnoteNumber>                                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| Insert content break                | To insert a content break into your newsletter post, type - + - + -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| Insert line break                   | Use Shift + Enter or Command/Control + Enter to insert a line break                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
| Insert backlinks                    | To insert backlinks, type [ + [                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |

**Working with sections**

[Adding borders and working with sections](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14998973584407) are options in the post editor that allow you to group one or more components together. To create a section, type **/section** and select it from the post editor menu, or highlight multiple components and group them into a section.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737333271)

By clicking on the **6 dots menu** to the left of a section, you can:

-   **Group to section**, by selecting other sections that you’d like to add.
-   Add a **Comment** for your teammates.
-   Customize the **Visual settings** by adjusting the spacing, background color, text color, border styles, and more.
-   Set the **Visibility** of the section. Choose whether the section appears on your website, in email, or both. This is especially useful for free and paid newsletters, allowing you to control which content is visible to each audience.
-   Set an **Anchor** in the post.
-   As well as **Reset text formatting, Duplicate, Copy to clipboard,** and **Delete**. 

  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977420669079)

**Working with sections**

As well as **Reset text formatting, Duplicate, Copy to clipboard,** and **Delete**.

**Style tab options**

On the right side of the post editor, you'll find the **Write** and **Style** tabs. By default, you'll start on the Write tab when drafting your post. Switch to the **Style** tab to customize your post’s appearance, from **Basic** elements to **Advanced** settings that give you precise control over every aspect of your post. Changes are automatically saved.

  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30978941433751)  
**Basic** setting options include:

-   **Colors:** Set different colors for the outside background, post background, text on background, primary, text on primary, secondary, and links.
-   **Typography:** Adjust the heading and paragraph text, plus the font family and font weight for each.
-   **Spacing:** Adjust the margins and padding for the post in pixels.
-   **Borders:** Set the corner radius and border thickness.  
     

![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30978900160919)

**Advanced** setting options include:

-   **Background:** Adjust the background color for the canvas, post, and post border. Or control the margins, padding, corner radius, and border thickness.
-   **Body:** Control the look of the paragraph text, 6 header options (H1-H6), and spacing. For the fonts, you can also adjust the family, weight, size, line height, and color. 
-   **Widgets:** Granular settings for all aspects of the widgets including: links, images, buttons, breaks, lists, quotes, embeds, and tables.
-   **Email Header:** Set how the email header will look by adjusting the title, subtitle, image, byline, date, padding, and code.
-   **Email Footer:** Control how the email footer will look by adjusting the colors, text, social links, border, margin, and padding. Or select **Custom** to add your own footer content.

**Style tab options**

**Email Footer:** Control how the email footer will look by adjusting the colors, text, social links, border, margin, and padding. Or select **Custom** to add your own footer content.

**Previewing your post**

Before publishing, be sure to preview your post by clicking on **Preview** in the top right corner. Or, click the arrow next to it to access more options.   
  
![Preview Options.png](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977420669719)  
From the **Preview** options you can:

-   Copy a draft link of your post to share with others before publishing.
-   [Send a test email](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/4413249011607-Sending-test-emails-of-your-post) to up to 10 email addresses (if you're on a paid plan).
-   [Simulate the view for specific subscribers by entering their email](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/4413249011607-Sending-test-emails-of-your-post).

Once in Preview mode, you can view how the post will appear on your beehiiv website or in different email clients and see how it will look on both desktop and mobile devices.

**Collaborating with team members**

[beehiiv allows for collaborative editing.](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/22407818962583) You and other team members can edit the same post simultaneously, with real-time updates reflecting each person's changes. You’ll also see the initials of team members currently editing at the top of the editor.

**Comments and version history**

You can [leave **comments** for your team members](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/22407818962583) as well. Simply highlight text or sections and leave comments for team members. Or, tag others by using the "@" symbol to notify them.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768779159)  
[Please read this article to learn more about using comments to collaborate in the post editor.](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/22407818962583)  
  
Access the **Version History** icon located at the top of the post to view previous versions of your post and restore them if needed

  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737352727)

**Saving and using templates**

If you frequently use similar layouts for your posts, you can create templates.

Click the **Template** icon at the top of the post.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768789911)Name the template and click **Save**.

![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737355031)

Saved templates will be available for future posts.  
[Learn more about saving a post as a template by reading this article.](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/30974963947031)

## Audience Page 

**Selecting your audience**

[On the **Audience** page](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/13064033042199-options-on-the-audience-page-of-the-post-flow), you’ll select your **Email** and **Web Audiences**. If you would like to only publish to one audience, simply uncheck the options for the one you don’t wish to include.  
  
![Audience Page.png](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977420670871)  
For each, you can also define which segments of your audience will receive the post. This is where you can include or exclude [specific segments of subscribers](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/9366426644503-creating-and-using-segments-in-beehiiv). The segmentation options allow for greater personalization of your email content, ensuring the right people receive the right message.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768790679)

## Email Page

**Prepping your email**

On the **Email** **page**, you'll set up the email details that will be sent to your subscribers. This is where you can personalize the subject line, preview text, and sender details.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768792343)

**Key Elements**

-   **Subject line**: Craft a compelling subject line to capture the recipient’s attention.
-   **Preview text**: Add text that shows in the inbox preview, giving more context to the subject.
-   **A/B test:** Test out different subject lines for your post. [To learn more about A/B tests, please read this article.](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/9479415454615) 
    
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737357847)
-   **Social, Like, and Comment buttons:** You can add social sharing, like, and comments to a post. [Please refer to this article to learn more about enabling social sharing options for your post.](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/12244849554071)
-   **Custom Read Online URL:**By default, the 'Read Online' link will lead to the web version of your post. You can choose to override this and redirect to a different site instead. Click into the **Advanced Settings** drop down menu to get started.
    
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737359255)

## Web Page

**Posting on your website**

The [**Web page**](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14493017506583) focuses on how your post will appear on your publication website. This section lets you preview and edit the SEO settings, post visibility, and more.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768795159)

**Key Elements**

-   **Post URL:** Customize the slug for your web version before the post is published.
-   **Advanced email capture:** Add a [popup or gated capture for your post](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/12978517314327).
-   **Comments:** Control who can [comment on your post](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/24822801559191).
-   **Audio newsletter:** Toggle this feature on to offer an [audio version of your post](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/25348736350743), a player will be displayed at the top of the web post.
-   **SEO title and meta description**: Customize how your post appears in search engines.
-   **Post Visibility**: Decide whether to hide the post from the feed or feature it by toggling the available options. You can feature up to six posts on your webpage.
    
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768795543)
-   **Custom display date (Eastern Daylight Time):** Click into **Advanced settings** to choose a custom display date for your article. By default, the publish date is displayed, but you can easily override this without impacting the actual publish date.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535768796055)

## Review Page

**Previewing and posting**

The **Review** **page** provides a final overview of all the settings before the post is published. You can review the audience segments, email, and web configurations, ensuring everything is correct before publishing. When ready, click the **Schedule** button to either publish the post immediately or schedule it for a specific date and time.   
  
![Schedule Post.png](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/30977365735959)

**Key Elements**

-   **Review audience and email settings**: Ensure the segments and email content are accurate.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737363095)
-   **Verify your A/B settings:** If you conducted an A/B test, this section lets you confirm the winning subject line and other details.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/26535737364119)
-   **Scheduled post or publish immediately**: Decide when the post should go live.  
     
-   **Post on social**: Users on all plans can post directly to the social media platform of their choice after publishing. Users on Max or Enterprise plans can use the AI Social Helper to generate social media posts optimized for their platform of choice. For more information about the AI Social Helper tool, read [our guide on how to post your newsletter to social](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/32747448031255).  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/32784992577943)
    
    > **Tech Note**
    >
    > When you publish a new post to both Email and Web, any edits made after the campaign is sent will only appear on the Web version. If you have an A/B test scheduled, the Web version cannot be edited until the A/B test period has ended.