> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.runalloy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SMTP

> The SMTP connector connects to an email server and sends emails using SMTP credentials. It supports plain text, HTML, and template-based messages.

## Configuration

1. **Credentials**

   Configure your SMTP credentials either by:

   * Storing them under **Settings → Credentials** for reuse across workflows.
   * Creating them directly within the workflow builder by selecting “Hide this connector from end-users and entering the required details (host, port, user, password).\
     Disable this option if you want end users to provide their own SMTP connection at runtime.

<Info>
  You can use a service like [imitate.email](https://imitate.email) to generate sample SMTP credentials for testing.
</Info>

2. **Email Content**

   Choose one of the following message formats:

   * **Plain text**: Compose text and dynamically insert variables from your workflow.
   * **HTML**: Input custom HTML markup and variables for richer formatting.
   * **Template**: Use Alloy’s built-in template editor to create reusable email layouts.

3. **Preview**

   Click **Preview Email** to generate a sample message using live workflow data before sending.

***

## Usage

Use the SMTP connector to send automated emails as part of a workflow—for example, sending status reports, alerts, or customer notifications. When executed, the connector links to the configured mail server and transmits the message according to the specified content type and credentials.

Always validate credentials and preview emails before deploying workflows to production to avoid delivery or formatting issues.