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

# Send governed emails automatically with MailChannels + Zapier

> Connect MailChannels to Zapier so trusted app events can trigger governed, domain-authorized email sends.

The MailChannels Zapier integration lets you send domain-authorized email through the MailChannels Email API whenever a trusted event fires in another app, such as a form submission, new CRM contact, order update, or support workflow. You build the workflow once in Zapier's visual editor, and MailChannels handles governed delivery every time the trigger fires.

<Note>
  The MailChannels app on Zapier is currently in **Beta**. It works reliably, but you may see the Beta label when searching for it in the Zapier app directory.
</Note>

## What you need before you start

* A **MailChannels account** - sign up at [mailchannels.com](https://www.mailchannels.com/pricing/#for_devs).
* A **Zapier account** - free or paid, available at [zapier.com](https://zapier.com).
* A **domain you own** - MailChannels sends email on behalf of your domain and requires a one-time DNS setup described below.

## Setting up the integration

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a MailChannels API key">
    Zapier uses your API key to authenticate with MailChannels on your behalf.

    1. Log in to the [MailChannels Console](https://console.mailchannels.net).
    2. Go to **Account Settings**.
    3. Under **API Keys**, click **Create API Key**.
    4. Give it a description (e.g., `Zapier`) and set the **Scope** to `api`.
    5. Copy the key and store it somewhere safe. You will not be able to view it again.

    While you are in the console, note your **Account ID** shown in the upper-right corner. You may need it during domain setup.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize your sending domain">
    MailChannels uses **Domain Lockdown** to authorize the domain your emails will come from. You configure this once in your domain's DNS settings so your Zapier workflow cannot send from an unmanaged domain.

    Add a TXT record at your domain registrar with the following values:

    | Field     | Value                           |
    | --------- | ------------------------------- |
    | **Host**  | `_mailchannels.<your-domain>`   |
    | **Value** | `v=mc1; auid=<YOUR_ACCOUNT_ID>` |

    DNS changes typically take a few minutes to a few hours to propagate.

    <Note>
      Your domain must also have a valid **SPF record** that includes MailChannels, and at least one **A** or **MX** record. Without these, MailChannels may not deliver mail for that domain.
    </Note>

    <Tip>
      Set up **DKIM** for your domain in the MailChannels Console under **Settings > DKIM**. DKIM signing helps protect sender reputation and reduces the chance your emails land in spam.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect MailChannels to Zapier">
    1. In Zapier, click **+ Create** > **Zaps**.
    2. Give your Zap a name, such as `Send Welcome Email via MailChannels`.
    3. Navigate to the **Action** step and search for **MailChannels**.
    4. Select **MailChannels** from the results.
    5. For **Action Event**, select **Send Email**.
    6. In the **Account** section, click **Sign in**.
    7. Enter your MailChannels API key when prompted, then confirm.

    MailChannels is now connected to your Zapier account. This connection is reusable, so you only need to authenticate once.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure your email fields">
    After authenticating, click **Continue** to reach the email configuration screen. Fill in the following fields:

    | Field                    | Description                                                                                              |
    | ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **From (Email Address)** | The address you are sending from. It must use the domain you authorized in step 2, e.g. `hello@acme.com` |
    | **From (Display Name)**  | *(Optional)* The name recipients see, e.g. `Acme Support`                                                |
    | **To (Email Address)**   | The recipient's email. Click the field to insert a dynamic value from your trigger                       |
    | **To (Display Name)**    | *(Optional)* The recipient's name, also available as a dynamic field                                     |
    | **Subject**              | Your subject line. This supports dynamic values                                                          |
    | **Body (HTML)**          | The email body. This supports HTML and dynamic values for personalization                                |

    <Tip>
      In any field, click inside it to browse and insert data from your trigger step, such as the submitter's name, email address, or order number. This is what makes each email feel personally addressed without extra work.
    </Tip>

    **Example HTML body:**

    ```html theme={null}
    <p>Hi {{first_name}},</p>
    <p>Thanks for signing up! We're excited to have you on board.</p>
    <p>- The Acme Team</p>
    ```

    Once all fields are filled in, click **Continue**, then **Test Step**. Zapier sends a real test email using your sample trigger data. Check the inbox to confirm it arrived.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up your trigger">
    The trigger is the event in another app that starts the automation. Go to the **Trigger** step at the top of your Zap and configure it.

    1. Search for your app and select it.
    2. Choose the event that should start the email, e.g. `New Submission`.
    3. Connect your account and follow the prompts.
    4. Click **Test Trigger** to pull in sample data. This data will be available to personalize your email.

    Common trigger apps and events:

    * **Form submissions** - Typeform, Google Forms, Gravity Forms
    * **New contacts** - HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive
    * **New orders** - Shopify, WooCommerce
    * **Spreadsheet rows** - Google Sheets, Airtable
    * **Scheduled time** - Schedule by Zapier (great for recurring emails)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Publish your Zap">
    Once the test is successful:

    1. Click **Publish** to turn the Zap on.
    2. Your automation is now live. Every time the trigger fires, MailChannels sends the email automatically.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Common use cases

**Welcome email on form signup** - Trigger: new Typeform or Google Forms submission. Action: MailChannels sends a personalized welcome email to the submitter.

**Order confirmation** - Trigger: new order in Shopify or WooCommerce. Action: MailChannels sends a confirmation with the customer's order details.

**CRM follow-up** - Trigger: new contact added in HubSpot or Pipedrive. Action: MailChannels sends a personalized intro email from your sales team.

**Scheduled digest** - Trigger: Schedule by Zapier (e.g., every Monday at 9 am). Action: MailChannels sends a weekly summary to your team or list.

**Internal team alert** - Trigger: new row added to a Google Sheet. Action: MailChannels emails your team with the new row's details.

## Troubleshooting

**I can't find MailChannels in Zapier's app search.**
The integration is currently in Beta. Search for `MailChannels` directly, or use the direct link: [zapier.com/apps/mailchannels/integrations](https://zapier.com/apps/mailchannels/integrations).

**My test email wasn't delivered.**

* Make sure the From address uses the same domain you authorized in step 2.
* Confirm your Domain Lockdown TXT record has propagated.
* Verify your domain has a valid SPF record and at least one A or MX record.

**Email went to spam.**

* Set up DKIM in the MailChannels Console under **Settings > DKIM**.
* Confirm your SPF record is valid.
* Consider adding a DMARC record. See the [MailChannels DMARC guide](https://docs.mailchannels.net/email-api/advanced/dmarc).

**Zapier shows an authentication error.**
Your API key may have been deleted or rotated. Generate a new one in the MailChannels Console, then reconnect in Zapier under **My Apps > MailChannels > Reconnect**.