How to use Draftship with Kit (formerly ConvertKit)
Kit's broadcast and sequence editors include an HTML mode that accepts pasted Draftship exports. Personalization uses Liquid. Here's the path for creator newsletters that need rendering control.
Kit (the platform formerly called ConvertKit) targets creators: newsletter writers, indie course sellers, podcasters. Its philosophy leans plain-text-first because plain text deliverability is better and the tone matches the audience. That said, the HTML mode exists for marketers who need real layout, and it accepts Draftship exports cleanly.
Where Kit accepts pasted HTML
In a broadcast or sequence email, look for the editor toggle in the top right. Switch from Visual to HTML (sometimes called "Source" depending on UI version). Paste your Draftship export.
Liquid personalization
Kit's Liquid implementation is standard. The subscriber object holds field references.
| Draftship | Kit |
|---|---|
{{ first_name }} | {{ subscriber.first_name | default: 'there' }} |
{{ last_name }} | {{ subscriber.last_name | default: '' }} |
{{ email }} | {{ subscriber.email_address }} |
| Custom field | {{ subscriber.fields.custom_field_name }} |
| Unsubscribe link | {{ unsubscribe_url }} |
| Confirmation link | {{ confirmation_url }} (in welcome emails) |
Image hosting
Kit doesn't have a built-in CDN. External image URLs are the norm. Use a host like Imgur, your own CDN, or a service like Cloudflare Images. Hardcode the absolute URL in your Draftship Image block before export.
Conditional content with Liquid
Kit's HTML mode supports full Liquid, including {% if %} and {% for %}. For tag-based segmentation:
liquid{% if subscriber.tags contains "pro" %} <p>Pro members: your bonus perk.</p> {% else %} <p>Upgrade to Pro for the bonus.</p> {% endif %}
This survives the HTML mode without rewrapping.
Test send checklist
- Use Send a Test Email to your own address.
- Run the rendered output through the size checker.
- Confirm Liquid conditionals resolved against your tags.
- Click links to verify Kit's tracking wrap.
When to use Kit's visual mode instead
For 90% of creator newsletters, plain text in the visual mode is the right call: better deliverability, faster to write, more aligned with audience expectations. Keep Draftship plus HTML mode for product launches, sales pages, and one-off branded sends.
For deliverability fundamentals, see SPF, DKIM, and DMARC explained.