Stripo’s old vs. new plugin: a detailed comparison to help you choose

Stripo’s plugin version 2 is a significant upgrade designed to improve efficiency, collaboration, and flexibility in email editing. While the core functionality remains the same, the new version introduces real-time multi-user editing, instant mobile and desktop toggling, built-in email storage, and an expanded API to enhance workflow.

To avoid duplicating information already available in our documentation and plugin reference, where you’ll find detailed integration steps and technical setup guides. Instead, we focus on the features of version 2 and upcoming improvements.

If you're already using the first version and considering an upgrade — or just want to make the most of the new capabilities — this may help you navigate the key changes and expectations for the future.

Key improvements in plugin v2

Plugin version 2 builds on the foundation of the first version while introducing several important enhancements that streamline the email editing process.

But first things first, you might be asking where to find the plugin in the Stripo editor. To start using the plugin, you’ll need to access it from your Stripo account settings. Here’s how to find it and set it up:

1. Go to "Settings" in your Stripo account.
2. Select "Plugin" from the left-hand menu.
3. Click "Create Application" and fill in all the necessary fields.
4. Once created, you’ll find a "Quick Start" section that provides everything you need, including:
   • a pre-configured code sample for easy integration;
   • your plugin ID and Secret Key, which are required for setup;
   • step-by-step instructions to help you get started.

Mobile and desktop editing

In plugin v1, switching between mobile and desktop views was a multi-step process. Users had to adjust mobile-specific settings in the Appearance → Mobile Formatting section, manually configure padding and alignment for mobile devices, and then preview the changes separately. This made mobile optimization time-consuming and less intuitive.

With plugin v2, mobile and desktop editing are now seamlessly integrated into the main interface. Users can switch between views instantly with a dedicated toggle button, allowing for real-time mobile adjustments directly in the editor. This means:

• faster mobile optimization: No need to navigate separate panels;
• more accurate previews: See how emails will look on different devices as you edit;
• easier alignment control: Adjust elements without switching between menus.

This feature significantly improves workflow, reducing the time spent testing and fine-tuning email designs for different screen sizes. The preview feature remains available, but it’s no longer necessary for most adjustments, as the real-time toggle provides immediate feedback on layout changes.

Plugin v2 makes designing responsive emails much more efficient and intuitive by removing unnecessary steps and bringing mobile and desktop editing into one place.

Real-time collaboration and multi-user editing

One of the biggest advancements in plugin v2 is the introduction of real-time collaboration. In the previous version, only one user at a time could work on an email, meaning teams had to take turns editing or rely on external coordination. This often led to inefficiencies, version conflicts, and delays in the email creation process.

With v2, multiple users can now edit the same email simultaneously. Changes are reflected in real-time, and each user’s cursor is visible within the editor, making it easy to see who is working on what.

Here’s what makes this feature essential for teams:

• live collaboration: No more waiting for others to finish editing before making changes;
• real-time cursors: Instantly see who is making updates, reducing the risk of accidental overwrites;
• version history tracking: Access a detailed record of changes, making it easy to revert to previous versions if needed.

This feature is especially useful for teams working on complex email campaigns that require input from designers, marketers, and developers. Instead of sharing files back and forth or manually merging changes, everything happens within the Stripo editor in real-time.

Email storage on Stripo’s servers

In plugin v1, email storage was entirely the user's responsibility. Developers integrating the plugin had to set up and manage their own database to store emails, which added complexity to the setup process. This approach also meant that features like real-time collaboration and auto-save depended on external infrastructure, making implementation more challenging.

With plugin v2, Stripo now handles email storage on its own servers, eliminating the need for users to manage their own storage. This change brings several key benefits:

• simplified integration: No need to build and maintain a separate database for storing emails;
• seamless auto-save: Emails are automatically saved without requiring additional configuration;
• optimized for real-time collaboration: Since emails are stored on Stripo’s side, multiple users can edit them simultaneously without conflicts.

This update reduces developers' technical workload and allows users to focus on building and designing emails rather than worrying about storage and data management.

Built-in auto-save for seamless editing

One of the most practical enhancements in plugin v2 is the built-in auto-save feature. In the previous version, developers had to manually implement an auto-save mechanism within their own infrastructure. This often required additional backend setup and custom logic to ensure that emails were saved properly.

Now, with plugin v2, auto-save is a native feature that can be activated with a simple toggle in the settings. This ensures that every change made in the editor is automatically saved without requiring any extra development effort.

Key benefits of built-in auto-save:

• no manual configuration needed: The feature works right out of the box;
• zero data loss: Every edit is instantly saved, preventing accidental loss of work;
• improved workflow: Users can focus on editing emails without worrying about saving progress.

This change reduces development overhead and enhances the user experience by making the editing process smoother and more reliable. With auto-save enabled, users can edit emails with confidence, knowing that their work is always backed up and retrievable at any time.

Expanded API and webhook functionality

With plugin v2, Stripo has significantly improved its API capabilities and introduced new webhook functionality, making integration more flexible and automated. These updates allow developers to better control, customize, and automate workflows within their applications.

Webhooks for real-time email updates

Another addition in version 2 is webhook notifications. Now, developers can receive real-time updates whenever an email is modified, ensuring smooth synchronization between Stripo and external systems.

• instant change detection: Webhooks notify external applications when an email is updated;
• better automation: Developers can trigger actions (e.g., saving drafts, notifying users) based on email modifications;
• improved data consistency: Sync changes across platforms without manual intervention.

Enhanced API for customization and automation

Stripo’s API has been expanded to provide more control over email creation, editing, and management.

• retrieve HTML & CSS dynamically: Developers can pull email content for external use;
• advanced template management: Allows for better customization and reuse of email structures;
• more detailed API documentation: Easier implementation with clear examples and references.

With these improvements, plugin v2 is more developer-friendly, making it easier to integrate Stripo’s editor into existing platforms while reducing manual tasks through automation.

Upcoming features and enhancements in plugin v2

While plugin v2 already brings major improvements, some features have yet to be fully documented or implemented. Stripo is continuously enhancing the plugin to meet user needs and improve collaboration, customization, and efficiency. 

Inline commenting (coming soon!)

One of the most requested features — inline commenting — will be introduced in a future update. This addition will allow teams to leave feedback directly within the email editor, making collaboration even more seamless.

Currently, users can work together on the same email in real-time, but communication still happens outside the editor, requiring external tools like email, chat, or project management apps. With inline commenting, team members will be able to:

• add comments directly to email elements for precise feedback;
• tag team members to assign tasks or request changes;
• review and resolve comments without leaving the editor.

This feature will streamline collaboration, especially for marketing teams, designers, and developers working together on email campaigns. Stripo plans to roll this out soon, making plugin v2 an even more powerful tool for team-based email creation.

User roles and subscription adjustments

Stripo is working on improving user role management and subscription flexibility to better accommodate teams and developers. Currently, plugin v2 offers multi-user collaboration, but there are still limitations regarding access control and subscription management. Many users have asked for more flexible role assignments and additional developer seats, especially for larger teams.

What’s changing?

• enhanced role management: Future updates will introduce customizable user roles with different permission levels. This will allow organizations to control who can edit, comment, or manage email templates;
• multi-user subscriptions: Right now, most plans support only one active user per account. Stripo is planning to expand subscription options to allow businesses to add multiple developers, designers, or marketing specialists under one account;
• developer-friendly access: More technical users will be able to access plugin v2 without needing full account privileges, making integration and testing more efficient.

These improvements will provide better team collaboration and more control over access permissions, making plugin v2 more scalable for businesses of all sizes. We will share more details once these updates are ready to roll out.

Custom block and template management

One of the most requested improvements for plugin v2 is better support for saving and reusing custom templates and blocks. While users can already create and edit emails, many want an easier way to store, manage, and reuse their own templates within the plugin.

What’s changing?

• improved template saving: Future updates will allow users to save email templates directly in their accounts, making it easier to reuse them across different campaigns;
• custom block management: Users will be able to store frequently used blocks (such as headers, footers, and call-to-action sections) and quickly insert them into new emails;
• simplified integration: Stripo is working on a more intuitive way to manage saved templates and blocks within plugin v2, making it easier for teams to maintain brand consistency.

These updates will give users more flexibility and control over their email designs, reducing the need to recreate templates from scratch and improving workflow efficiency. 

UTM tracking and Google email annotations

Stripo has introduced built-in UTM tracking and Google Email Annotations in plugin v 2, making it easier for marketers to optimize their emails without extra manual setup. These features were either unavailable or required additional configuration in plugin v1, but now they are integrated directly into the editor for a smoother experience.

UTM tracking — now built-in

Previously, users had to manually add UTM parameters to track email performance in analytics tools like Google Analytics. With plugin v2, UTM tracking is now a standard feature.

What’s changing?

• no manual coding is needed: UTM parameters can be added directly to the email settings;
• better campaign tracking: Monitor email performance, clicks, and conversions effortlessly;
• faster workflow: Automate UTM tagging instead of manually adding parameters.

This update saves time and improves reporting accuracy, making it easier for marketers to track email effectiveness.

Google email annotations — simplified setup

Google Email Annotations allow marketers to enhance how emails appear in Gmail’s Promotions tab, displaying additional details like deals, discounts, or expiration dates.

What’s changing?

• now available as a built-in feature: No need for external tools or manual JSON coding.
• easier customization: Add annotations directly from the editor settings.
• more engaging emails: Improve email visibility and interaction in Gmail.

By integrating UTM tracking and Google Email Annotations directly into plugin v2, Stripo makes it easier for businesses to track performance and enhance email presentation without any extra effort.

Frequently asked questions and common issues

As more users adopt plugin v2, certain questions and challenges come up frequently. To help streamline the transition and improve the user experience, we’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries.

How to lock certain elements? (coming soon)

Many users want to restrict modifications to specific email elements, such as company footers, legal disclaimers, or brand logos. While plugin v2 does not have a built-in "lock" feature, you can prevent edits by applying dev markup classes.

Note: Even with this method, users can still edit elements through the code editor, so it’s important to reinforce restrictions through backend validation if necessary.

When will plugin v1 be discontinued?

Stripo still supports plugin version 1, but migration to version 2 is strongly recommended. While there is no immediate discontinuation date, users should transition as soon as possible to take advantage of new features and ongoing updates.

Note: If you're still using Plugin v1, check out our migration guide to ensure a smooth transition to version 2.

Are custom blocks created for plugin v1 compatible with v2?

No, custom blocks created through extensions for plugin version 1 will not work in plugin version 2. This is because the new plugin uses a different architecture and implementation logic.

To continue using custom blocks, they will need to be rewritten from scratch to align with plugin version 2’s structure. Stripo will soon publish detailed documentation on how to create custom blocks for the new plugin.

Are emails created in the old plugin compatible with plugin v2?

Yes, emails created in plugin version 1 are fully compatible with plugin version 2. Users can open, edit, and modify emails designed in the old plugin without any issues.

These are some of the most common concerns users have while working with plugin v2. If you have additional questions, Stripo’s documentation and support team are always available to help.

Wrapping up

Plugin v2 is a significant upgrade that enhances email editing, collaboration, and automation, making it more efficient for both developers and marketers. With new features like real-time multi-user editing, instant mobile-desktop toggling, built-in email storage, auto-save, and expanded API capabilities, it provides a smoother and more flexible workflow for teams of all sizes.

For those still using plugin v1, now is the best time to migrate to the latest version to take advantage of these improvements. Stripo continues to refine and expand plugin v2, with upcoming features like inline commenting and improved user role management to make email collaboration even more powerful.

Key takeaways:

• real-time collaboration: Multiple users can now edit emails simultaneously;
• instant mobile and desktop toggling: Seamlessly switch views while editing;
• Stripo-managed email storage: No need for external databases;
• built-in auto-save: Ensures no work is lost;
• expanded API and webhooks: Automate email workflows effortlessly;
• upcoming enhancements: Features like inline commenting and user role management are on the way.

If you haven’t upgraded yet, now is the time. Check out our documentation for full details on integrating plugins, and if you have any questions, our support team is ready to assist you.