Simplenews

Send newsletters to subscribers, with opt-in/out controls and per-newsletter categories. Supports HTML mail via the Mimemail module.

Requirements

• Cron is recommended for any list of real size.
• HTML email and attachments require Mimemail.
• Set $base_url correctly when sending from cron so links render properly.

Installation

• UI: Add the module via the Backdrop module installer.
• CLI: bee dl simplenews && bee en simplenews

Configuration

• Settings: Configuration → Web services → Newsletter → Settings (/admin/config/services/simplenews/settings).
• Newsletters: Configuration → Web services → Newsletter (/admin/config/services/simplenews).
• Content types: Any type can be marked “Use as Simplenews newsletter” under Publishing settings; a Simplenews newsletter type is provided by default.
• Blocks: Place subscription blocks via Structure → Layouts → Add block → “Newsletter: …”.

Sending

• Use cron for medium/large lists; set “Use cron to send newsletters” and choose a throttle.
• Without cron, sends happen on save; any remaining messages still rely on cron to finish. Cron is strongly recommended.

Subscriptions

• Default unsubscribe flow shows a confirmation page; destination can be changed per newsletter category.
• Opt-in/out modes per newsletter: double (default), single, or hidden (admin-only/forced). Be mindful of legal and CSRF risks with single/hidden modes.
• Public subscription page: /newsletter/subscriptions.

Tips

• Elysia Cron can schedule Simplenews more frequently: https://backdropcms.org/project/elysia_cron
• Maillog captures outgoing mail for debugging: https://backdropcms.org/project/maillog
• Mailsystem provides mail-system configuration UI/API: https://backdropcms.org/project/mailsystem

Credits

Simplenews is based on the Drupal module by many contributors including Berdir, miro_dietiker, Simon Georges, Sutharsan, and AlexisWilke. Ported to Backdrop by AltaGrade (https://www.altagrade.com); current maintainer: Alan Mels.