> This page is part of the [Customer.io documentation](https://docs.customer.io). For the complete index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.customer.io/llms.txt).
> Last updated: July 10, 2026

# Send a test message

[BetaThis feature is new and we're actively working on it.](/accounts/settings/beta-experimental-features/#beta-features)

To make sure your message looks right before sending it to your customers, send a test message to your inbox.

You can send a test message before or after connecting a Design Studio message to an automation.

1.  Open the message in Design Studio or the connected automation.
2.  Click **Send test**.
3.  Add up to 25 email addresses or choose an [email group](#send-to-an-email-group). Your email address is added by default.
4.  Click **Send**.

**Prevent threading** adds a unique subject line so your inbox won’t group test emails together. If you don’t want this, uncheck the box.

If the message includes redacted data (that is, an admin has [hidden sensitive attribute values](/accounts/settings/team/intro-account-access/#hide-sensitive-attributes) from you), then test sends will not show the values for those sensitive attributes.

## Send to an email group

If you regularly send test emails to the same group of people, you can create an **Email Group** to expedite sending. Email groups are available across any Design Studio message.

1.  Click **Send test**.
2.  Click **Create a new Group**.
3.  Enter up to 25 email addresses.
4.  Name the group so you can easily find it for future sends.
5.  Click **Save**.
6.  Click the email group name to add it to your recipients.

### Edit an email group

Within the *Send test* menu, hover over the group name and click the pencil icon. You can rename the group and change the email addresses. Click **Save**.

### Delete an email group

Within the *Send test* menu, hover over the group name and click the icon. Confirm your action to permanently remove the group from Design Studio.

*   *   [Send to an email group](#send-to-an-email-group)
        *   [Edit an email group](#edit-an-email-group)
        *   [Delete an email group](#delete-an-email-group)

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