Stationery for electronic messaging

Stationery templates for electronic messages are provided in an electronic messaging system. For one embodiment, a user can select from a list of categories and within each category is a set of one or more stationery templates from which a user can choose. The user may edit the stationery template. The user can also create custom stationery and share it with other users. Upon selection or creation of a stationery template, the user is presented with a formatted electronic message and can add, remove, or edit text content or replace media content. Alternatively, a stationery template can be changed or added to the electronic message after the user has begun composing and editing the text content. The content and format of the text and media components are carried over into the new template. When the message is sent, it is saved and transmitted in a format such that it can be rendered to look the same at the receiving machine.