Email Service with Brevo
Configure transactional email delivery for InstaCRUD using Brevo (formerly Sendinblue).
Production Setup (Brevo)
Step 1: Create Brevo Account
- Go to Brevo
- Sign up for an account
- Complete email verification
Step 2: Generate API Key
- Go to SMTP & API in settings
- Click API Keys
- Click Generate a new API key
- Name it (e.g., "InstaCRUD Production")
- Copy the API key
Step 3: Verify Sender Domain
For better deliverability:
- Go to Senders, Domains & Dedicated IPs
- Add your domain
- Configure DNS records (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- Verify the domain
Step 4: Configure InstaCRUD
# Backend .env
EMAIL_ENABLED=true
EMAIL_CARRIER=brevo
BREVO_API_KEY=xkeysib-your-api-key-here
EMAIL_FROM_NAME=Your App Name
Configuration Reference
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
EMAIL_ENABLED | Enable/disable email sending | false |
EMAIL_CARRIER | file or brevo | file |
EMAIL_DUMP_PATH | Directory for file carrier | OS temp dir |
BREVO_API_KEY | Brevo API key | — |
EMAIL_FROM_ADDRESS | Sender email address | [email protected] |
EMAIL_FROM_NAME | Sender display name | InstaCRUD |
Testing Email Delivery
Send Test Email
Use the Brevo dashboard to send a test email:
- Go to Transactional > Email
- Click Send a test
- Enter recipient and verify delivery
Check Email Logs
View sent emails in Brevo:
- Go to Transactional > Logs
- Filter by date or email address
- Check delivery status
Troubleshooting
Emails Not Sending
- Verify
EMAIL_ENABLED=true - Check
EMAIL_CARRIER=brevo - Confirm API key is correct
- Check Brevo logs for errors
Emails Going to Spam
- Verify sender domain with SPF/DKIM/DMARC
- Use a professional from address (not gmail/outlook)
- Avoid spam trigger words in content
- Build sender reputation gradually
"Invalid API Key" Error
- Regenerate API key in Brevo
- Ensure no whitespace in
.env - Restart backend after changes
Rate Limits
Brevo free tier limits:
- 300 emails/day
- Upgrade for higher limits
Alternative: SMTP Configuration
If you prefer SMTP over API, you can modify the mailer to use SMTP settings. Brevo provides SMTP credentials in the dashboard under SMTP & API.
Security Best Practices
- Secure API keys — Use environment variables, never commit to code
- Verify domains — Complete SPF/DKIM setup
- Monitor bounces — High bounce rates hurt deliverability
- Use dedicated IPs — For high-volume sending (paid feature)
Summary
Email configuration requires:
- Brevo account with verified domain
- API key from Brevo dashboard
- Environment variables in InstaCRUD
- DNS records for email authentication (SPF, DKIM)