> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.msgcompanion.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a template

> Write a template, check the preview, submit it to Meta for review, and change or delete it later.

<Note>
  Owners and admins only. You need a connected WhatsApp number before you can submit a template.
</Note>

## Create and submit a template

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start a new template">
    Go to **Templates** and choose **Create new**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up: choose a category and a message type">
    Pick **Marketing**, **Utility** or **Authentication**. Pick the one that honestly describes the message, because Meta reviews the template against it.

    Then pick a message type. **Default** is text, media and buttons. The others are **Template with a form**, **Carousel**, **Limited-time offer**, **Catalogue** and **Multi-product**. These are always marketing templates, apart from a template with a form. Catalogue and Multi-product need your products in a Meta commerce catalogue connected to your WhatsApp Business account.

    Choose **Next**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit: name and language">
    Give the template a **Template name**. Use lowercase letters, numbers and underscores only, such as `piece_ready_for_collection`.

    Choose a **Language**. English (UK) is selected to begin with.

    Choose a **Variable style**: numbered, like `{{1}}`, or named, like `{{first_name}}`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit: write the content">
    * **Header** is optional. A default template can have text, an image, a video, a document or a location. Header text is limited to 60 characters. For an image, video or document, upload a sample file of up to 4 MB for Meta to review.
    * **Body** is the message itself, up to 1,024 characters.
    * **Footer** is optional, up to 60 characters. Marketing templates usually carry an opt-out line here, such as "Reply STOP to opt out".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit: add variables">
    A variable is a gap that is filled in for each customer, such as their name or an order number. Choose **Add variable** to put one in the body, or type it yourself.

    Under **Sample values**, give every variable an example. Meta needs these so the reviewer can read the real message.

    The body cannot start or end with a variable. A text header takes one variable at most, and a footer takes none.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit: add buttons">
    Choose **Add button** and pick a type:

    * **Quick reply** sends a set reply back to you
    * **Visit website** opens a link
    * **Call phone number** starts a call
    * **Call on WhatsApp** starts a WhatsApp call to you
    * **Copy offer code** copies a code
    * **Open a form** opens a [form](/templates/forms) you build in the next step

    A template takes up to 10 buttons, and a button label up to 25 characters. WhatsApp shows the first three and tucks the rest behind "See all options". You can have up to two link buttons, and one each of the phone, WhatsApp call, offer code and form buttons.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the preview">
    The **Template preview** beside the editor shows the message as WhatsApp will show it. It updates as you type.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and submit">
    Choose **Next** to reach **Review**. It lists anything to fix, marked **Fix**, and things worth knowing, marked **Note**. When it says **Passes Meta's checks**, choose **Submit for review**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Choose **Save draft** at any point to keep your work without sending it to Meta. A draft only saves once the errors shown in the editor are fixed.
</Tip>

## How long review takes

Meta usually answers within a few minutes. Some utility templates are approved straight away.

The status on the **Templates** list updates when Meta answers, and owners and admins get an email. If a status seems stuck, choose **Refresh from Meta**.

Once a template is **Approved**, you can send a real copy to your own phone. Select it in the list, choose **Send a test**, and enter your number. It is a real message, so Meta charges for it and it appears in your conversations.

## If Meta rejects a template

The template shows as **Rejected**, with Meta's reason. The usual causes are:

* a variable with no realistic sample
* a variable at the very start or end of the body
* wording that does not match the category. Anything that promotes a product or an offer belongs in marketing, not utility

To try again, select the template and choose **Edit and resubmit**. Change what the reason points to, then choose **Resubmit to Meta**. The name and language cannot change, because Meta fixed them when the template was first submitted. If the header has an image, video or document, upload the sample file again.

A **Paused** template can be rewritten and resubmitted the same way.

## Change an approved template

An approved template is locked, so it never stops being sendable while you work on it. To change one:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Duplicate it">
    Select the template and choose **Duplicate**. A copy opens under a new name, such as `offer_2`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make your changes">
    Edit the copy. A picture or file in the header has to be uploaded again.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit the copy">
    Choose **Submit for review**. When it is approved, use the new template in your workflows and broadcasts.
  </Step>
</Steps>

A template that is **In review** cannot be changed until Meta has answered.

## Delete a template

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the template">
    Go to **Templates** and select the template.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Delete it">
    Choose **Delete template**, type the template's name to confirm, and choose **Delete template** again.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Deleting removes the template from your WhatsApp Business account too, and it cannot be undone. Meta will not let the same name be used again for 30 days.
</Warning>

A template that a workflow or an unsent broadcast uses cannot be deleted. Companion tells you which ones use it. Point them at another template first.

A draft that was never submitted only exists in Companion, so deleting it removes it there and nowhere else.

## Related

* [Templates](/templates/overview)
* [Forms](/templates/forms)
* [Send a broadcast](/broadcasts/send-a-broadcast)
* [What Meta charges](/billing/meta-charges)


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