# Create a WhatsApp Template

> Every step, field, and limit of the Create template wizard - category, type, name, language, content, buttons, and submitting to Meta.

Source: https://docs.theavoxai.com/templates/create

The **Create template** wizard builds a template in three steps - **Type**, **Name**, and
**Content** - and submits it to Meta for review. A live phone preview on the right updates as you
type. Any Switchboard member (Admin or Manager) can create templates.

> **Tip**
>
> Want the short version? See the [Create a template](https://docs.theavoxai.com/walkthrough/create-template) walkthrough.

## Open the wizard

Go to **Templates** and click **Create template**. The wizard opens at `/templates/new`. The page
header reads "Submitted straight to Meta for review - approval isn't instant."

Across the top of the wizard you'll find:

- **Docs** - opens the [Templates](https://docs.theavoxai.com/templates) docs.
- **Back to Templates** - returns to the Templates page. Your work stays saved as a draft.
- **The step indicator** - **1 Type**, **2 Name**, **3 Content**. Click any step you've already
  reached to jump back to it.
- **The summary bar** (from step 2 on) - the template name, language, category, and type, plus
  a **Start over** link that discards this draft and opens a blank wizard.

The wizard saves your progress as a draft a moment after each change. See
[Drafts](https://docs.theavoxai.com/templates#drafts).

## Step 1: Type

### Browse templates

At the top of step 1, **Browse templates** opens a template browser right inside the page, with
two tabs:

- **Avox library** - Avox's own ready-written templates for order updates, reminders, login
  codes, offers and more, with the most popular ones first. Search, or filter by **Utility**,
  **Marketing** or **Authentication**. **Show all** lists every one, and **Open the full library**
  goes to the [Avox library](https://docs.theavoxai.com/templates/library#avox-library) page.
- **Meta's library** - Meta's own pre-verified Utility templates, which start working instantly
  with no review wait. Search, or filter by the categories Meta gives them. They load when you
  open the tab; **Load more** fetches the next page.

Hovering or tabbing to a template shows it on the phone preview. Click one (or press Enter) to
fill the wizard in: an Avox template opens step 2 with every field filled in and a box reading
"From the Avox library:" with its title and languages; a Meta template opens step 2 ready to name
and start. **Hide templates**, the close button or Escape closes the browser. At your template
limit the templates can't be picked, and the browser shows the limit notice
([AVX-3014](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3014)).

### Select your template category

To write your own, pick one of three categories under **Or write your own**. Hovering a tile
changes the phone preview to an example of that kind of message.

![Create template step 1, Type: the Start from a ready-made template banner with Browse templates, the Marketing, Utility and Authentication tiles, and a phone preview on the right.](https://docs.theavoxai.com/screens/templates/create-type-light.webp)

*Step 1 of the wizard. Start from a ready-made template, or pick a category to write your own.*

| Category | Shown as | Template types offered |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Marketing** | Promotions, offers, and product news. | Custom message, Catalogue |
| **Utility** | Order updates, alerts, and account notices. | Custom message, Calling permission request |
| **Authentication** | One-time passcodes for login or verification. | One-time passcode |

See [Template categories](https://docs.theavoxai.com/whatsapp/template-categories) for how Meta uses categories.

### Pick a template type

After you pick Marketing or Utility, **Pick a template type** appears. Click a type to move to
step 2.

- **Custom message** - "Fully your own header, body, footer, and buttons."
- **Catalogue** (Marketing) - "Links your product catalogue with a fixed "View catalog" button."
- **Calling permission request** (Utility) - "Ask permission before a WhatsApp voice call."

For **Authentication**, a **One-time passcode** card explains that "Meta writes the actual message
copy, you configure how the code gets delivered." Click **Continue** to move to step 2.

Meta's pre-verified templates are in **Browse templates** > **Meta's library** (above), or on the
full [Library](https://docs.theavoxai.com/templates/library) page.

## Step 2: Name

Step 2 is headed **Name your template**.

| Field | Rules |
| --- | --- |
| **Template name** | Required. Lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only, up to 512 characters, for example `order_confirmation`. |
| **Language** | The language Meta reviews the template in: English (US), English (UK), Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), French, Arabic, or Indonesian. Defaults to English (US). |

Click **Next** to continue (it stays disabled until you enter a name), or **Back** to return to
step 1.

> **Note**
>
> A template's name and language can't change after you submit it. To use a different name or
> language, create a new template.

### Unique names

Meta needs each name and language pair to be unique in your WhatsApp Business Account. If one of
this Switchboard's templates already uses the name in the language you picked, the wizard shows
[AVX-3400](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3400) under **Template name** with a button to use the next free name
(for example `order_confirmation_2`). The same name is fine in another language.

### Language of an Avox template

When you started from the Avox library and change the **Language**:

- if the template is also written in the new language, a note says the text is still in the old
  one, with a **Load the** button that swaps in the new language's text;
- if it isn't written in that language, you see [AVX-3401](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3401) with buttons to
  switch back. You can also keep your language and rewrite the text yourself before submitting -
  Meta reviews the text in the language you choose.

Authentication templates work in every language, since Meta writes their text.

## Step 3: Content

What you fill in depends on the type you picked. Every type ends with the same two controls:
**Message validity period (optional)** and **Submit to Meta**.

### Custom message

A fully custom message, available under Marketing and Utility.

**1. Type of variable**

Choose how variables are written in this template. **Number** uses numbered placeholders such
as `{{1}}` and `{{2}}`. **Text (named)** uses names such as `{{customer_name}}`.

**2. Header (optional)**

Choose **None**, **Text**, **Image**, **Video**, or **Document**.

- **Text** - up to 60 characters. Click the `{{1}}` button to insert the header's one variable,
  then type an example value for it in the field that appears.
- **Image**, **Video**, or **Document** - click **Upload sample image** (or video, or
  document) to upload a real sample file. Meta reviews the template against it. Click the
  **x** next to the file name to remove it.

**3. Message body**

Required, up to 1024 characters (a counter shows how many you've used). The toolbar above the
box styles selected text: **Bold** wraps it in `*`, **Italic** in `_`, **Strikethrough** in
`~`, and the `</>` button in three backticks for monospace. **Insert variable** adds the next
numbered variable (or a named one) at the cursor.

**4. Example values**

When the body contains variables, a box titled "Example values - required by Meta for review"
appears with one field per variable, such as "Example for `{{1}}`". Fill in every one.

**5. Footer (optional)**

A small gray line under the message, up to 60 characters.

**6. Buttons (optional)**

Click **Add** to add a button, choose its **Type**, and fill in its fields. See
[Buttons](#buttons) below.

### Calling permission request

Asks a customer for permission to call them on WhatsApp. It has the same **Type of variable**,
**Header**, **Message body**, example values, and **Footer** fields as a custom message. In place
of buttons, Meta adds a fixed calling-permission element that can't be combined with any other
button. To place calls you also need WhatsApp Calling turned on for your number - see
[Calling](https://docs.theavoxai.com/connections/calling).

### Catalogue

Shares your product catalogue. It has a **Message body**, example values for numbered variables,
and an optional **Footer**. It has no header. Meta adds one fixed **View catalog** button, and its
text can't be edited.

### One-time passcode

Authentication templates carry a one-time code. Meta writes the message itself; you choose how the
code reaches your customer.

**1. Code delivery setup**

- **Zero-tap auto-fill** - "Sends the code automatically - easiest for customers."
- **One-tap auto-fill** - "Sends when the customer taps the button."
- **Copy code** - "Customer copies and pastes it into your app."

**2. App setup - up to 5 apps**

For zero-tap and one-tap, click **Add app** and enter your Android app's package name (for
example `com.example.myapplication`, up to 224 characters) and its signature hash (exactly 11
characters). At least one app is required. Copy code doesn't need this.

**3. I accept Meta's zero-tap terms**

Shown for zero-tap only. Switch it on to accept Meta's zero-tap terms.

**4. Content**

**Add security recommendation** (on by default) adds "For your security, do not share this
code." **Add expiry time for the code** (on by default) adds an expiry notice; set **Expires
in** to 1 - 90 minutes (default 10).

### Message validity period

**Message validity period (optional)** sets how long Meta keeps trying to deliver a message sent
with this template. If Meta can't deliver it in that time, the message isn't delivered and you
aren't charged. Choose **Standard (10 minutes)**, **5 minutes**, **10 minutes**, **30 minutes**,
or **1 hour**.

## Buttons

Custom message templates can have up to **10 buttons**. Every button lives in one list; pick each
one's type from the **Type** menu.

| Type (as shown) | Fields | Limit per template |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Custom** | **Button text**, up to 40 characters. The customer's tap comes back to you as a reply. | Up to 10 |
| **Visit website** | **Button text** (up to 40), **URL type** (Static or Dynamic), and **Website URL** (a full URL, up to 2000 characters). | Up to 2 |
| **Call Phone Number** | **Button text** (up to 40), **Country**, and **Phone number**. | 1 |
| **Call on WhatsApp** | **Button text** (up to 40). Needs WhatsApp Calling turned on for this number; once a customer grants permission, it stays active for 7 days. | 1 |
| **Copy offer code** | **Offer code** - a sample code Meta reviews, up to 20 characters. The button text is fixed as "Copy offer code". | 1 |
| **Share contact info** | No fields. Meta fixes the label as "Share Contact Info". | 1, and it must be the only button |

- **Static vs Dynamic URLs.** A static URL sends the same link to everyone. **Dynamic** adds
  `{{1}}` to the end of the URL so each message can carry its own link (for example a tracking
  page). For a dynamic URL, fill in **Example URL** with one real finished link - Meta needs it
  for review.
- **Your own working links only.** See [Website links](#website-links) below.
- **Country codes.** The **Country** menu offers US +1, UK +44, India +91, Australia +61, UAE
  +971, Singapore +65, Germany +49, France +33, Brazil +55, and Indonesia +62. The full number
  must be 6 - 20 characters.
- **Share contact info stands alone.** Choosing it removes every other button, and **Add** stays
  disabled until you remove it.
- The trash icon on a row removes that button.

### Website links

Every **Website URL**, and a dynamic link's **Example URL**, must be a working link on your own
website that starts with `https://`. Meta reviews each link, and customers tap it, so a template
can't be submitted while a button still uses a sample link:

- `example.com`, `example.org` or `example.net` (or any address on them, such as
  `www.example.com`);
- `localhost` or another address that only works on your own computer;
- a link that starts with `http://` or has no `https://` at all.

The field shows "Replace the sample link with your own working link (it must start with
https://)" in red as soon as it holds one, and **Submit to Meta** stops on it with
[AVX-3430](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3430). Avox checks this again when the template reaches Avox's
servers, so it's refused there too.

Templates from the [Avox library](https://docs.theavoxai.com/templates/library#avox-library) come with `example.com` links
as placeholders. The Content step then starts with a red note, "A website button still uses a
sample link", until you replace each one with your own.

## Variables and example values

| Where | Rule |
| --- | --- |
| Header | At most one variable, `{{1}}`, with one example value. |
| Body | As many variables as you need. Every variable needs an example value. |
| Example values | Up to 200 characters each. |
| Numbered style | `{{1}}`, `{{2}}`, and so on. Catalogue templates use this style. |
| Named style | `{{customer_name}}` - letters, numbers, and underscores, starting with a letter or underscore. |

The preview fills each variable with its example value. A variable without one shows as
"[Var 1]" (or "[customer_name]") so you can spot it.

### Rules Avox checks before submitting

Meta rejects these outright, so **Submit to Meta** stops with a message (and
[AVX-3404](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3404) for variables) instead of sending them:

- numbered and named variables mixed in one template, or a variable written incorrectly;
- numbered variables with a gap (`{{1}}` then `{{3}}`) or a variable without an example value;
- more than one variable in the header, a header variable other than `{{1}}` or without an
  example, or a line break in the header;
- a variable in the footer;
- a website button whose variable isn't `{{1}}` at the very end of the link, or a dynamic link
  without an example;
- a website button, or a dynamic link's example, on a sample link such as `example.com`,
  `localhost` or a link that doesn't start with `https://` ([AVX-3430](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3430),
  see [Website links](#website-links));
- a custom message in the **Authentication** category - Authentication templates only exist as
  Meta's one-time passcode ([AVX-3403](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3403)).

Example values typed for a variable you later deleted are dropped automatically.

### Avoiding a rejection

Meta most often rejects templates (`INVALID_FORMAT`) for how variables are placed. Avox checks
these on the template's page (**Issues** then **Our checks**) and again before you resubmit an
edit:

- Number variables in order with no gaps: `{{1}}`, `{{2}}`, `{{3}}`.
- Don't start or end the body with a variable, and don't put two variables side by side.
- Keep enough words around the variables - a message that's mostly variables is rejected.
- Don't use variables in the footer, and use at most one in the header.
- Keep headers free of emoji, line breaks and `*` `_` `~` formatting.
- Use links to your own domain, not shortened links.
- Keep offers, discounts and other promotional wording out of Utility templates - Meta rejects
  them (`PROMOTIONAL` or `TAG_CONTENT_MISMATCH`) or moves them to Marketing.

## Header sample files

| Header | Accepted files | Largest size |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Image | JPEG or PNG | 5 MB |
| Video | MP4 or 3GP | 16 MB |
| Document | PDF | 16 MB |

Avox checks the file's real type from its contents, not its name. The file goes straight to Meta
as the template's sample. If Meta can't accept it, you see [AVX-3028](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3028);
try a smaller file or a different format. Submitting an Image, Video, or Document header without
a sample shows "Upload a sample file for this header type first"
([AVX-3402](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3402)).

Avox library templates with a media header can't include a sample for you. The Content step
starts with a note saying what the sample should show (for example "a photo of the product that's
back in stock") - upload your own under **Header**.

## Submit to Meta

**1. Click Submit to Meta**

Avox checks every field first. If something is missing or too long, the problem is shown
next to the field and the avatar reports [AVX-3013](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3013).

**2. Avox sends the template to Meta**

The button shows "Submitting" while Meta receives it.

**3. You return to the Templates page**

You see "Submitted to Meta for review". The new template appears in **Your templates** with
the status Meta returned, usually **Pending review**, and its draft is removed.

**Submit to Meta** is disabled while every template slot on your Switchboard's plan is in use. A
notice above it reads "You've used X of Y templates. Delete one to create a new one. (AVX-3014)"
with a **Manage templates** link (see [Freeing a slot](https://docs.theavoxai.com/templates#freeing-a-slot)).

What happens next - review, approval, and rejections - is covered on
[Approval](https://docs.theavoxai.com/templates/approval). Every decision Meta makes afterwards shows on the template's own
page, in the **Issues** panel's history.

## Errors while submitting

| You see | What to do |
| --- | --- |
| [AVX-3013](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3013) with a field message | Fix the field shown, then submit again. |
| "You've used every template your plan allows" ([AVX-3014](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3014)) | Delete a template you no longer need, or move to a larger plan (see [Change plan](https://docs.theavoxai.com/billing/change-plan)). |
| "Connect a WhatsApp number before creating templates" ([AVX-3015](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3015)) | Connect a number on [Connections](https://docs.theavoxai.com/connections), then try again. |
| "This connection doesn't have a stored access token yet - reconnect WhatsApp to enable template submission" | Reconnect the number from [Connections](https://docs.theavoxai.com/connections). |
| "Meta rejected that template" ([AVX-3016](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3016)) | Meta refused the submission. Check the wording, variables, and examples, then submit again. |
| [AVX-3029](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3029) | You have 10 drafts. Delete one from the Templates page. |
| [AVX-3400](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3400) under **Template name** | Use the suggested free name, or pick another name or language. |
| [AVX-3401](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3401) | Switch back to one of the Avox template's languages, or rewrite the text in yours. |
| [AVX-3402](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3402) | Upload a sample file under **Header**. |
| [AVX-3403](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3403) | Use the One-time passcode type for Authentication, or pick Utility or Marketing. |
| [AVX-3404](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3404) | Renumber the variables in order and fill in every example value. |
| "Replace the sample link with your own working link (it must start with https://)" ([AVX-3430](https://docs.theavoxai.com/error-codes/avx-3430)) | Change the button's **Website URL** (and **Example URL** for a dynamic link) to a working `https://` link on your own website. |