Create a Template

This guide walks you through creating a WhatsApp message template in Waflow. Templates are the foundation of your WhatsApp campaigns, so taking time to craft them properly will improve your approval rates and campaign effectiveness.

Before You Begin

Before creating a template, make sure you have:

A Waflow workspace with an active WhatsApp connection
A clear understanding of your message purpose
Sample content for any variables you plan to use
Media files ready (if using image, video, or document headers)

Accessing the Template Builder

Navigate to your workspace in Waflow
Click Templates in the left sidebar
Click the Create Template button in the top right corner

The template builder opens with a form on the left and a live preview on the right.

Step 1: Basic Information

Template Name

Enter a unique name for your template. This name is:

Used internally to identify the template
Visible to WhatsApp reviewers
Cannot be changed after submission

Naming conventions:

Use lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only
No spaces or special characters
Maximum 512 characters
Be descriptive: order_confirmation_v2 is better than template1

Examples:

welcome_message
order_shipped_notification
appointment_reminder_24hr
promo_summer_sale_2024

Language

Select the language for your template. WhatsApp supports 70+ languages including:

English (en)
Hindi (hi)
Spanish (es)
Portuguese (pt_BR)
French (fr)
And many more

Tip: Create separate templates for each language you want to support. You can duplicate templates and translate the content.

Category	Use For	Example
Marketing	Promotions, offers, announcements	Sale notifications, newsletters
Utility	Transaction updates, confirmations	Order status, appointment reminders
Authentication	OTP and verification codes	Login codes, password resets

Step 2: Configure the Header (Optional)

Headers add visual appeal and context to your messages. You can choose from four header types:

Text Header

A short text line at the top of your message.

Maximum 60 characters
Supports one variable {{1}}
Displays in bold

Example: "Order Update for {{1}}"

Image Header

Add an image to make your message more engaging.

Requirements:

Format: JPEG or PNG
Recommended size: 800 x 418 pixels (1.91:1 ratio)
Maximum file size: 5MB

Best for: Product images, promotional banners, event graphics

Video Header

Include a video in your template.

Requirements:

Format: MP4
Maximum duration: 30 seconds recommended
Maximum file size: 16MB

Best for: Product demos, tutorials, announcements

Document Header

Attach a PDF document to your message.

Requirements:

Format: PDF only
Maximum file size: 100MB
Document name is visible to recipients

Best for: Invoices, tickets, contracts, brochures

Note: Media headers (image, video, document) must be uploaded when creating a campaign. You can set a placeholder during template creation and provide the actual file when sending.

Step 3: Write the Body (Required)

The body is the main content of your template. This is where your message lives.

Character Limits

Minimum: 1 character
Maximum: 1024 characters
Variables count toward the limit based on sample values

Adding Variables

Variables are placeholders for dynamic content. Use the format {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}, etc.

To add a variable:

Click the Add Variable button or type {{ in the text area
The next sequential number is automatically inserted
Enter a sample value for the variable

Example body text:

Hi {{1}},

Your order #{{2}} has been confirmed!

Order summary:
- Items: {{3}}
- Total: {{4}}

Expected delivery: {{5}}

Thank you for shopping with us!

Text Formatting

WhatsApp supports basic formatting in template bodies:

Format	Syntax	Example
Bold	`text`	Important
Italic	`_text_`	Note
Strikethrough	`~text~`	~~Deleted~~
Monospace	`text`	`Code`

Example:

Hi {{1}},

Your *exclusive* offer is here!

Use code: `SAVE20` for _20% off_ your next order.

~Regular price: $100~ *Sale price: $80*

Body Writing Tips

Start with a greeting: "Hi {{1}}" makes messages personal
State the purpose early: Users should know why they received the message
Keep it concise: Shorter messages have higher read rates
Use paragraphs: Break up text for readability
End with a CTA: Tell users what to do next

Footers appear at the bottom of your message in smaller, gray text.

Maximum 60 characters
No variables allowed
Static text only

Opt-out instructions: "Reply STOP to unsubscribe"
Company name: "From Acme Corporation"
Disclaimer: "Terms and conditions apply"
Contact info: "Questions? Call 1800-XXX-XXXX"

Tip: Including opt-out instructions in the footer helps with compliance and can improve approval rates.

Step 5: Configure Buttons (Optional)

Buttons make your templates interactive. WhatsApp supports two types of buttons:

Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

CTA buttons trigger an action when tapped.

Phone Number Button:

Opens the dialer with a pre-filled number
Button text: Up to 25 characters
Enter the complete phone number with country code

Website URL Button:

Opens a URL in the browser
Button text: Up to 25 characters
Static URL or dynamic URL with one variable

Dynamic URL Example:

URL: https://example.com/track/{{1}}
The {{1}} variable is replaced with tracking data when sending

Limits: Maximum 2 CTA buttons per template

Quick Reply Buttons

Quick reply buttons let users respond with pre-defined text.

Each button sends its text as a reply when tapped
Button text: Up to 25 characters each
Maximum 3 quick reply buttons

Example quick replies:

"Yes, I'm interested"
"No, thanks"
"Tell me more"

Note: You can use either CTA buttons OR quick reply buttons, but not both in the same template.

Button Configuration Tips

Keep text short: "Shop Now" is better than "Click here to shop"
Use action verbs: Start with verbs like "Buy," "Learn," "Track"
Match user intent: Align buttons with what users want to do
Test URLs: Ensure all links work before submission

Step 6: Add Sample Values

Before submitting your template, you must provide sample values for all variables. These help WhatsApp reviewers understand how your template will be used.

Sample Value Guidelines

Be realistic: Use values that represent actual usage
Be appropriate: Avoid placeholder text like "XXXX" or "test"
Match the context: If {{1}} is a name, use a real name

Example samples:

Variable	Sample Value
`{{1}}`	John
`{{2}}`	ORD-12345
`{{3}}`	2 items
`{{4}}`	$150.00
`{{5}}`	December 25, 2024

Step 7: Preview and Submit

Preview Your Template

The right side of the template builder shows a live preview. Review:

Overall appearance and layout
Variable placement and formatting
Button text and configuration
Header media placeholder

Submit for Approval

Review all template details
Click Save as Draft to save without submitting
Click Submit for Approval to send to WhatsApp

After submission:

Template status changes to "Pending"
Review typically takes 24-48 hours
You'll receive a notification when the status changes

Common Template Examples

Order Confirmation (Utility)

Name: order_confirmation
Category: Utility
Language: English

Header: Text - "Order Confirmed! #{{1}}"

Body:
Hi {{2}},

Thank you for your order!

Order Details:
- Items: {{3}}
- Subtotal: {{4}}
- Shipping: {{5}}
- Total: {{6}}

Track your order: {{7}}

Footer: Questions? Reply to this message

Button: [Track Order] → https://shop.com/track/{{1}}

Appointment Reminder (Utility)

Name: appointment_reminder
Category: Utility
Language: English

Body:
Hi {{1}},

This is a reminder for your upcoming appointment:

📅 Date: {{2}}
⏰ Time: {{3}}
📍 Location: {{4}}

Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Need to reschedule? Reply to this message or call us.

Footer: From HealthCare Clinic

Buttons:
- [Confirm] Quick Reply
- [Reschedule] Quick Reply

Promotional Offer (Marketing)

Name: summer_sale_promo
Category: Marketing
Language: English

Header: Image (promotional banner)

Body:
Hi {{1}},

☀️ *Summer Sale is HERE!* ☀️

Get up to {{2}}% off on {{3}}.

Use code: *{{4}}* at checkout

Offer valid until {{5}}.

Don't miss out!

Footer: Reply STOP to opt out

Button: [Shop Now] → https://shop.com/sale

Next Steps

After creating your template:

Wait for approval: Check the Approval Process for details
Set up variables: Learn more in Template Variables
Create a campaign: Use your template in a Campaign

Create a Template

Before You Begin

Before creating a template, make sure you have:

A Waflow workspace with an active WhatsApp connection
A clear understanding of your message purpose
Sample content for any variables you plan to use
Media files ready (if using image, video, or document headers)

Accessing the Template Builder

Navigate to your workspace in Waflow
Click Templates in the left sidebar
Click the Create Template button in the top right corner

The template builder opens with a form on the left and a live preview on the right.

Step 1: Basic Information

Template Name

Enter a unique name for your template. This name is:

Used internally to identify the template
Visible to WhatsApp reviewers
Cannot be changed after submission

Naming conventions:

Use lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only
No spaces or special characters
Maximum 512 characters
Be descriptive: order_confirmation_v2 is better than template1

Examples:

welcome_message
order_shipped_notification
appointment_reminder_24hr
promo_summer_sale_2024

Language

Select the language for your template. WhatsApp supports 70+ languages including:

English (en)
Hindi (hi)
Spanish (es)
Portuguese (pt_BR)
French (fr)
And many more

Tip: Create separate templates for each language you want to support. You can duplicate templates and translate the content.

Category	Use For	Example
Marketing	Promotions, offers, announcements	Sale notifications, newsletters
Utility	Transaction updates, confirmations	Order status, appointment reminders
Authentication	OTP and verification codes	Login codes, password resets

Step 2: Configure the Header (Optional)

Headers add visual appeal and context to your messages. You can choose from four header types:

Text Header

A short text line at the top of your message.

Maximum 60 characters
Supports one variable {{1}}
Displays in bold

Example: "Order Update for {{1}}"

Image Header

Add an image to make your message more engaging.

Requirements:

Format: JPEG or PNG
Recommended size: 800 x 418 pixels (1.91:1 ratio)
Maximum file size: 5MB

Best for: Product images, promotional banners, event graphics

Video Header

Include a video in your template.

Requirements:

Format: MP4
Maximum duration: 30 seconds recommended
Maximum file size: 16MB

Best for: Product demos, tutorials, announcements

Document Header

Attach a PDF document to your message.

Requirements:

Format: PDF only
Maximum file size: 100MB
Document name is visible to recipients

Best for: Invoices, tickets, contracts, brochures

Note: Media headers (image, video, document) must be uploaded when creating a campaign. You can set a placeholder during template creation and provide the actual file when sending.

Step 3: Write the Body (Required)

The body is the main content of your template. This is where your message lives.

Character Limits

Minimum: 1 character
Maximum: 1024 characters
Variables count toward the limit based on sample values

Adding Variables

Variables are placeholders for dynamic content. Use the format {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}, etc.

To add a variable:

Click the Add Variable button or type {{ in the text area
The next sequential number is automatically inserted
Enter a sample value for the variable

Example body text:

Hi {{1}},

Your order #{{2}} has been confirmed!

Order summary:
- Items: {{3}}
- Total: {{4}}

Expected delivery: {{5}}

Thank you for shopping with us!

Text Formatting

WhatsApp supports basic formatting in template bodies:

Format	Syntax	Example
Bold	`text`	Important
Italic	`_text_`	Note
Strikethrough	`~text~`	~~Deleted~~
Monospace	`text`	`Code`

Example:

Hi {{1}},

Your *exclusive* offer is here!

Use code: `SAVE20` for _20% off_ your next order.

~Regular price: $100~ *Sale price: $80*

Body Writing Tips

Start with a greeting: "Hi {{1}}" makes messages personal
State the purpose early: Users should know why they received the message
Keep it concise: Shorter messages have higher read rates
Use paragraphs: Break up text for readability
End with a CTA: Tell users what to do next

Footers appear at the bottom of your message in smaller, gray text.

Maximum 60 characters
No variables allowed
Static text only

Opt-out instructions: "Reply STOP to unsubscribe"
Company name: "From Acme Corporation"
Disclaimer: "Terms and conditions apply"
Contact info: "Questions? Call 1800-XXX-XXXX"

Tip: Including opt-out instructions in the footer helps with compliance and can improve approval rates.

Step 5: Configure Buttons (Optional)

Buttons make your templates interactive. WhatsApp supports two types of buttons:

Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

CTA buttons trigger an action when tapped.

Phone Number Button:

Opens the dialer with a pre-filled number
Button text: Up to 25 characters
Enter the complete phone number with country code

Website URL Button:

Opens a URL in the browser
Button text: Up to 25 characters
Static URL or dynamic URL with one variable

Dynamic URL Example:

URL: https://example.com/track/{{1}}
The {{1}} variable is replaced with tracking data when sending

Limits: Maximum 2 CTA buttons per template

Quick Reply Buttons

Quick reply buttons let users respond with pre-defined text.

Each button sends its text as a reply when tapped
Button text: Up to 25 characters each
Maximum 3 quick reply buttons

Example quick replies:

"Yes, I'm interested"
"No, thanks"
"Tell me more"

Note: You can use either CTA buttons OR quick reply buttons, but not both in the same template.

Button Configuration Tips

Keep text short: "Shop Now" is better than "Click here to shop"
Use action verbs: Start with verbs like "Buy," "Learn," "Track"
Match user intent: Align buttons with what users want to do
Test URLs: Ensure all links work before submission

Step 6: Add Sample Values

Before submitting your template, you must provide sample values for all variables. These help WhatsApp reviewers understand how your template will be used.

Sample Value Guidelines

Be realistic: Use values that represent actual usage
Be appropriate: Avoid placeholder text like "XXXX" or "test"
Match the context: If {{1}} is a name, use a real name

Example samples:

Variable	Sample Value
`{{1}}`	John
`{{2}}`	ORD-12345
`{{3}}`	2 items
`{{4}}`	$150.00
`{{5}}`	December 25, 2024

Step 7: Preview and Submit

Preview Your Template

The right side of the template builder shows a live preview. Review:

Overall appearance and layout
Variable placement and formatting
Button text and configuration
Header media placeholder

Submit for Approval

Review all template details
Click Save as Draft to save without submitting
Click Submit for Approval to send to WhatsApp

After submission:

Template status changes to "Pending"
Review typically takes 24-48 hours
You'll receive a notification when the status changes

Common Template Examples

Order Confirmation (Utility)

Name: order_confirmation
Category: Utility
Language: English

Header: Text - "Order Confirmed! #{{1}}"

Body:
Hi {{2}},

Thank you for your order!

Order Details:
- Items: {{3}}
- Subtotal: {{4}}
- Shipping: {{5}}
- Total: {{6}}

Track your order: {{7}}

Footer: Questions? Reply to this message

Button: [Track Order] → https://shop.com/track/{{1}}

Appointment Reminder (Utility)

Name: appointment_reminder
Category: Utility
Language: English

Body:
Hi {{1}},

This is a reminder for your upcoming appointment:

📅 Date: {{2}}
⏰ Time: {{3}}
📍 Location: {{4}}

Please arrive 10 minutes early.

Need to reschedule? Reply to this message or call us.

Footer: From HealthCare Clinic

Buttons:
- [Confirm] Quick Reply
- [Reschedule] Quick Reply

Promotional Offer (Marketing)

Name: summer_sale_promo
Category: Marketing
Language: English

Header: Image (promotional banner)

Body:
Hi {{1}},

☀️ *Summer Sale is HERE!* ☀️

Get up to {{2}}% off on {{3}}.

Use code: *{{4}}* at checkout

Offer valid until {{5}}.

Don't miss out!

Footer: Reply STOP to opt out

Button: [Shop Now] → https://shop.com/sale

Next Steps

After creating your template:

Wait for approval: Check the Approval Process for details
Set up variables: Learn more in Template Variables
Create a campaign: Use your template in a Campaign

Create a Template

Before You Begin

Accessing the Template Builder

Step 1: Basic Information

Template Name

Language

Category

Step 2: Configure the Header (Optional)

Text Header

Image Header

Video Header

Document Header

Step 3: Write the Body (Required)

Character Limits

Adding Variables

Text Formatting

Body Writing Tips

Step 4: Add a Footer (Optional)

Footer Guidelines

Common Footer Uses

Step 5: Configure Buttons (Optional)

Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

Quick Reply Buttons

Button Configuration Tips

Step 6: Add Sample Values

Sample Value Guidelines

Step 7: Preview and Submit

Preview Your Template

Submit for Approval

Common Template Examples

Order Confirmation (Utility)

Appointment Reminder (Utility)

Promotional Offer (Marketing)

Next Steps

Create a Template

Before You Begin

Accessing the Template Builder

Step 1: Basic Information

Template Name

Language

Category

Step 2: Configure the Header (Optional)

Text Header

Image Header

Video Header

Document Header

Step 3: Write the Body (Required)

Character Limits

Adding Variables

Text Formatting

Body Writing Tips

Step 4: Add a Footer (Optional)

Footer Guidelines

Common Footer Uses

Step 5: Configure Buttons (Optional)

Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons

Quick Reply Buttons

Button Configuration Tips

Step 6: Add Sample Values

Sample Value Guidelines

Step 7: Preview and Submit

Preview Your Template

Submit for Approval

Common Template Examples

Order Confirmation (Utility)

Appointment Reminder (Utility)

Promotional Offer (Marketing)

Next Steps