How do I create and edit an SMS template?

Overview

SMS templates are created and edited inside the SMS Template Editor, which allows users to write message content, add personalization variables, and preview how the message will appear on a mobile device.

The editor is designed to make SMS message creation simple while still providing important tools such as variable insertion, emoji support, and real-time message preview. These tools help ensure that SMS messages are correctly formatted and ready to be delivered to recipients.

Templates created in this editor can be reused across campaigns, helping teams maintain consistent communication and reduce the time required to prepare new SMS messages.

Step 1: Open the SMS template editor

To begin creating or editing an SMS message, navigate to SMS Builder → Templates.

From the Templates workspace you can:

click New Template to create a new message template
select Edit Template on an existing template to modify it

[Insert Screenshot: New Template button or template card with Edit Template]

Both actions open the SMS Template Editor, where the message content and structure can be defined.

Step 2: Define the template name

At the top of the editor, the Template Name field allows you to assign a name to the SMS template.

This name is used to identify the template within the Templates workspace. Choosing clear and descriptive names makes it easier to locate templates later when managing a large template library.

Template names are not visible to recipients; they are used only for internal organization.

Step 3: Write the SMS message

The Message field is where the main SMS content is written.

This area allows users to compose the text that will be delivered to recipients. SMS messages are typically short and direct, so the editor is designed to focus on the message content itself.

Users can write the SMS message directly in this field.

[Insert Screenshot: Message editor field]

As the message is written, the system tracks the number of characters and message segments required to send the SMS.

Step 4: Add variables and emojis

The SMS editor provides tools that allow users to enhance messages with personalization and formatting elements.

Two common tools available in the editor include:

Variables – used to insert customer-specific information into the message
Emoji – allows users to include emojis to make the message more expressive

Variables allow SMS messages to dynamically include information such as customer names or other personalized data fields.

[Insert Screenshot: Variable and emoji controls]

Using personalization helps messages feel more relevant and engaging for recipients.

Step 5: Preview the SMS message

On the right side of the editor, a mobile preview panel displays how the SMS message will appear on a phone.

This preview updates automatically as the message is edited, allowing users to see the final formatting before sending the message.

Previewing the message helps ensure that the text appears clearly and that variables and emojis are displayed correctly.

Step 6: Review message length and segments

Below the message editor, the system displays information about the message length.

This includes:

the number of characters used
the number of SMS segments required

SMS messages have character limits, and longer messages may be split into multiple segments. Monitoring this information helps users control the cost and formatting of SMS messages.

Step 7: Save the SMS template

Once the message content is complete, save the template so it can be reused in future campaigns.

Saving stores the template inside the SMS Templates workspace, where it will appear alongside other templates.

Saved templates can be edited later or reused whenever the same message format is needed.