How do I preview and test an SMS message?

Overview

Before an SMS template is used in a campaign, it is important to review how the message will appear to recipients and confirm that the message format is correct. The SMS Template Editor provides built-in tools that allow users to preview messages, monitor message length, and send test messages when necessary.

These tools help ensure that SMS templates are correctly formatted, readable on mobile devices, and compliant with messaging requirements.

Previewing and testing messages before sending them helps avoid formatting issues, unintended message splitting, or incorrect personalization.

Step 1: Open the SMS template in the editor

To preview or test an SMS message, open the SMS template inside the SMS Template Editor.

You can do this by navigating to SMS Builder → Templates and selecting Edit Template on the template you want to review.

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Once the template is opened, the message editor and preview tools become available.

Step 2: Review the mobile preview

On the right side of the SMS Template Editor, a mobile preview panel shows how the SMS message will appear on a phone screen.

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As the message content is edited, the preview updates automatically. This allows users to immediately see how the message will appear to recipients.

The preview panel helps users confirm that:

Previewing the message helps reduce the risk of sending poorly formatted SMS messages.

Step 3: Check character count and SMS segments

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

This includes:

SMS messages have character limits, and longer messages may be divided into multiple segments when delivered to recipients.

Monitoring message length helps users avoid unintentionally creating messages that exceed standard SMS limits.

Keeping messages concise also helps reduce the number of segments required to send the message.

Step 4: Send a test message

If needed, users can send a test SMS message to verify how the message appears on a real mobile device.

Sending a test message allows users to confirm:

Testing helps ensure that the SMS message will appear exactly as intended before it is used in a campaign.

Step 5: Adjust the message if needed

After reviewing the preview and testing the message, users can return to the editor and make adjustments if necessary.

This may include:

Once the message has been reviewed and finalized, the template can be saved and reused in campaigns