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Understanding Template Types

When creating a template, you choose a Template Type that defines the format of your message. This page explains each type so you know which one to pick.

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Screenshot: Template Type dropdown showing all available types
template-type-dropdown.png
1. On the Create Template page, click the Template Type dropdown
2. Capture the dropdown showing all options: Text, Image, Video, Document, Location, Carousel, Catalog, SPM, MPM
Save to: static/img/screenshots/templates/template-types/template-type-dropdown.png

Text​

The simplest type. Your message contains only text — no images, videos, or attachments.

Best for: General notifications, reminders, status updates

Example:

Hello {{customername}}, your appointment is confirmed for {{date}} at {{time}}. Reply YES to confirm or NO to cancel.


Image​

A message with a picture at the top followed by your text. The image appears as a large banner above the message body.

Best for: Product promotions, event invitations, visual announcements

Supported formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, WEBP


Video​

A message with a video at the top followed by your text. The video appears with a play button above the message body.

Best for: Product demos, tutorials, event previews

Supported formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, WEBM


Document​

A message with a file attachment at the top (like a PDF) followed by your text. The file shows as a downloadable attachment.

Best for: Invoices, receipts, contracts, brochures, menus

Supported formats: PDF, DOC, and other document types


Location​

A message that includes a map/location pin. Useful for sharing addresses.

Best for: Store locations, delivery pickup points, event venues


A swipeable set of cards — each card has its own image (or video), text, and buttons. The customer swipes left/right to browse through the cards.

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Screenshot: Carousel template editor showing multiple cards with images and buttons
carousel-template-editor.png
1. Create a new template and select Carousel as the type
2. Add 2-3 cards with sample images and button text
3. Capture the carousel card editor area showing the card list and fields
Save to: static/img/screenshots/templates/template-types/carousel-template-editor.png

Best for: Product showcases, multiple offers, feature highlights

Rules:

  • Minimum 2 cards, maximum 10 cards
  • All cards must use the same media type (all images OR all videos — you cannot mix)
  • All cards must have the same number and types of buttons

Example use case: Showing 5 different products, each card with a product image, description, and a "Shop Now" button.


Catalog​

Shows your full product catalog with a "View catalog" button. When the customer taps the button, they can browse all your products.

Best for: Letting customers browse your entire product range

Requirement: Your product catalog must be connected to your WhatsApp Business account.


SPM (Single Product Message)​

Highlights one specific product from your catalog. The product image appears as the header, along with the product name, price, and description.

Best for: Featured product promotions, product-specific announcements

Requirement: Your product catalog must be connected, and you need to select the product during template creation.


MPM (Multi-Product Message)​

Shows multiple products (up to 30) organized into sections. A "View items" button lets the customer browse the selected products.

Best for: Category-specific promotions, recommended products, new arrivals

Requirement: Your product catalog must be connected, and you can organize products into sections.


Quick Comparison​

TypeHas media?Has buttons?Best for
TextNoOptionalSimple notifications
ImageImage headerOptionalVisual promotions
VideoVideo headerOptionalProduct demos
DocumentFile headerOptionalInvoices, PDFs
LocationMapOptionalAddresses
CarouselImage/Video per cardYes (per card)Product showcases
CatalogProduct catalogAuto-addedBrowsing all products
SPMProduct imageAuto-addedSingle product highlight
MPMProduct thumbnailsAuto-addedMultiple product display
How to decide?
  • Sending a simple update? → Text
  • Sending a promotion with an image? → Image
  • Showcasing multiple products? → Carousel or MPM
  • Sending an invoice or receipt? → Document
  • Sending a verification code? → Choose Authentication category (type is auto-configured)