> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shortext.ny-corp.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# WhatsApp templates

> Create, sync and use the message templates WhatsApp requires to write first to a contact.

A template is a message model approved by Meta. It is the only kind of message a business can send to a contact outside the [24-hour window](https://docs.shortext.ny-corp.io/channels/whatsapp.md#the-24-hour-window), for example to send an order update or to start a conversation.

## Anatomy of a template

* **Name** and **language**: a template exists in one or more languages (`fr`, `en_US`...). You send it by name and language.
* **Category**: `UTILITY` (transactional updates), `MARKETING` (promotions) or `AUTHENTICATION` (one-time codes). Meta prices conversations by category.
* **Header** (optional): a text, or an image, a video or a document.
* **Body**: the text, with **variables** such as `{{name}}` and `{{order}}`.
* **Footer** (optional): a short text.
* **Buttons** (optional): quick replies, a URL, a phone number, a code to copy.

## Manage templates in the dashboard

Open a WhatsApp number in **Communication > Channels > WhatsApp Business** and go to its templates.

* **Create** a template: fill in the parts above and add variables to the body.
* **Publish** it to submit it to Meta. It is `PENDING` until Meta approves (`APPROVED`) or rejects it (`REJECTED`, with a reason).
* **Sync** pulls the templates created directly in Meta Business Manager, and refreshes their status.
* **Sample API Code** shows how to send the template through the API.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Only `APPROVED` templates can be sent. Meta also tracks the quality of each template (green, yellow, red) from how contacts react to it.

## Send a template

* From the dashboard: in a **campaign** to a segment of contacts, or from the Inbox when the window is closed.
* From the API: `POST /conversations` with `message.type` `template`. See [Send a template](https://docs.shortext.ny-corp.io/api-reference/guides/send-a-template.md).

## Coming soon

A hosted template builder, so your own clients can create and submit templates from your product. See [Coming soon](https://docs.shortext.ny-corp.io/channels/coming-soon.md).


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