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Message Templates

What it is​

A Message Template is a reusable template for the message content of your mailer. Depending on the mail type, this content appears in a different location:

  • Postcard — the back side
  • Letter — the cover letter text
  • Notecard — the interior

It contains the handwritten-style text body, replacement variables, QR code configuration, font and style settings.

Every time you send a mailer or trigger a campaign, you attach a Message Template. The template renders per recipient, filling in replacement variables with real data.

How to create a Message Template​

  1. Go to Message & QR Templates in the dashboard.
  2. Click Add Template.
  3. Type your message. Use replacement variables (e.g., %FIRST_NAME%) where you want per-recipient personalization.
  4. Configure the QR Code URL if needed: enter your destination URL in the QR Code URL field.
  5. Adjust font settings: choose a handwriting style, toggle AI Fonts and Realism Mode.
  6. Click Rate My Content to score the message.
  7. Click Save Message Template.

:::note Postcard layout When viewing a postcard message template, the red line is the cut line. Keep all content you want visible on the card inside the blue line. :::

What a Message Template contains​

FieldDescription
Message bodyThe handwritten-style text
Replacement variables%FIRST_NAME%, %YOUR_COMPANY%, %CUSTOM1%, etc.
QR code configOn/off, destination URL
QR code CC emailsAdditional email addresses to notify on QR scans
Background/stationeryCustom message background image
Handwriting styleChoose from available fonts
AI FontsRandomized character spacing for unique per-piece look
Realism ModeAdds crossouts and imperfections
Additional pagesExtra pages (letters only)
Gift card brand + amountThe gift card to include (gift card mailer type only)
Gift card gating URL/YouTubeURL or YouTube video the recipient must view to unlock the gift card
Share linkA URL the recipient can share with others

Tips & best practices​

  • Keep your message concise. The fewer obstacles between the reader and your call to action, the better.
  • Run Rate My Content before using a template for a large send. Target 8/10 or above.
  • Use %FIRST_NAME% at the start of the message for instant personalization.
  • If you include a QR code, tell recipients exactly what they will get when they scan it. This helps establish trust.
  • Use the Branding Builder to create stationery that doubles as a business card for your mailer.
  • Business plan users can disable the thanks.io logo from their mailers.
  • The default "SCAN ME" graphic is part of the system background. Uploading a custom message background removes it, so you can design your own.
  • Save multiple template versions (seasonal variants, A/B versions) so you can switch without rebuilding.
  • Templates are reusable - attach the same template to multiple campaigns. Changes take effect on the next send.

Limits & gotchas​

  • If the Review and Save Template or Save button appears to do nothing when clicked, scroll up to check for validation errors - a missing required field (such as a blank message body) will block the save silently. Make sure the message body has at least some text before saving.

Canva templates for custom message backgrounds​

You can design a custom message background using Canva. Use the official thanks.io Canva templates sized for each mail type: