What Are Templates? (Explained)

Templates in Postmark let you create and manage pre-designed email layouts that you can reuse again and again.

Instead of building each email from scratch, you can design a template once and send dynamic, personalized content by swapping out variables—like customer names, order details, or links.

Think of a template as a fill-in-the-blanks email:

• The design and layout stay the same.

• The content changes dynamically based on the data you send.

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📬 How Templates Work in Postmark

1. Create a Template

Design your email’s HTML and text versions directly in Postmark.
You can include variables (placeholders) for dynamic content using Postmark’s template syntax.

2. Add Variables

Variables act as placeholders for personalized data.

For example:

{{customer_name}} → replaced with "Natalie"  
{{reset_link}} → replaced with the user’s password reset link

3. Send Using Templates

You can send a template using:

• The Postmark UI (for test sends)

• The API via the /email/withTemplate/ endpoint

• Official libraries and integrations

👉 Learn more: Templates FAQ

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⚠️ Limitations of Postmark Templates

Postmark Templates are intentionally lightweight and focused for transactional use.

If you need robust design tools or advanced automation, ActiveCampaign’s email templates may be a better fit.

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🔤 Postmark Template Syntax

Postmark templates use a simple syntax to make emails dynamic and flexible.

Variables

Insert dynamic content such as customer names or order IDs:

<p>Hi {{customer_name}}, your order {{order_id}} has shipped!</p>

Conditionals

Show content only if a condition is true:

{{#if discount}}
  <p>You saved {{discount}} on your order!</p>
{{/if}}

Loops

Repeat content for lists (like order items):

{{#each items}}
  <p>{{name}} – {{price}}</p>
{{/each}}

📘 Learn more: Template Syntax Guide

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🔗 What is the Templates API?

The Templates API lets you manage templates programmatically.

You can:

• List templates: Retrieve all templates for a server

• Create or update templates: Automate updates or version control

• Delete templates: Remove outdated versions

• Send with templates: Use /email/withTemplate/ to send emails with dynamic data

This is especially useful for teams managing multiple environments (like staging and production) or using CI/CD pipelines.

📘 Learn more: Templates API Reference

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🛠 Troubleshooting Template Issues

If a template isn’t rendering or sending as expected, check the following:

✅ Template Rendering

• Are all {{variables}} correctly spelled and present in the JSON you’re sending?

• Is the JSON valid and includes all required fields?

• If conditionals aren’t working, confirm the logic matches your data model.

✅ API Errors

• Is the correct endpoint being used? (/email/withTemplate/)

• Does the request include a valid TemplateModel?

• Is the Template ID valid and active in the same server?

✅ Styling Issues

• Test the template directly in the Postmark UI to confirm whether the issue is with Postmark or your integration.

✅ Versioning

• If you recently updated your template, confirm your system is sending with the latest version.

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🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Templates save time and ensure consistent design and formatting.

• Dynamic data is inserted using variables when sending.

• Use the /email/withTemplate/ endpoint for sending with templates.

• Common issues involve syntax errors, missing variables, or outdated template IDs.

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📚 Learn More

• Template Syntax Guide

• Templates API Reference