--- title: "Create Templates for System Messages" slug: "create-templates-for-system-messages" updated: 2025-06-26T13:32:38Z published: 2025-07-01T13:46:32Z canonical: "docs.mapp.com/create-templates-for-system-messages" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mapp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Create Templates for System Messages ## Goal​ To create a prepared message that you can use as a template for system messages. ## Background Information​ You can use a prepared message as a template for system messages. System message templates have several advantages: - One layout can be used for multiple messages; only the text is edited. - The layout can be easily edited for all messages. The layouts of the individual system messages do not have to be edited. - Engage can track system messages when a template is used. It cannot track the default system messages. ## Procedure​ 1. To create a new message, click ​Create *New​ > ​Message*​ *> Email Message > HTML Email*. 2. To edit an existing message, click ​*Messages​ > ​Draft Messages > Email*. 3. Follow the message creation wizard to step ​**3. Configuration**. 4. Content areas in the message that you want to fill with individual text must contain the placeholder `<%system_message%>`. This placeholder makes it possible to add text to the content area when the system message is created. 5. From the ​**Group** drop-down list, select a group. > [!NOTE] > If your prepared message is only used as a template for system messages, the group does not affect the message template in any way. However, you must select a group to create a prepared message. 6. In the ​**Action** area, select ​**Save as Prepared Message**. 7. To use the prepared message as a template for system messages, click ​**Create System Message** **Template**. 8. Click **​Save Prepared Message**. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/554b9b98-6720-4d8b-9919-c7b203d72648/Images/Documentation/image(955).png) For information on how to use a system message template, see [Use Template for System Message](/v1/docs/use-template-for-system-message).