---
title: "Create Templates for System Messages"
slug: "create-templates-for-system-messages"
updated: 2025-06-26T13:32:38Z
published: 2025-07-01T13:46:32Z
---

> ## 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).