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

# Variables and templates

> Personalize bulk WhatsApp messages with variables like name or company, and save drafts as reusable templates in Risponse.

Variables fill in details such as a name for each person. Templates save a finished draft so you can reuse it.

## Variables

A variable is a placeholder in your message. Risponse swaps it for each recipient's own value when sending.

For example, a message that reads `Hi {first_name}, your order from {shop} is ready` turns into "Hi Asha, your order from Green Mart is ready". 

Every variable has a **fallback value**. Risponse uses it when a contact has no value. A good fallback for a name is "there", so the greeting still reads well.

**1. Create a variable**

While writing a bulk message, add a variable and give it a name and a fallback. 

**2. Insert it in the message**

Place it where the personal detail should appear.

**3. Fill in values**

Enter values for each contact in the table, or download the file, fill it in, and upload it again. 

**4. Check the preview**

Open the preview and look at a few contacts to make sure each message reads correctly.

> [!WARNING]
>
> When you edit the downloaded file, do not rename, add, or remove columns or rows. If you need a different list, change it in Risponse and download a fresh file.

## Templates

A template saves your message, variables, and attachments under a name. You can load it into any new bulk message. You can also copy a template to make a variation without changing the original. 

> [!NOTE]
>
> These templates live inside Risponse. They are not the same as WhatsApp Business API templates, so they need no approval from WhatsApp. 

> [!WARNING]
>
> Personalized messages still follow WhatsApp's anti-spam rules. Only message people who expect to hear from you.

## Related

* [Send a bulk message](https://docs.risponse.com/bulk-messaging/send-bulk-message.md)
* [Custom properties](https://docs.risponse.com/features/custom-properties.md)


## Related topics

- [Repeating bulk messages](https://docs.risponse.com/bulk-messaging/repeating-bulk-messages.md)
- [Send a bulk message](https://docs.risponse.com/bulk-messaging/send-bulk-message.md)
- [Set up an automation rule](https://docs.risponse.com/automations/setup.md)


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