Set up a new message with a selected drag-and-drop template

This article walks through how to select, clone, and use a drag-and-drop template when creating a new message in Messages XR Enterprise, including browsing templates, best practices for sharing, and saving sent messages as reusable templates.

💡Quick answers

Selecting a drag-and-drop template for a new email message? In the Email delivery channel, click the Additional Email Templates button, browse or search for your template, and select it to load it into your message.
Can I edit a System template directly? No, System templates are read-only - clone the template first and then edit your own copy.
How do I save a sent message as a reusable template? After sending, use the Save as template option to store the finished message design in your Templates library.
What is the best practice when sharing a template across teams? Clone the template before distributing it so each team has their own editable copy and the original master design is not accidentally modified.
Where can I browse all available templates before starting a message? Open the Templates tab in the Messages area to view all Custom and System templates, or use the filter buttons to narrow by type.

Step 1: Browse existing templates in the Templates tab

Once you have landed in the Templates tab, you can first go on a quick tour of all of your existing template options.

Search template name: Looking for a specific template? This is a quick way to find it by searching by name.
Filter by All, Custom, System: By default, all existing templates will populate in the Templates tab.
- Custom: Check the radio button next to Custom to filter only those templates that you and your team have created.
- System: Select System to browse through only the provided templates.

Important Note about System templates

System templates in Messages XR Enterprise are automatically wireframed and come with strict limitations:

They cannot be deleted.
They cannot be edited directly.
To make any adjustments, you must clone the template first, then customize the copy as needed.

Step 2: Understand template roles and permissions

A permission model applied to the use of templates ensures brand consistency across your district while protecting private work. Your ability to view, edit, or delete a template depends on your organization role, the template type, and specific sharing permissions.

Learn more in the article, "Managing template permissions in Messages XR Enterprise."

Step 3: Clone and modify templates

To update a template without affecting the original:

Hover and click the Clone icon.
Rename the template using team naming conventions.
Add content, preview, and send.

Important Note on system templates

System templates must be cloned before use. They cannot be edited directly.

Step 4: Prepare your message content

To use a template to add your content and send out to recipients, follow these steps:

Enter Title and Select recipients.
Navigate to the Messages area in left navigation. In the Create message tab, click the Email icon.
- Before moving on further, have you learned how to Choose your delivery methods when sending out messaging?
In the Content area below, locate and click the Additional Email Templates button.
In the window that appears, select the name of the template from the template picker.
You will be directed to the drag-and-drop editor window to add your content and edit your message as needed.

Option: Save a message as a template

While working on creating a message, you may decide this one is worth saving! You can save a message as a template so that it will be available for you and others to use again in the future.

After you have selected your template and return to the Create message > Email channel, you will see some options next to your newsletter thumbnail.
Select Save as template where you will be asked to give a new, unique name for this new template.

Next: Add your content, preview, and send

To learn more about how to add your new content into an existing template, check out the article, "Customize your content in a selected drag-and-drop template."