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

# Templates

> Create, sync, and manage Meta WhatsApp message templates

**Templates** are Meta-approved message templates you use for [broadcasts](/docs/outreach/broadcasts), conversation follow-ups when the 24-hour window is closed, and some calling permission requests.

Open **WhatsApp** in the project sidebar, then select **Templates**.

## Prerequisites

* WhatsApp connected on [Overview](/docs/outreach/whatsapp)
* Meta payment method on the WABA so approved templates can send

Until connected, this tab shows **Templates unavailable**.

## Create or sync a template

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Templates">
    Under **Outreach**, select **WhatsApp**, then **Templates**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sync or create">
    Select **Sync from Meta** to pull templates already in Meta. Or select **New Template**, fill **Create WhatsApp template**, and select **Submit for approval**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Meta">
    Meta reviews templates asynchronously. Status appears in the table (and rejection reason when Meta declines).
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  An **approved** template appears in the list and can be selected when you create a broadcast or send a template from Conversations.
</Check>

## Create fields

* **Basics** — **Template name** (lowercase, numbers, underscores only), **Language** / Meta language code, **Category** (**Utility**, **Marketing**, or **Authentication**).
* **Message** — **Message body**, body sample values for placeholders, optional **Footer**, optional **Add header** (text or media).
* **Authentication** — optional security recommendation, code expiration (minutes), copy-code button label.
* **Buttons** — up to three buttons. Types include quick reply, visit website, call phone, call on WhatsApp, copy promo code, view catalog, multi-product message, and **Request call permission**.

Row actions: **Preview**, **Duplicate as new**, **Edit in Meta**, **Delete**.

## Limits and rules

* Quick replies cannot mix with website, phone, or copy-code buttons in ways Meta forbids. Max **3** quick replies or **2** call-to-action buttons in typical mixes.
* **Request call permission** cannot combine with other buttons. Use Utility or Marketing for that template type.
* Catalog and multi-product templates need a synced [Catalog](/docs/outreach/whatsapp/catalog). Broadcasts cannot send catalog or multi-product templates from this product yet.
* Low-quality marketing templates can reduce messaging limits. Keep quality healthy on Overview.

<Note>
  When the customer service window is closed, free-form inbox replies are blocked. Agents send an approved template instead. See [WhatsApp AI Agent](/docs/deploy/channels/whatsapp).
</Note>