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

# Introduction

Templates are pre-approved message formats that allow you to send structured and reliable messages to users via WhatsApp.
All messages sent through this API must use a template that has been reviewed and approved by WhatsApp.

Templates are typically categorized into three main types:

1. **Utility Templates**: Used for sending important information such as order confirmations, appointment reminders, and account updates.
2. **Marketing Templates**: Used for promotional messages, special offers, and event announcements.
3. **Authentication Templates**: Used for sending verification codes and authentication messages.

### Template Structure

A template is composed of predefined components that can include:

#### 1.Header

There are various types of headers that can be used in a template:

* **Text Header**: A simple text header that can include dynamic placeholders.
  Must not exceed 60 characters and should have only 1 parameter.
* **GIF Header**: Can include an image or videos. Can be used in marketing templates only.
* **Location Header**: Can include a location with dynamic placeholders for latitude and longitude.Can be used in marketing and utility templates only.
* **Document Header**: Can include a document with dynamic placeholders for the document URL and filename.
* **Video Header**: Can include a video with dynamic placeholders for the video URL
* **Image Header**: Can include an image with dynamic placeholders for the image URL.

#### 2.Body

Main message content. Supports dynamic placeholders (e.g. `{{name}}`, `{{1}}`) that are replaced with actual values at send time.

* **Text Body**: The main text content of the message. Body text must not exceed **1024** characters.
* **Media Body**: Can include images, videos, or documents. Can be used in marketing templates only.

#### 3.Footer

Optional static text, often used for disclaimers or additional context.

* **Text Footer**: A simple text footer. Must not exceed 60 characters. Can be used in all template types.

#### 4.Buttons (Optional)

Interactive elements such as quick replies or call-to-action buttons.

* **Quick Reply Buttons**: Allow users to respond with predefined options.
* **Copy Buttons**: Allow users to copy specific text to their clipboard. A template is limited to only **1** copy button.
* **Phone call Buttons**: Allow users to initiate a phone call to a specified number. A template is limited to only 1 phone call button.
  The button text must not exceed 20 characters and the phone number must be in E.164 format (e.g. +1234567890).

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### Template Parameters

Templates support dynamic data through parameters, which are used to replace placeholders in the message.
**A template must have either all named parameters or all positional parameters**; mixing both types within the same template is not allowed.

* **Named Parameters**
  Referenced by name (e.g. `{{name}}`)
  Example: `{ "type": "BodyNamedParameter", "name": "name", "value": "Alice" }`

* **Positional Parameters**
  Referenced by position (e.g. `{{1}}`)
  Example: `{ "type": "BodyPositionalParameter", "position": 1, "value": "Alice" }`

Parameters can be applied to:

* Body content
* Header content (text, media, or location)
* URL, copy, quick reply, voice call, OTP, and coupon buttons
* Limited-time offers
* Carousel cards

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### Template Approval

Before a template can be used, it must be submitted and approved by Meta.

* Templates must comply with WhatsApp Business policies
* Approval is required before sending any messages
* Templates that are rejected or disabled cannot be used

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### Important Notes

<Note>
  <b>Important</b>

  * Only **approved templates** can be sent using this API
  * Template structure (header type, parameters, media format) must match exactly when sending
  * Incorrect or missing parameters will result in request failure
  * Templates must be in a **sendable state**
</Note>

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By using templates, you ensure that your messages are **compliant, structured, and optimized for delivery**, while enabling dynamic personalization for each recipient.