Why it matters
Importing SMS templates allows you to quickly create multiple templates at once instead of adding them individually. This helps teams migrate existing templates or set up standardized messages efficiently.
Key Concepts
SMS Template: A reusable text message used for consistent communication.
Import Modal: The window where you upload, review, and confirm templates.
Header Row: The first row in your import file that identifies column names.
Matching Columns: The step where you map your file’s data to Whippy’s template fields (e.g., title, message body).
Step-by-Step: Import Templates Using a File
Open the Import Templates modal.
Go to Settings → Message Templates, then click Import Templates.
Upload your file.
You can:
Click Choose a File and select a CSV, TSV, TXT, XLS, XLSX, or XML file from your device.
Or drag and drop your file directly into the modal.
Select your header row.
Once the file uploads, you’ll move to Step 2.
The header row is pre-selected automatically.
Click another row to change it, or click This file has no column names if your file lacks headers.
Click Confirm Selection and Continue.
Match columns.
You’ll now be in Step 3, with your progress displayed at the top of the modal (current step in purple, previous steps in green).
Review the AI-suggested matches — indicated by the sparkles icon ✨.
Match columns manually using the Matched To dropdown menu (e.g., Title or Message Body).
Toggle Show Unmatched Only to view any unmapped columns.
Click Ignore to remove an AI suggestion or Remove to clear a match.
Resolve any errors.
You cannot match more than one column to the same field.
Error: “[Column name] has already been matched to [field name].”
If a required field isn’t matched, you’ll see:
“1 required field is unmatched. Match this field or click to add as an empty column.”
Once all errors are fixed, the Confirm Matching and Continue button becomes clickable (solid purple).
Review and edit.
Step 4 lets you preview what data will map to each field.
You can Find and Replace terms:
Click Find and Replace.
Enter text in Find and Replace With fields.
Choose the column where the change should apply.
Use Match Case or Match Entire Cell toggles for precise replacements.
Click the Export button to export all rows as an XLS file.
Use the magnifying glass to search for text within the file.
Finish the import.
Click Finish at the bottom of the modal.
A confirmation modal appears: “Are you ready to submit?”
Click Yes to complete the import.
Success!
A green banner appears in the top-right corner reading “Templates imported.”
Each row in your import file (excluding headers) becomes a new SMS template.
Imported templates default to Organization-wide visibility, with all optional toggles (Review Request, Review Response, WhatsApp Template, Schedule Template) turned off.
Step-by-Step: Manually Enter Template Data
Select “Enter Data Manually.”
In the Import Templates modal, choose the option to enter template data manually.
Enter values.
The modal automatically includes headers for Title and Message.
Enter at least one row with both fields completed to proceed.
Use editing tools.
Use Find and Replace, Search, and Export (same as in the file import process).
If a required field is missing, the cell highlights red, and a Show Rows with Errors button appears.
Click “Finish.”
When all rows are valid, click Finish to create templates.
Success!
A green success banner will appear in the top-right corner of your screen confirming “Templates imported.”
Tips and Best Practices
Always include both a Title and Message for every row.
Keep templates concise (under 300 characters).
Use Show Unmatched Only to quickly find missing fields.
Use Find and Replace for quick text cleanup before final import.
Avoid duplicate titles to keep templates organized.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Cause | Fix |
“Confirm” button grayed out | Required field unmatched | Match all required fields or add empty columns. |
Error about duplicate mapping | Two columns matched to the same field | Remove one match using the Remove button. |
Import failed | Invalid file format | Use CSV, TSV, TXT, XLS, XLSX, or XML files only. |
Data missing after import | Header row incorrect | Reimport and select the correct header row. |
Accidental exit | Modal closed mid-import | Restart the process; unsaved changes are lost. |
Related Guides
Creating and Managing SMS Templates
Updating an SMS Template in Whippy
Template Permissions for SMS Templates in Whippy
Using an SMS Template in Whippy