How to convert your templates to the New Template Language

Once you have enabled the new template language as the default for your SendinBlue account, you will have the option to automatically convert your old templates to follow the New Template Language syntax. 

Before getting started 

The New Template Language provides a standardized, common structure for creating efficient templates and powerful design options. This includes predefined placeholders (called "variables") for inserting content like contact attributes and transactional parameters, which are different than the placeholders used by the Old Template Language. 

In the Old Template Language, variables may be enclosed in single curly braces {LIKE THIS}, percentage symbols %LIKE THIS%, or square brackets [LIKE THIS] depending on the variable type. In the new template language, all types of variables are enclosed in double curly braces {{ LIKE THIS }}.

If your original template contained a syntax error in the Old Template Language, the converter will not be able to correctly convert your entire template. Before following the conversion process in this guide, check for and correct common mistakes such as: 

• Missing a closing character for your variable such as the single } curly brace, percentage % sign, or square ] bracket.  
• Adding an extra space after your variable name {LIKE THIS }

Updating your template 

Simply open a template created in the Drag & Drop Editor that contains variables from the Old Template Language. 

You will see a notification banner alerting you that the template is ready to be updated to the New Template Language. 

If you click Update to the new version, you will be presented with a pop-up confirmation. Click OK to confirm the update. 

The update process is quick, easy and automatic: 

Reviewing your template

After the update, review your template to ensure your desired attributes were updated in the template as expected.

For example: 

{{ contact.ATTRIBUTE }} 
{{ contact.COLOR }} 

{ATTRIBUTE} 
{COLOR} 

{{ mirror }} 

[MIRROR] 

{{ unsubscribe }} 

[UNSUBSCRIBE]

 {{ doubleoptin }} 

 [DOUBLEOPTIN]

{{ params.PARAMETER }}  
{{ params.ADDRESS }} 

%PARAMETER%
%ADDRESS% 

Good to know: For a thorough understanding of variables, view this section in the template language guide: https://help.sendinblue.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000268730#variables. 

Identifying and correcting errors

If your template cannot be converted due to an error in the original syntax, you will be shown a red error message with details about the error. Examples of the most common errors are shown below. 

1. Incorrect "if" condition in the old template language 

In this example, the "if" condition was not completed. After correcting the original condition, the template may be converted. 

In this example, the "if" condition was created completely, but contained extra characters (26) that don't serve a purpose and cause it to malfunction. The template converter updated the "if" condition to the new syntax, but is not able to remove the malfunctioning portion. Once removed manually, the template conversion may be completed.

2. New Template Language syntax used before the template was converted 

In this example, the New Template Language was accidentally used in the old template. After updating the variable to use the Old Template Language syntax, the template may be converted. 

Review this guide to learn more about testing your templates in order to identify and correct any errors.