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

# Usage

> Info on using thanks.io's Message Templates endpoints

# Overview

A message template is a reusable template for the message content of your mailer — the handwritten-style text body, replacement variables, QR code configuration, and font and style settings. Depending on the mail type, this content appears in a different location:

* **Postcard** — the back side
* **Letter** — the cover letter text
* **Notecard** — the interior

Every time you send a mailer or trigger a campaign, you attach a message template. The template renders per recipient, filling in replacement variables (such as `%FIRST_NAME%`) with real data. Because templates are reusable, you can attach the same template to multiple campaigns, and changes take effect on the next send.

Message templates are created and managed through these endpoints.

# What a Message Template Contains

| Field                        | Description                                                          |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Message body                 | The handwritten-style text                                           |
| Replacement variables        | `%FIRST_NAME%`, `%YOUR_COMPANY%`, `%CUSTOM1%`, etc.                  |
| QR code Url                  | QR Code Destination URL                                              |
| QR code CC emails            | Additional email addresses to notify on QR scans                     |
| Background/stationery        | Custom message background image                                      |
| Handwriting style            | Chosen from the available fonts                                      |
| Realism Mode                 | Adds crossouts and imperfections                                     |
| Additional pages             | Extra pages (letters only)                                           |
| Gift card brand + amount     | The gift card to include (gift card mailer type only)                |
| Gift card gating URL/YouTube | URL or YouTube video the recipient must view to unlock the gift card |

# Gift Cards & Additional Pages

Templates can carry gift card details (`giftcard_brand_code`, `giftcard_amount`) and, for letter templates, an `additional_pages` PDF URL to attach extra pages.