# Create a reply to open conversation WhatsApp message template

1. Go to **Content** > **Message templates**.
2. Click **Create message template**.
3. Under "Platform", select **WhatsApp**.

   <figure><img src="/files/9eerb1PTaE2Tt4dgOyfH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
4. Under "Interaction", select **Reply to open conversation**.
5. Under "Message type", select the type of message that you want to create in Studio.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/XPJh9Oa5j7RMjRbu88yn" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

6. Under "Project", enter a **Project name**. This is an internal name.
7. Select the **Default locale** for this message template from the dropdown.
8. Select **Start from scratch**.
9. Click **Create project**. You'll be taken to the template editor.<br>

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/Gbq90p3rWo5gZUvyCsUb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### Add content blocks

Now that you've set up the basics, you can add your content blocks.

1. In the **Overview** panel, under the **Content** tab, or on the canvas itself, click one of the content elements to open its details in the **Overview** panel.&#x20;
2. Make the edits to the content, including uploading files, adding alt text, editing the message body text, and adding variables for message personalization.

<figure><img src="/files/DaZ1WnyMjaOU5wZpJyL4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Preview and publish

To see how your message template will appear to recipients, click the **Preview** button at the top of your screen.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/DJ1p0ZahiBwLBTSCs3dH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

To **Publish** your message template and automatically send it to WhatsApp for approval, click the **Publish** button in the top right-hand corner.&#x20;

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/HmszW4KbnYtwN1k5UnDh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

### What next?

Once you've hit **Publish**, your template will ready to use.


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