# Creating a Template

Open Letter Connect provides flexible options for creating high-impact mailer templates. Whether you start from scratch, customize one of over **450+ pre-built templates**, or work with a designer, our **drag-and-drop editor** makes the process intuitive.

This guide walks you through **building a template** within the OLC editor, including **personalization with merge fields** and **design best practices**.

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### Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Your Mailer Template

#### 1. Access the Template Editor

* Navigate to the **Templates** section from your OLC dashboard.
* Click **Create**.

<figure><img src="/files/Pw1AN0DxyG1qJ1WlmCK0" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Select your **mailer format**:
  * **Postcard**
  * **Letters**
  * **Snap Pack**
  * **Self-Mailer**
  * **Real Penned**

<figure><img src="/files/cWvQsDAFtN6LMlhGWGz5" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 2. Choose a Starting Point

* **Option A: Use a Pre-Built Template**
  * Browse through **450+ templates**.
  * Filter by mailer type or industry.
  * Click **EDIT TEMPLATE** to personalize fonts, colors, images, and copy.<br>

    <figure><img src="/files/fP26uw0KHKftZkMsw5ft" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
* **Option B: Start from Scratch**
  * Select **Blank Template**.
  * Use the **drag-and-drop editor** to add:
    * **Text blocks**
    * **Images** (logos, product photos)
    * **Merge fields** (personalized data)

<figure><img src="/files/oH2z3ACzycNoylMOpckv" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 3. Personalize with Merge Fields

**Merge fields** insert contact-specific information into your mailer, ensuring each piece feels personal.

#### Available Merge Fields:

| **Category**        | **Fields**                                                                                                 |
| ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Contact Fields**  | First Name, Last Name, Full Name, Company Name, Mailing Address 1 & 2, City, State, Zip Code, Phone, Email |
| **Property Fields** | Property Address, City, State, Zip Code, Offer, Written Offer                                              |
| **Sender Fields**   | Sender First Name, Last Name, Company Name, Phone, Email, Website                                          |
| **Miscellaneous**   | Mailing Date, Custom Fields (user-defined)                                                                 |

**How to Insert:**

* Click **Merge Fields** from the right-hand panel.
* Select the desired field (e.g., `First Name`).
* It will appear as a placeholder in your design (e.g., `{{first_name}}`).

#### Merge Field Best Practices (No Fallbacks):

* **Use fields you know are populated**: Since fallback values aren’t supported, only insert fields where your contact list has complete data.
* **Keep personalization minimal**: Focus on key elements like `first_name` or `property_address`.
* **Preview with test data**: Always preview your template in the editor with sample data to ensure merge fields appear correctly.

<figure><img src="/files/fu3sojyaZmmlHLtfADZy" alt="" width="278"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4. Design Best Practices

| **Design Element**         | **Specification**                                                                            |
| -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Resolution**             | 300 DPI for images and graphics                                                              |
| **Bleed Area**             | 0.125" beyond edges                                                                          |
| **Safe Zone**              | Keep critical elements 0.25" inside the edges                                                |
| **Fonts**                  | Easy-to-read fonts (Open Sans, Lato, Montserrat); minimum 10pt (postcards) or 11pt (letters) |
| **File Types for Uploads** | JPEG, PNG for images; SVG for logos                                                          |

<figure><img src="/files/cOyC0yPSf5GQq00HJloQ" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 5. Save Your Template

* Click **Save** in the upper-right corner.
* Name your template for easy future use.
* Templates can be **duplicated and modified** for different campaigns.


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