Message preview in eCourtDate lets you see exactly how your messages will look before you send them. Test merge tags with simulated or real client data, switch between client profiles, and share previews with colleagues for approval.

### Overview

- **What it is:** A preview tool that renders message templates with actual or simulated data, showing you the final output as the recipient will see it.
- **Why it matters:** Sending messages with broken merge tags, formatting errors, or incorrect content damages your agency's credibility and can confuse clients. Previewing catches these issues before they reach anyone.
- **Who uses it:** Court clerks, communication managers, administrators, and any staff member who creates or sends messages through eCourtDate.
- **Expected outcomes:** A rendered preview of your message with all merge tags populated, ready for review, approval, and sending.

### Prerequisites

- An active eCourtDate account with the **Messaging** permission enabled
- At least one message template created or in progress
- Client records in the system (for previewing with real data)

### How-To Steps

#### Step 1: Open the Message Preview Tool

1. Click **Messaging** from the main navigation menu.
2. Click **Preview** to open the message preview tool.

#### Step 2: Select a Template to Preview

1. Search for the template you want to preview by name or category in the **Template** field.
2. Select the template from the results.
3. The template content loads in the preview area with merge tags displayed as placeholders.

#### Step 3: Preview with Simulated Data

1. Click **Use Simulated Data** to populate merge tags with sample values.
2. Review the rendered message in the preview area. Simulated data fills in placeholders like {client_name}, {court_date}, and {location} with realistic sample values.
3. Check that all merge tags resolve correctly and that the message reads naturally.

#### Step 4: Preview with Real Client Data

1. Click **Use Real Data** to switch from simulated to actual client data.
2. Search for and select a client in the **Client** field.
3. The preview updates to show the message with that client's actual information populated in the merge tags.
4. Review the rendered message for accuracy and completeness.

#### Step 5: Switch Between Client Profiles

1. While previewing with real data, click the **Client** field and search for a different client.
2. Select the new client to refresh the preview with their data.
3. Repeat for multiple clients to verify the template works correctly across different data scenarios (for example, clients with missing fields, long names, or multiple cases).

#### Step 6: Share the Preview for Approval

1. Click **Share Preview** to generate a shareable link or send the preview to a colleague.
2. Enter the recipient's email address or select them from the staff directory.
3. Add a note requesting their review and approval.
4. Click **Send** to share the preview.
5. The recipient receives an email with a link to view the rendered message.

### What to Expect

The preview renders your message exactly as the recipient will see it, including formatting, merge tag values, and any embedded links or images. Simulated data provides realistic placeholder values so you can check layout and flow. Real client data shows you the actual output for specific individuals. Shared previews remain accessible to recipients for review until you revoke access or the link expires.

### Best Practices

- Preview every template with at least two different client profiles before sending to catch edge cases (missing data, long values, special characters).
- Use the **Simulated Data** option for initial layout review, then switch to **Real Data** for final validation.
- Share previews with supervisors or compliance staff before deploying new templates to bulk audiences.
- Check SMS previews carefully for character count. Messages over 160 characters may be split into multiple segments.
- Test templates in all message types (SMS, email, letter) if the same content is used across channels, since formatting may differ.

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What happens when a merge tag has no data for a specific client?**
A: If a client record is missing the data for a merge tag (for example, no phone number for {client_phone}), the preview displays the tag as blank. This helps you identify missing data before sending. Consider adding fallback text in your template for optional fields.

**Q: Can I edit the template directly from the preview screen?**
A: The preview tool is read-only to prevent accidental changes. To edit the template, navigate to **Messaging** > **Templates**, open the template, make your changes, and return to **Preview** to verify the updates.

**Q: Does sharing a preview send the actual message to the client?**
A: No. Sharing a preview sends a view-only link to your colleague. The client does not receive anything. The message is only sent when you use the **Send** or **Schedule** function from the messaging module.

**Q: Can I preview messages in different languages?**
A: Yes. If your template has translated versions, select the language from the **Language** dropdown in the preview tool. The preview renders the translated content with the same merge tag data.

### Troubleshooting

**Issue:** Merge tags display as raw text (for example, "{client_name}") instead of resolved values.
**Symptoms:** The preview shows the tag syntax rather than the client's actual name or data.
**Solution:** Verify that the merge tag syntax matches the system's expected format exactly. Check for extra spaces, typos, or incorrect field names. Navigate to **Messaging** > **Templates** and reference the available merge tags list.

**Issue:** The preview does not load or displays a blank page.
**Symptoms:** Clicking **Preview** results in a spinning loader or empty content area.
**Solution:** Refresh the page and try again. If the issue persists, clear your browser cache. Ensure the template has content saved (empty templates produce blank previews). Check your internet connection.

### Related Articles

- [How to Create Message Templates](how-to-create-message-templates)
- [How to Use the AI Generator](how-to-use-ai-generator)
- [How to Send Messages](how-to-send-messages)