Block: Text Template

Type: text_template

Create dynamic, personalized messages by combining static text with live data from your IoT system. Perfect for intelligent notifications like "Hello {{ user.name }}, your temperature sensor read {{ feeds['sensors.temperature'].value }}°F" or automated reports that include current sensor values, user information, and real-time data. Uses the powerful Liquid templating language for advanced formatting and logic.

What is a Text Template?

Think of a text template like a form letter where you leave blanks to fill in with specific information. Instead of writing "Dear _____", you write "Dear {{ user.name }}" and the system automatically fills in the actual name when the message is sent.

How It Works

This block renders (processes) a text template, replacing special placeholders with actual values. Anything surrounded by {{ double curly braces }} gets replaced with real data when your action runs.

For example:

• Template: "Hello {{ user.name }}!"
• Becomes: "Hello John!"

These templates use the Liquid templating language from Shopify, which includes many helpful built-in functions. Learn more: Liquid Documentation

Template Variables Reference

User Information

• {{ user.name }} - Your full name (e.g., "John Smith")
• {{ user.username }} - Your username (e.g., "jsmith123")

Custom Variables

• {{ variables.var_name }} - Get value of variable named 'var_name'
• {{ vars.var_name }} - Shorthand version (same as above)
• {{ variables['var name'] }} - Use brackets for names with spaces
• {{ vars['my special var'] }} - Shorthand with spaces

Feed Data (Sensors & Devices)

• {{ feeds['group_key.feed_key'].value }} - Current value from a feed
• {{ feeds['group_key.feed_key'].name }} - Feed's display name
• {{ feeds['group_key.feed_key'].key }} - Feed's unique key
• {{ feeds['group_key.feed_key'].updated_at }} - Last update timestamp

Real-World IoT Examples

🌡️ Temperature Alerts

Basic Alert:"Temperature Alert: {{ feeds['sensors.temp'].value }}°F detected!" Output: "Temperature Alert: 85°F detected!"

Detailed Alert with Location:"⚠️ HIGH TEMP WARNING Location: {{ feeds['sensors.temp'].name }} Current: {{ feeds['sensors.temp'].value }}°F Time: {{ feeds['sensors.temp'].updated_at }} Please check your {{ vars.device_location }} immediately!"

📊 Daily Status Reports

Simple Report:"Daily Report for {{ user.name }}: • Temperature: {{ feeds['home.temp'].value }}°F • Humidity: {{ feeds['home.humidity'].value }}% • Battery: {{ vars.battery_level }}%"

Comprehensive Home Report: `"Good morning {{ user.name }}! Here's your home status:

🌡️ Climate Control:

• Living Room: {{ feeds['climate.living_temp'].value }}°F
• Bedroom: {{ feeds['climate.bedroom_temp'].value }}°F
• Humidity: {{ feeds['climate.humidity'].value }}%

🔋 Device Status:

• Door Sensor Battery: {{ feeds['security.door_battery'].value }}%
• Motion Detector: {{ vars.motion_status }}
• Last Activity: {{ feeds['security.last_motion'].updated_at }}

Have a great day!"`

🚪 Security Notifications

Door Alert:"🚪 {{ feeds['security.front_door'].name }} is {{ feeds['security.front_door'].value }} Time: {{ feeds['security.front_door'].updated_at }} User: {{ user.name }}"

🌱 Garden Monitoring

Watering Reminder:"Hey {{ user.name }}, your {{ vars.plant_name }} needs attention! Soil Moisture: {{ feeds['garden.moisture'].value }}% Last Watered: {{ vars.last_water_date }} Recommendation: Water {{ vars.water_amount }}ml"

🔔 Smart Doorbell Messages

Visitor Notification:"{{ user.name }}, someone is at your door! Camera: {{ feeds['doorbell.camera'].name }} Motion Level: {{ feeds['doorbell.motion'].value }} Time: {{ feeds['doorbell.motion'].updated_at }}"

Advanced Liquid Features

Conditional Logic

Use if/else statements for smart messages: "{% if feeds['sensors.temp'].value > 80 %} 🔥 It's hot! {{ feeds['sensors.temp'].value }}°F {% else %} ❄️ Nice and cool: {{ feeds['sensors.temp'].value }}°F {% endif %}"

Formatting Numbers

Round numbers or add decimal places: "Temperature: {{ feeds['sensors.temp'].value | round: 1 }}°F" "Battery: {{ vars.battery | round }}%"

Date Formatting

Format timestamps for readability: "Last updated: {{ feeds['sensor.temp'].updated_at | date: '%B %d at %I:%M %p' }}" Output: "Last updated: January 15 at 03:45 PM"

Math Operations

Perform calculations in templates: "Temperature in Celsius: {{ feeds['sensors.temp'].value | minus: 32 | times: 5 | divided_by: 9 | round: 1 }}°C"

Common Patterns & Tips

1. Fallback Values

Provide defaults when data might be missing: "Temperature: {{ feeds['sensors.temp'].value | default: 'No reading' }}"

2. Multiple Feed Access

Combine data from multiple sources: "Indoor: {{ feeds['home.inside_temp'].value }}°F Outdoor: {{ feeds['home.outside_temp'].value }}°F Difference: {{ feeds['home.inside_temp'].value | minus: feeds['home.outside_temp'].value }}°F"

3. Status Indicators

Use emoji based on values (keep in mind emoji will not work with displays): "Battery: {{ vars.battery_level }}% {% if vars.battery_level < 20 %}🔴{% elsif vars.battery_level < 50 %}🟡{% else %}🟢{% endif %}"

4. Time-Based Greetings

"{% assign hour = 'now' | date: '%H' | plus: 0 %} {% if hour < 12 %}Good morning{% elsif hour < 17 %}Good afternoon{% else %}Good evening{% endif %}, {{ user.name }}!"

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Variable shows as blank

Solution: Check that:

• Variable name is spelled correctly (case-sensitive!)
• Feed key matches exactly (including group.feed format)
• Variable has been set before this template runs

Problem: Template shows raw {{ }} text

Solution: Make sure:

• You're using double curly braces {{ }}
• No extra spaces inside braces
• Feed keys use square brackets and quotes: feeds['key']

Problem: Timestamp looks weird

Solution: Format dates using Liquid filters: {{ feeds['sensor'].updated_at | date: '%Y-%m-%d %H:%M' }}

Best Practices

1. Keep it readable: Use line breaks and spacing for multi-line messages
2. Test with sample data: Try your template with different values
3. Use meaningful variable names: 'kitchen_temp' is better than 'temp1'
4. Add context: Include units (°F, %, etc.) and location names

Inputs

Template

Create your template text with static content and dynamic {{ variable }} placeholders.

Examples:

• 'Alert: {{ feeds['temp.kitchen'].value }}°F detected'
• 'Daily Report for {{ user.name }}: Battery at {{ vars.battery_level }}%'

Use {{ }} to insert live data into your message.