> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.quickreply.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.quickreply.ai/product-modules/templates/rcs-templates/concepts/rcs-templates-by-type.md).

# RCS Templates by Type

RCS message templates can be created in three types — Basic Text Message, Single Rich Card, and Carousel Rich Card.

The message type defines how your content, media, and buttons appear to the customer inside their messaging app. Which types are available to you depends on your[ RBM Agent type](https://claude.ai/product-modules/templates/rcs-templates/concepts/rcs-templates-by-category.md#which-message-types-can-each-agent-send).

### Basic Text Message

A Basic Text Message is the simplest RCS format — a plain text message, similar to SMS but delivered over the RCS channel with branding from your verified RBM Agent.

![](https://1325107618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FePPO97Ju334NhhCzTEZP%2Fuploads%2FeAy3rf6NRkBVxkffbmcM%2Funknown.png?alt=media\&token=37471e45-479e-4851-ab8d-9943e0b3ba8e)

Structure:

* Body (required): The message text, up to 3,072 characters. Supports emojis and dynamic variables for personalization.
* Body Link Tracking: Enabled by default. Tracks clicks on any links included in the body text. Disabling this feature will result in no tracking of link clicks.

Example Use Cases:

* OTP and verification codes
* Simple order or payment notifications
* Short announcements without media

Allowed Agent Types:

* Promotional
* Transactional
* OTP

### Single Rich Card

A Single Rich Card combines media, text, and interactive buttons in one card — the RCS equivalent of a rich, tappable mini-landing page inside the customer's inbox.

![](https://1325107618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FePPO97Ju334NhhCzTEZP%2Fuploads%2FsDD89Xo30INLGTcTmSSL%2Funknown.png?alt=media\&token=697255dc-9d36-46cb-a444-ddbe4b8c355e)

Structure:

* Media: An image displayed on the card. You can configure the card layout (vertical or horizontal). The media height option is only available when the layout is set to vertical.
* Title: Card headline, up to 200 characters. Supports emojis and variables.
* Description: Supporting text, up to 2,000 characters. Supports emojis and variables.
* Card Actions (optional, max. 4): Buttons attached directly to the card. See[ Card Actions and Suggestions (Chips)](https://docs.quickreply.ai/product-modules/templates/rcs-templates/concepts/card-actions-and-suggestions-chips) for all available button types.
* Suggestions (optional, max. 11): Suggestion chips displayed below the message. Suggestions support the same button types and settings as Card Actions.

Example Use Cases:

* Order confirmation with a tracking button
* Single product or offer highlight
* Event invitation with an RSVP link

Allowed Agent Types:

* Promotional
* Transactional
* OTP

### Carousel Rich Card

A Carousel Rich Card lets you send multiple rich cards in a single message — customers swipe horizontally through the cards, each with its own image, title, description, and buttons.

Perfect for showcasing multiple products, offers, or options at once.

![](https://1325107618-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FePPO97Ju334NhhCzTEZP%2Fuploads%2FVFXznly4F7GsPpsaVRUL%2Funknown.png?alt=media\&token=c8f0fe93-3596-485c-95f3-d807198811a3)

Structure:

* Up to 10 cards in one message. There is no enforced minimum, but a carousel typically contains at least 2 cards — with a single card, use a[ Single Rich Card](https://docs.quickreply.ai/product-modules/templates/rcs-templates/how-tos/create-single-rich-card-message-template) instead.
* Each card has:
* Media — an image with configurable layout (vertical or horizontal). The media height option is only available for the vertical layout.
* Title (max 200 characters) and Description (max 2,000 characters), both with emoji and variable support.
* Card Actions (optional, max. 4 per card) — see[ Card Actions and Suggestions (Chips)](https://docs.quickreply.ai/product-modules/templates/rcs-templates/concepts/card-actions-and-suggestions-chips).
* Suggestions (optional, max. 11): Suggestion chips for the whole message, supporting the same button types as Card Actions.

Suggestion chips are applied to the message and are not tied to any specific card. Customers see them below the carousel regardless of which card they are viewing.&#x20;

Example Use Cases:

* Product catalog or collection highlights
* Multi-offer promotional campaigns
* Event or course listings

Allowed Agent Types:

* Promotional
* Transactional
* OTP

### Buttons: Card Actions & Suggestions

Both rich card types support Card Actions (buttons on the card, max. 4) and Suggestions (chips below the message, max. 11). Both support five button types — Quick Reply, Website, Call Phone, View Location, and Create Calendar Event — with identical settings.

For the full breakdown of each button type and its fields, see[ Card Actions and Suggestions (Chips)](https://docs.quickreply.ai/product-modules/templates/rcs-templates/concepts/card-actions-and-suggestions-chips).

### Comparison Summary

| Feature        | Basic Text Message              | Single Rich Card                                                             | Carousel Rich Card                                                              |
| -------------- | ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Layout Type    | Text only                       | Single Card                                                                  | Multi-Card (up to 10, typically ≥ 2)                                            |
| Allowed Agents | Promotional, Transactional, OTP | Promotional, Transactional                                                   | Promotional only                                                                |
| Media Support  | None                            | Image (vertical/horizontal layout; multi height options for vertical layout) | Image per card (vertical layout only, multi height options for vertical layout) |
| Text Limits    | Body: 3,072 chars               | Title: 200 · Description: 2,000 chars                                        | Per card — Title: 200 · Description: 2,000 chars                                |
| Buttons        | Links in body (trackable)       | Card Actions (max 4) + Suggestions (max 11)                                  | Card Actions (max 4 per card) + Suggestions (max 11)                            |
| Best For       | OTPs, simple notifications      | Order updates, single-offer highlights                                       | Product showcases, visual promotions                                            |

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