> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How do I personalize messages with merge fields?

> Insert placeholders like athlete name and amount due so every message is personalized.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * The merge fields on offer depend on the trigger or audience — only the relevant categories (athlete, guardian, payment, program, and so on) appear.
  * In email and SMS campaigns, membership merge fields are hidden when the Memberships feature is off. (Membership-triggered notification rules still show them.)
  * An optional line whose merge fields come back empty (for example, a "next charge" date on a final charge) is dropped automatically, so you never get a dangling label.
</Note>

Merge fields — also called placeholders or merge variables — are stand-ins that fill in the right details for each recipient. You add them from a picker: click into the subject or body where you want a field, then click the field to insert it. A message built from "Hi \[Guardian Name], \[Athlete Name]'s balance is \[Guardian Balance]" arrives as "Hi Sarah Johnson, Emma Johnson's balance is \$150.00."

**In a notification rule.** On the **Template** step, the available merge fields appear as clickable buttons grouped by category (Athlete, Guardian, Payment, Program, Organization, Date, and more). Each button shows the field's code, such as `{{guardianName}}`; hover it to see the plain-language name, a short description, and an example value. Click into the subject or body where you want a field, then click the button to insert it. The set of fields changes with the trigger you chose, so a payment rule offers balance and amount fields while a program rule offers program details.

**In an email or SMS campaign.** On the **Content** step, use the placeholder picker the same way. Here each field is listed by its plain-language name (Guardian Name, Athlete Name, and so on) with its code shown alongside — click one to drop it into your subject or body. SMS campaigns offer a smaller set suited to short texts.

Always use **Preview** before saving. It renders your message with example data so you can confirm every field resolves and the wording reads naturally.

**Related:** [How do I create a notification rule?](/club/communications/how-do-i-create-a-notification-rule) · [How do I create and send an email campaign?](/club/communications/how-do-i-create-and-send-an-email-campaign) · [How do I create and send an SMS campaign?](/club/communications/how-do-i-create-and-send-an-sms-campaign)