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

# Email variables

> Use {{name}}, {{email}}, and custom variables in templates and drafts

**Variables** in templates and drafts are placeholders that get **replaced per recipient** when you send (e.g. `{{name}}` becomes "Jane"). Use them in the subject and body for personalization.

## Built-in variables

* **`{{name}}`**: Recipient's name (from their member record). Use in subject or body: "Hi {{name}}, ..."
* **`{{email}}`**: Recipient's email address. Use when you need to show or link to their email.

These are filled automatically from the member's profile when you send to members or groups.

## Custom variables (drafts)

* In a [draft](/emails/drafts), you can define **custom variables** (e.g. `event_date`, `link_url`, `message`).
* In the template **subject** and **body**, use the same name in double curly braces: `{{event_date}}`, `{{link_url}}`.
* When sending, you set the values for that draft (e.g. `event_date` = "March 15, 2026"). Every recipient gets the same value for custom variables; only `{{name}}` and `{{email}}` vary per recipient.

<Tip>
  Use custom variables for one-off content (event date, registration link) so you do not need a new template for each send.
</Tip>

## Syntax

* Use **double curly braces**: `{{variable_name}}`. Names are usually letters, numbers, and underscores.
* If a variable is not set or misspelled, it may appear as literal `{{variable_name}}` in the sent email. Check your draft's variable list and template spelling.

## Where variables work

* **Subject line**: Full support (e.g. "Reminder for {{name}}").
* **Body**: Full support in text and in links (e.g. `href="https://example.com?email={{email}}"`).
* **Per-recipient**: Only `{{name}}` and `{{email}}` are different per recipient; custom variables are the same for everyone in that send.

See [Troubleshooting](/emails/troubleshooting) if variables do not replace or show as literal text.