What does it mean that my message has a syntax error?

If you receive a syntax error when attempting to send your message, this likely means that your message content – either the subject, body HTML, or the Plain Text version – contains incorrect personalization fields or URL addresses.

Are your personalization fields correct?

Look over your message, including the subject line, to look for any errors or typos in the formatting of the personalization fields. Common reasons for the syntax error include:

  • using regular rather than square brackets, like ((firstname)) rather than [[firstname]]
  • using single square brackets rather than double, like [firstname] instead of [[firstname]]
  • forgetting to add the second square bracket, like [[firstname]

Are your links okay?

Incorrectly entered URLs might also cause syntax errors. Look over any links you added to the message to make sure their format is correct. Watch out for typos, spaces or other characters that might break the URL.

Are you using images from the Files and images?

Syntax errors may also occur if you add an image by embedding its URL in the message, rather than add it through the Files and images. Double-check your images, remove the ones you embedded and replace them using Files and images.

Still not working?

Our Customer Success Team will be happy to help. Make sure you have the following information on hand to speed things along:

  • the type of the message: Newsletter / Autoresponder / Automation message
  • the name of the message