How to Create Magento 2 Transactional Email Variables?
Are you having trouble creating personalized and dynamic emails? Magento 2 transactional email variables convert standard email templates into customized emails.
In this article, we will explain the most used variables and their best practices.
Key Takeaways
- Create personalized emails with Magento 2 variables.
- Customize email templates for a unique customer experience.
- Fix rendering issues with multilingual email templates.
- Add secure and encrypted data to transactional emails.
- Override default templates using a custom theme.
-
Most Commonly Used Variables in Magento 2 Transactional Emails
-
Limitations of Using Variables in Magento 2 Transactional Emails
-
Steps to Create Custom Variables in Magento Transactional Emails
-
Security Considerations When Using Variables in Transactional Emails
What are Magento 2 Transactional Email Variables?
Magento 2 transactional email variables are dynamic placeholders. They populate emails with specific data to create personalized customer interactions. These are built-in variables that come with Magento 2 and include:
- Customer information (name, email, password)
- Order details (ID, status, created date)
- Store information (name, URL, contact details)
- Shipping and billing information
- Payment and shipping methods
These are custom variables that allow merchants to:
- Add specific business information
- Include personalized content
- Create unique messaging elements
- Incorporate store-specific details
Most Commonly Used Variables in Magento 2 Transactional Emails
| Variable Type | Variable | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Information Variables | {{var customer.firstname}} {{var customer.lastname}} {{var customer.email}} {{var customer.name}} {{var customer.created\_in}} |
- Customer's first name - Customer's last name - Customer's email address - Customer's full name - Store where customer registered |
| Order Variables | {{var order.increment\_id}} {{var order.getStatusLabel()}} {{var order.getCreatedAtFormated('long')}} {{var total}} {{var order.getCustomerName()}} |
- Order ID - Order Status - Order creation date - Order total amount - Customer name from order |
| Store Information Variables | {{config path="web/secure/base\_url"}} {{config path="trans\_email/ident\_general/name"}} {{config path="trans\_email/ident\_sales/email"}} {{var store.name}} {{var store.group.name}} |
- Store's secure base URL - General sender name - Sales email address - Store name - Store group name |
| Address and Shipping Variables | ```{{var formattedBillingAddress | raw}} {{var formattedShippingAddress |
Limitations of Using Variables in Magento 2 Transactional Emails
1. Variable Rendering Restrictions
- Custom variable limitations in Magento 2 present several challenges for developers. Since the release of Magento 2.3.4, all custom variables must adhere to strict mode requirements. This change impacts how variables are written and implemented.
- Language pack compatibility poses another significant challenge. When using language packs, sales email variables often encounter rendering issues. It can result in improper display of translated content. Or it could lead to complete failure to show variable content. Store owners operating in multiple languages need to test their email templates thoroughly. It is to ensure proper variable rendering across all supported languages.
- Customization restrictions affect the default Magento 2 order emails. The system imposes limitations on how much customer-specific data can be customized. These constraints affect the level of personalization in transactional emails.
2. Technical Restrictions
- Raw code display issues occur in Magento 2 transactional emails. Variables sometimes appear as unprocessed code. This happens when the email template processing engine fails to show the variables.
- Template variable definition requirements are quite strict in Magento 2. Every variable used in a template must be explicitly declared in the template header. These declarations occur within the specialized <!--@vars @--> comment section.
- Store settings must be precisely configured for variables to work as intended. This includes
- Proper email server settings
- Correct store information
- Appropriate variable definitions
- Processing order affects how variables are rendered. Magento 2 processes variables in a specific sequence. Understanding this sequence is crucial for proper implementation.
3. System Limitations
- Cross-template compatibility poses unique challenges for developers. Moving variables between different template types often leads to rendering failures. Store owners must maintain separate sets of variables for different email types.
- Asynchronous processing challenges affect how variables are rendered in emails. When emails are sent asynchronously, some variables may not populate correctly. This occurs because the variable data might not be available when the email is queued.
- Module integration issues frequently arise with custom extensions. Third-party modules can conflict with Magento's native email variable system. Payment gateway extensions particularly tend to introduce complications.
- Custom module interference requires special attention during execution. Modules that modify core email functionality might break variable processing. Developers must carefully test variable rendering when installing new modules.
Steps to Create Custom Variables in Magento Transactional Emails
- Log in to the Magento admin panel.
- Navigate to System > Other Settings > Custom Variables.
- Click on Add new Variable.
- Enter the Variable Code and name.
- Enter the formatted Variable HTML Code and the plain text.
- Go to Marketing > Communications > Email Templates.
- Choose the transactional template and click on Load.
- Enter the Template Name and Subject.
- Enter the Custom Template Content.
- Click on Save Config to save changes.
Difference between Predefined Variables & Custom Variables
| Feature | Predefined Variables | Custom Variables |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Predefined variables are built into Magento 2 core | Store admins create custom variables |
| Availability | Template-specific, determined by data associated with the template | Available across all templates once created |
| Execution | Automatically available in relevant templates | Must be manually created and inserted |
| Format | Predefined variables have a fixed format based on system data | Custom variables can have both HTML and plain text values |
| Scope | Limited to specific template types | It can be used in pages, blocks, and email templates |
| Modification | It cannot be modified or customized | Fully customizable through the admin panel |
| Data Source | Pulls from system data like customer, order, store info | Custom variables use manually entered values |
| Validation | Automatically validated by the system | It requires manual validation |
Security Considerations When Using Variables in Transactional Emails
1. Encryption Requirements
- Sensitive information must never be stored as plain text within email variables. Every piece of sensitive data requires proper encryption before storage. This includes
- personal customer details
- payment information
- authentication credentials
- API keys used in email templates need special encryption handling.
- Data protection extends beyond basic encryption. Each email template must implement proper security measures. Admins need to ensure sensitive data is protected throughout the email generation.
- All data coming from external sources requires thorough validation. This includes customer inputs, third-party integrations, and automated system inputs. Proper validation prevents SQL injection attacks and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. The validation process must check both data format and content legitimacy.
2. SMTP Security
- SMTP provides a more secure alternative. Proper SMTP configuration offers better security features. It includes encryption protocols for safer email transmission. This helps protect sensitive information during transit. SMTP servers add an extra layer of authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
- SMTP credentials need secure storage methods. This includes the host information, port numbers, and authentication details. Usernames and passwords must never be stored in plain text. Proper encryption of these credentials is essential for security.
- All SMTP-related environment variables need proper protection. Server-level permissions must restrict access to these variables. Only authorized personnel should have access to modify these settings. Regular audits of access permissions help maintain security.
- Different server environments require different access levels. Development environments need separate credentials from production. Access logs should track all changes to SMTP configurations. Regular monitoring helps detect unauthorized access attempts.
3. Access Control
- Strong server permissions protect email configurations. File system permissions must be set appropriately. Directory access needs strict controls. These measures prevent unauthorized access to sensitive email settings.
- Development environments need separate user accounts. Staging environments require different credentials. Production environments must have the strictest access controls. This separation prevents accidental changes to live systems.
- User account management demands regular attention. Each environment needs unique user credentials. Shared accounts should never be used. Regular password updates are essential. Account activities require constant monitoring.
FAQs
1. How do I create a new order confirmation email in Magento 2?
To create a new order confirmation email, navigate to Marketing > Communications > Email Templates. Load the default Magento 2 email template, customize it, and save it as a new email. Add variables like {{var order.increment\_id}} to include order details.
2. How can I override Magento 2 email templates in a custom theme?
To override an email template, copy the physical files in your custom theme directory. Edit the template file in app/design/frontend/\[Vendor\]/\[Theme\]/Magento\_Email/templates/. Save the changes and refresh the cache.
3. Can I customize Magento 2 transactional email templates?
Yes, you can customize Magento 2 email templates by loading the default Magento 2 email. Go to Marketing > Communications > Email Templates. Modify the content, add CSS styles, or include your email logo to personalize it.
4. What are the system variables in Magento 2 email templates?
System variables are placeholders that dynamically populate data in emails. Use the "Insert Variable" button. It is to add details like store name, customer email, or order confirmation details. These variables ensure personalized communication with customers.
5. How do I add CSS styles to Magento 2 email templates?
To add CSS styles, edit the HTML of the template in the admin panel. Inline styles are recommended for better compatibility with email clients. Save and test the email before sending it.
Summary
Magento 2 transactional email variables help customize emails for a personalized experience. In this tutorial, we explain how to create and use variables for emails. Here is a quick recap:
- Use variables for personalized Magento transactional emails.
- Customize email templates through admin panel settings.
- Override default templates in a custom theme.
- Test templates for multilingual and rendering issues.
- Ensure secure email handling with encrypted variables.
Choose managed Magento hosting with in-built transactional email templates for better conversions.
