Templating language

The InTouch templating language lets you build dynamic content — emails, SMS messages, documents, and form fee calculations — by mixing fixed text with data markers that are replaced with real values when the template runs.

It uses double curly braces {{ }} to mark the dynamic parts of your template. If you’ve used Handlebars before, the syntax will feel familiar.

Note

Who this guide is for: anyone building InTouch templates — no programming experience needed. Work through it in order, or jump to a topic from the contents below.

Tip

Skim A quick example below, then see the full worked example that combines markers, conditions, loops, and dates in one template.

A quick example

Template:

Dear {{matter.primaryclient.forename}},

Thank you for instructing us on {{matter.name}}.

Output:

Dear John,

Thank you for instructing us on Sale of 1 High Street, Smith.

The two building blocks

Everything you write is made of just two things:

Building block	Looks like	Purpose
Data marker	{{matter.name}}	Inserts a value.
Helper	{{#if ...}} ... {{#endif}}	Adds logic, loops, formatting, and calculations. Helpers always start with #.

Note

A couple of ground rules: anything outside {{ }} is printed exactly as written, and names are not case-sensitive. The complete syntax rules live in Syntax basics.

Guide contents

1. Syntax basics (comments, code blocks)
2. Data markers & variables
3. Conditionals (#if)
4. Loops (#foreach)
5. Maths (#calc, #var, #abs, #round)
6. Formatting (#datetime, text case, #trim)
7. Composition (#partial, #question, quote tables)
8. Property tax helpers (stamp duty)
9. Error messages & how to fix them
10. Worked example (putting it all together)

Helper cheat sheet

Every helper at a glance. Helper names start with # and are case-insensitive.

Helper	What it does	Guide
{{marker}}	Insert a data value	Data markers
#var / $variable	Store and reuse a value	Data markers, Maths
#if / #elseif / #else / #endif	Show or hide content	Conditionals
#foreach / #endforeach	Repeat once per list item	Loops
#calc	Calculate and show a number	Maths
#abs	Absolute (positive) value	Maths
#round	Round to decimal places	Maths
#ceil / #floor	Round a calculation up / down	Maths
#datetime	Format a date	Formatting
#uppercase / #lowercase / #titlecase	Change text case	Formatting
#trim	Remove surrounding spaces	Formatting
#partial	Drop in a reusable block	Composition
#question	Ask a yes/no question at generation time	Composition
#partial htmlquotetable / #groupedhtmlquotetable	Build fee/quote tables (email only)	Composition
#uksdlt and other tax helpers	Calculate property tax	Property tax helpers
{{## ... }}	Comment (never output)	Syntax basics
{{@@ ... }}	Code block (many statements at once)	Syntax basics

How do I…?

I want to…	Use	Guide
Insert a name, reference, or date	A data marker	Data markers
Show text only when a field has a value	#if	Conditionals
Show different text for different cases	#if / #elseif / #else	Conditionals
List every item in a matter (e.g. time records)	#foreach	Loops
Work out a fee or percentage	#calc or #var	Maths
Round a fee up per part-unit (e.g. per $100 or part thereof)	#ceil / #floor	Maths
Format a date (e.g. 2 January 2025)	#datetime	Formatting
Change text to UPPER, lower, or Title case	#uppercase etc.	Formatting
Ask the author a yes/no question	#question	Composition
Insert a fee/quote table into an email	Quote table helpers	Composition
Calculate stamp duty / land tax	#uksdlt etc.	Property tax helpers
Understand an error message	—	Errors

Glossary

Term	Meaning
Data marker	A placeholder like {{matter.name}} replaced with a real value when the template runs.
Helper	A # instruction that adds logic, formatting, or calculation — e.g. #if, #datetime.
Block helper	A helper with an opening and closing tag, e.g. #if … #endif.
Variable	A value you create in the template with #var; its name starts with $.
Partial	A ready-made, reusable block of template inserted with #partial.
Stakeholder	A person on the matter (client, solicitor, etc.), reached via stakeholder.* markers.

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Start here: Syntax basics →