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How to Use the 'Send Test and Verify Merge Fields' Button on Salesforce Classic Email Templates

Date de publication: Jul 17, 2026
Description

After creating an email template in Salesforce, you can verify that merge fields populate correctly by sending a test email to a specified address. The Send Test and Verify Merge Fields button (also labeled Send Email and Verify Merge Fields in some contexts) is available in Salesforce Classic UI and in Lightning Experience when accessed through Setup > Classic Email Templates.

Important Limitations by Experience Type

  • The Classic Email Templates you create can be used in both Salesforce Classic and Lightning Experience.
  • In Lightning Experience, when writing an email directly from a record, the Send Test and Verify Merge Fields option is unavailable. Instead, preview the email by clicking the eye icon located below the email text area.
  • In Lightning Experience, when creating templates from the Email Templates object (not Classic Email Templates), there is no option to preview or send a test email.
  • Lightning Email Action and Lightning List Email Action are only available in Lightning Experience.
  • For approval email templates that include approval-specific merge fields (such as {ApprovalRequest.Comments}), it is not advisable to use Send Test and Verify Merge Fields. Instead, approve a sample record to trigger the email alert and confirm the template renders correctly.
Résolution

How to Test Merge Fields Using 'Send Test and Verify Merge Fields'

Navigate to the Classic Email Template you want to test and click Send Test and Verify Merge Fields. A window opens displaying "Preview the template with the following records:"

Option 1: Recipient Record

Select a Contact, Lead, or User. The template retrieves contact-related merge fields such as {Contact.FirstNameLocal}. No email is sent to the selected Contact, Lead, or User.

Option 2: Related to Record

If your email template uses merge fields from objects such as Accounts or Opportunities, select any record from those objects. The template retrieves and populates merge fields from that record.

Option 3: Send Email Preview to a Specific Address

Select the Send email preview to checkbox and enter an email address to generate and send a test email. This is the only option that sends an actual test email. The email is sent only to the address you specify — not to the Recipient Record's email address. Test with multiple email clients (Outlook, Yahoo, etc.) to confirm rendering.
Note: The Send Test and Verify Merge Fields option is available in Classic UI and in Lightning UI only when accessed through Setup > Classic Email Templates.

Numéro d’article de la base de connaissances

000385807

 
Chargement
Salesforce Help | Article