Message length (315 characters)

Every text a flow sends can be up to 315 characters. That covers questions, texts, the final text message, follow-ups, and the auto-response for repeat texters. The line under each message box shows how many characters you've used, such as "130 of 315 characters".

Limits at a glance

Where	Limit
Questions, texts, final text message, follow-ups	315 characters
QR code pre-written text	140 characters
Poll question	200 characters
Each poll answer	100 characters
Custom data Field name	100 characters
Picture on a text	525 KB
Email text (Send an email, Email a handout)	No limit

Why texts are kept short

Carriers deliver a long text in pieces, called segments. A plain-text segment holds up to 160 characters, or 153 when a message needs more than one. The line under the box also shows how many texts the message will go out as.

One emoji, curly quote, or other special character switches the whole message to a different encoding, where a segment holds only 70 characters (67 when split). A 150-character message with one emoji goes out as three pieces instead of one. If the count jumps, look for a character pasted in from a word processor.

Personalization

{{contact.first_name | friend}} counts as its typed length in the box, but sends as the person's actual name. A long name or a handout link can make the sent text longer than the box shows. When you use personalization, the counter adds "Personalization can make it longer." Leave some room.

{{download_link}} becomes a short link, about 20 to 30 characters.

Ways to trim

• Cut the greeting. "Thanks for texting in!" can go when the question itself says why.
• Put one sentence per line, and one ask per text.
• Use Insert short URL for links (how).
• Move long details into an email (Send an email).