No Code Merge Tags
Personalizing emails in Knak no longer requires viewing or editing raw code.
Merge tags appear as visual pill-shaped elements instead of raw code like {{##FirstName##}}.
This keeps your emails clean. It also makes editing easier.
Multi-Map Merge Tags
Use multiple sets of merge tags across platforms without changing your workflow.
How It Works
Each platform-specific tag maps to a single pill in Knak. When you sync the asset, Knak translates it into the correct syntax for each platform automatically.
Example
If you use both Marketo and Pardot, Knak outputs the correct merge tag syntax for each platform from the same email.
Key Benefits
Create once
Deploy everywhere
No manual syntax updates
Scale across business units
Create and Edit Merge Tags
Use merge tags to personalize your content with dynamic data from your integration.
Create a New Merge Tag
Go to Admin > Integrations > Merge Tags.
Click Create Merge Tag.
Enter the token values in the input fields.
If you use Marketo and plan to add this merge tag to a dynamic section, enter the Velocity script syntax in the Velocity Script Token field. Velocity script is Marketo’s scripting language. It controls how dynamic content displays.
Edit an Existing Merge Tag
Go to Admin > Integrations > Merge Tags.
Click the merge tag you want to update.
You can click the merge tag name or the edit icon to update.
Update the token values in the input fields.
Merge Tag Preview Values in Studio
Note: This feature is currently in Alpha testing. Please reach out to maral.artang@knak.com if you would like to participate.
Assign preview values to merge tags. View them directly in Studio before sending.
This feature helps you understand exactly how your email will render. It improves visibility. It reduces guesswork when working with dynamic content.
How Preview Values Work
Step 1: Set a Preview Value for a Merge Tag
Go to Admin.
Scroll down. Click Integrations.
Select Merge Tags.
Choose one option:
Click Create Merge Tag to add a new tag.
Select an existing tag to edit.
Enter a Preview Value.
Example: If you have a Lead Country merge tag, add the preview value "Canada."
Click Save.
Step 2: Use the Merge Tag in Studio
Open an asset in Studio.
Add or edit a Text Box.
Click the Tag drop down menu.
Select your merge tag to add it to your text box.
Step 3: Preview the Email
Select Preview.
Turn on toggles in the Merge tag preview feature:
Highlight merge tags
Show preview values
This confirms personalization. It also confirms formatting before you publish or export.
Tag Management Options
Clean Up Tags: Remove unused system fields to simplify tag options by clicking the trash icon:
Rename Tags: Customize tag names to match internal language
Permission Control: Allow non-admins access to the Merge Tags page via role permissions.
Merge tag related permissions are:
Allow the user to view merge tags
Allows the user to create, update, and delete merge tags.
Allows the user to override merge tag default values
Adding Merge Tags to Assets
Email Body
Use the text editor’s popup tool. Click Tags to insert a merge tag into a Text Bar.
Subject Line and Preview Text
Type # followed by the tag name. Example: #FirstName.
This works in:
Theme Builder
Email Builder
Troubleshooting
If a merge tag inserts an email address or URL, it will not appear clickable in Studio.
Use a Special Link to apply correct link formatting.
Need more help? Contact support via live chat within Knak using the chat bubble in the bottom right corner or email support@knak.com