Move Custom message to the top of the email body?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

Topic: Reordering content and using multiple templates in Shopify draft order/invoice emails (notifications).

  • Moving “Custom Message” above the main body is possible by editing the notification template code. Guidance links are provided; backing up notifications/themes before changes is advised.

  • Multiple templates for draft order notifications are not natively supported. Shopify’s notification system lacks an alternate template feature, unlike online store themes.

  • Workarounds: consolidate all desired “templates” into a single notification and use conditional/switching logic to display different content based on business rules. Maintain individual content blocks as external files and collate them into one multi-use template.

  • Recommendations/next steps: manually customize the notification template; submit a feature request to Shopify for multi-template support.

  • Status: No built-in solution; feasible via code customization. Discussion provides direction but remains open for implementation choices.

Summarized with AI on December 17. AI used: gpt-5.
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I am having a hard to moving the “custom message” that’s available when sending a payable invoice/draft order to a customer. We have a very lengthy body and the “custom message” shows up after this lengthy area. Is it possible to have the Custom Message show up before the main body?

Also, for a follow up is there a way to create multiple templates for draft order in shopify?

We really like the draft order and payable invoice system but wished that we had the option for different templates based on the different types of products we are selling.

I have already looked at 5-6 other apps that have this ability but you always have to export a pdf and then build a new email which is cumbersome. We like how shopify integrates it directly into the backend of draft orders and once it’s paid it shows as an order.

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‌‌‌‌:warning: :bomb: Always backup notifications and themes before changing files :bomb: :warning:‌

Hi @Eco12345 :waving_hand: yes it’s possible, only by manually editing the code for the template to change the logic.

https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/fulfillment/setup/notifications

https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/fulfillment/setup/notifications/customizing-notification-template

Also, for a follow up is there a way to create multiple templates for draft order in shopify?> > .. build a new email which is cumbersome.

Notifications do not have an alternate template system or similar conveniences as the online-sales channel themes.

So it is cumbersome all the way down. File feature requests with shopify support directly https://help.shopify.com/en/support/topic-select/login-issue/contact

Put all the templates directly into the notification template and use switching logic based on business needs to send one content or the other.

Generally you want to manage the individual “templates” all as external files that are then collated to make a singular multi-use template.

Merchants that need advanced notifications customization can contact me for services
Contact info in forum signature.
ALWAYS please provide context, examples: store url, theme name, post url(s) , or any further detail in ALL correspondence.