> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.replyco.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.replyco.com/main-sections/organizing-and-automatization/instant-messages/auto-response-rules.md).

# Auto-response Rules

Before setting up an auto-response rule, you need to create a template that is going to be sent.

## Step 1: Create an Auto-Response Template

In order to create a template, please visit the **Instant** **Tools => Templates** tab and press the **Create New** button.

<figure><img src="/files/BkQOjdhZFFxYYlzuTwnd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Visit the <strong>Instant</strong> <strong>Tools => Templates</strong> tab and press the <strong>Create New</strong> button.</p></figcaption></figure>

The following window appears on the right-hand side:

<figure><img src="/files/qjmRS5Bd57KWHnfeHR56" alt=""><figcaption><p>Template Creation window.</p></figcaption></figure>

**Set a Template name**. This name will appear in the list of available templates when replying to a ticket.

**Type a text for your template**. This text will be inserted into the reply box when you choose a template.

<figure><img src="/files/yWl6ikEmTd1mYR9Cpr5s" alt=""><figcaption><p>Template example.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Step 2: Creating an Auto-Response rule

Visit the **Instant** **Tools => Auto-response Rules** tab and press the **Create New** button.

<figure><img src="/files/O6AX4TITa2XLekEJeRHF" alt=""><figcaption><p>Visit the <strong>Instant</strong> <strong>Tools => Auto-response Rules</strong> tab and press the <strong>Create New</strong> button.</p></figcaption></figure>

Once clicked, an Auto-Response rule creation window will appear:

<figure><img src="/files/oemPJF2TzEBjpgh5OWVY" alt=""><figcaption><p>Auto-Response rule creation window.</p></figcaption></figure>

Here is the fields & settings description:

* **Rule Name**: this is the name of your AR rule;
* **Template to Send**: here you need to choose a template that this AR rule will send to your clients;
* **Integrations & Widgets**: here you need to decide what integration(s) or Replyco LiveChat widget(s) will be covered by this AR rule;
* **Date Range**: this option allows you to select whether the AR rule will work endlessly or within a certain date frame;
* **Delay Range**: this option allows you to define the number of minutes that should pass from the moment of a client's message arrival till the AR will be sent. It can be a certain value or a range when our system will pick the number of minutes randomly;
* **Frequency**: this option allows you to choose whether each customer's message in a ticket will be auto-replied or just the first one;
* **Send outside working hours**: this option allows the Auto-Response rule to refer to your Company's Working Hours (can be set up on a Company Settings page) and send ARs outside of them;
* **Days**: this setting allows you to define days of the week when this AR will be active;
* **Active between**: this setting allows you to define certain hours & minutes when this AR will be active during the days chosen in the previous setting;
* **Conditions**: this setting defines when exactly this AR should be triggered.

Once everything is set up, click Save:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/pdYyZfnaNmzEfO0WdDNd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Once done, click <strong>Save</strong>.</p></figcaption></figure>

### All Done!

#### Still have questions?

{% hint style="info" %}
**We're here to help!** If you have ANY questions, need help with setup, or just want to chat about customer support (really, we are always up for a good chat), please don't hesitate to reach out via:

**Chat:** [Click on the chat icon](http://replyco.com/#chat) (lower right of the App)

![](/files/QbOMrBEWDv4EeOi2pABN)

**Email:** <help@replyco.com>

**Phone**: US:flag\_us:  +1 407-588-2574 | UK:flag\_gb: +44 20 8064 0564 &#x20;
{% endhint %}