With the message template, you can present a brief message and optional relevant actions.

Use this template to communicate error messages, permission prompts, and other information about UI states.

The Messages template can be embedded in the[Tab template](https://developer.android.com/design/ui/cars/guides/templates/tab-template)to provide tabbed navigation, and the[Map + Content template](https://developer.android.com/design/ui/cars/guides/templates/map-content-template)to display a message on a map.
| **Note:** This template is intended for quick messages, with related actions as secondary. To display a longer message, use the[Long Message template](https://developer.android.com/design/ui/cars/guides/templates/long-message-template). To display more detailed information with prominent actions, use the[Pane template](https://developer.android.com/design/ui/cars/guides/templates/pane-template).

A message template includes the following:

- Optional[header](https://developer.android.com/design/ui/cars/guides/components/header)(header is replaced with tabs when this template is embedded in the[Tab template](https://developer.android.com/design/ui/cars/guides/templates/tab-template))
- Up to 2 lines of wrapping text
- Image, icon, or loading spinner (optional)
- Up to 2[buttons](https://developer.android.com/design/ui/cars/guides/components/button)in template body (optional), where one can be designated as[primary](https://developer.android.com/design/ui/cars/guides/components/button#primary)

![Example of a message template](https://developer.android.com/static/images/design/ui/cars/components/message-template-1.png)Example of a message in tabbed navigation.![Example of a message template](https://developer.android.com/static/images/design/ui/cars/components/message-template-2.png)Example of displaying a message on a map.

## Message template UX requirements

|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| **MUST**   | Include message text.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| **SHOULD** | Designate a[primary](https://developer.android.com/cars/design/create-apps/apps-for-drivers/components/button#primary)action when providing 2 actions.                                                                                            |
| **SHOULD** | Place the primary action closest to the driver (on the left for left-hand-drive vehicles) when there are 2 actions.                                                                                                                               |
| **SHOULD** | Include a header with an optional title and primary and secondary actions.                                                                                                                                                                        |
| **MAY**    | Include an image or icon asset.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   |
| **MAY**    | Include up to 2 actions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| **MAY**    | Use this template to prompt users about app permissions and open related flows on the phone when parked (as shown in[Grant permissions on phone](https://developer.android.com/cars/design/create-apps/sample-flows/grant-permissions-on-phone)). |