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An eBay description template controls the HTML layout of a listing description. It stays separate from the item’s plain description text and from the item specifics sent to eBay. You do not need this to start. Use it when you want a consistent, branded layout across many eBay listings.
An eBay description template preview

An illustrative eBay description template preview with sample content. Your builder and available fields can vary by account.

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Do you need a template?

Use a template if:
  • you sell the same kind of items repeatedly;
  • you want a consistent layout with your shop name, policies and measurements;
  • you want to insert item specifics or measurements automatically;
  • you are comfortable checking a preview before publishing.
Skip it if:
  • you are still learning the basics;
  • you only sell a few items;
  • you would rather write each description by hand.

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Choose a layout

For a connected account with HTML descriptions enabled, choose one of these:
  • Automatic — use the account’s category rules and defaults.
  • None — a clean, plain description.
  • A saved template or preset — your own reusable layout.
Open the template builder and switch between HTML Source and Visual Preview.

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Insert variables

Choose Insert variable to search available fields. The picker shows the source and an example value for each field. Common groups include:
  • product details;
  • condition;
  • measurements;
  • item specifics;
  • policies;
  • related listings;
  • video;
  • seller details;
  • custom fields.
Use conditional sections when a value is optional. Missing values are omitted; Xlistr does not guess them. Collections such as measurements and item specifics can be inserted as loops. For example:
Item specifics must come from values already synced from eBay or confirmed for the item. Category metadata describes which fields are available; it is not evidence of the item’s attributes. The template changes the description layout only.

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Preview before saving

Preview the current item or sample values at desktop and mobile widths.
  • Use Show raw HTML to inspect the rendered source.
  • Use View clean text to check the readable description.
  • Resolve missing-variable and prohibited-markup warnings before you set a default.
Saving a template or account default does not revise a live listing. Review the listing and deliberately publish a revision when you want the change applied.

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Set account defaults

  1. Open Settings > eBay > eBay Description HTML.
  2. Select the connected account.
  3. Choose the HTML opt-in, default template, fallback template and automatic category selection.
  4. Save.
These settings apply to the selected account. Turning HTML off affects future Xlistr publish and revise actions; it does not silently revise existing listings.

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eBay content restrictions

Do not add:
  • scripts or event handlers;
  • forms;
  • arbitrary frames;
  • third-party storefront links;
  • autoplay video players.
Use HTTPS links only where eBay allows them. For supported eBay UK and US accounts, listing video processing and retry options appear beside the video. Playback is handled by eBay’s listing media flow, so do not embed a video player or autoplay markup in the description.
A template is not a licence to add prohibited content. eBay can reject or remove a listing that breaks its rules. Keep the layout simple and the claims accurate.

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Common problems

Check that the template has content and that the selected item has the values the template expects. A template full of optional fields can look empty on a sparse item.
Check the field name and whether the item has a value. Use a conditional section or a fallback so the description still reads well when a value is missing.
Remove scripts, forms, frames and prohibited links. Check the raw HTML for anything eBay does not allow, then preview again.
Saving a template does not update live listings. Open the listing and publish a revision if you want the new layout applied.
Preview at both widths. Some layouts that look fine on desktop are too wide or too small on a phone.

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Next steps

Templates and bulk listing

Reuse listing defaults across several items.

eBay guide

Understand the rest of the eBay listing flow.

Shipping and listing details

Complete the fields eBay requires.

Fix listing errors

Work through eBay rejection messages.