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Manage Message Size

If you can identify the sound of a dial-up modem, you likely remember when computer storage space and memory were expensive. These days, it takes a lot more to slow down your system — like opening 47 browser tabs. But it's still possible to bog down your system, sometimes without even knowing it!

It's important to consider the size of the messages you send via MinistryPlatform. When messages go out to hundreds of recipients, the database has to work hard to "mail merge" those tokens and send each message out.

Here are some tips to avoid straining your instance and causing slow response times.
  • Check the Large Messages view on the Messages page or the Large Templates view on the Templates page in the Platform. Messages in this view display from largest to smallest size. Review the larger messages to see if you can reduce the size of any attached images or files. Typically, reducing the size of an image does not affect the quality of the image when viewed in an email.

  • Schedule bulk messages to send during off-peak hours if they're not urgent. Since these messages can slow down your Platform instance, it's best to choose times when staff are not trying to complete other tasks in the database. Remember, peak hours aren't just during business hours. Avoid scheduling bulk messages during any evening or weekend activities and ministries.

Note: We plan to provide more ways to help you actively manage message size and send messages more efficiently! Keep an eye on future release notes for more information.