A merge tag returns an empty value
An empty merge tag usually means that the current object has no value for that tag, the tag belongs to another template context or the stored field key does not match. Use this guide before adding fallback text.
Identify the template context
POM Theme exposes different merge-tag families for different jobs:
- Archive tags describe the current archive and insert its result area.
- Feed tags describe one repeated result item.
- Single tags read the current post or other supported content object.
Start from the corresponding merge-tag index. A valid tag from another family can be unavailable in the current context.
Verify the source value
- Open the template under Settings → POM Theme → Templates → HMTL templates.
- Locate the exact tag, including its delimiters and any field key.
- Identify the content object used for preview or for the public URL.
- Open that object and confirm that the source field, image, term or other value is populated.
- If the tag reads a custom field, compare the exact saved field key rather than its human-readable label.
- Save the object first, then save the template and preview the same context again.
An empty value can be correct for an object that does not contain the requested data.
Check formatting
Use the documented tag syntax for the current template family. When a tag is placed inside a long attribute value containing spaces, quotes, HTML or nested tags, use the supported %%...%% wrapper described in the formatting guide.
Do not replace delimiters by trial and error or insert PHP into template content.
Test with representative content
A template preview must use an object that actually has the field being tested. Compare two objects: one with a known value and one without it. If only the populated object renders, the tag is working and the content needs a value or an intentional fallback.
Expected result
The merge tag renders the stored value for a compatible object and produces the documented empty or fallback behavior when the value is absent.
If the whole repeated area is empty
In an archive template, verify that {{archive_results}} is present once. If individual items are absent, check the assigned feed template and the archive query rather than a single field tag.