Lodash _.template() Method

Beginner
5 min read
Updated: Nov 2026
5 examples
String
Decorative image with the word TEMPLATE

Definition

Creates a compiled template function that can interpolate data, HTML-escape values, and run JavaScript inside delimiters. Part of Lodash String (stable since 0.1.0 — not deprecated). Warning: never compile untrusted user template strings — they become executable functions. Use fixed templates and pass data only.

Pass the string and options shown below. Check the return type before you chain another helper.

Syntax

Call _.template. Start with this line.

Lodash
_.template(string, [options])
CallWhat it does
_.template(string, [options])Primary signature.
_.template(string)Transform or inspect a string.

Prefer import template from "lodash/template" when you want a smaller bundle.

Library declarations
Lodash
_.template(string, [options])

Parameters

ParameterDescription
stringRequired. Template source to compile
optionsOptional. Custom delimiters, imports, variable, etc.

Return Value

Return ValueDescription
*Compiled template function

Lodash Examples

Example 1 — Official: Interpolate Delimiter

Compile once, then insert data with interpolate tags.

Lodash
var compiled = _.template("hello <%= user %>!");

console.log(compiled({ user: "fred" }));
// 'hello fred!'
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Compile. _.template returns a function.
  2. Data. Pass { user: 'fred' }.
  3. Insert. The interpolate tag becomes fred.
  4. Docs. Matches the official first example.

Example 2 — Official: HTML Escape Delimiter

Use escape tags so markup characters become safe entities.

Lodash
var compiled = _.template("<b><%- value %></b>");

console.log(compiled({ value: "<script>" }));
// '<b>&lt;script&gt;</b>'
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Escape tag. Values are HTML-escaped before insert.
  2. Input. A script-looking string becomes safe text entities.
  3. Why. Prefer this for untrusted strings in HTML.
  4. Docs. Matches the official escape example.

Example 3 — Official: Evaluate Delimiter

Run JavaScript to generate repeated HTML.

Lodash
var compiled = _.template(
  "<% _.forEach(users, function(user) { %>" +
  "<li><%- user %></li>" +
  "<% }); %>"
);

console.log(compiled({ users: ["fred", "barney"] }));
// '<li>fred</li><li>barney</li>'
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Evaluate. The evaluate block runs a _.forEach loop.
  2. Escape each. Each name is inserted with the escape tag.
  3. Output. Two list items are concatenated.
  4. Docs. Matches the official evaluate example.

Example 4 — Official: Internal print Helper

Write output from evaluate blocks with print.

Lodash
var compiled = _.template('<% print("hello " + user); %>!');

console.log(compiled({ user: "barney" }));
// 'hello barney!'
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Evaluate. The block runs as JavaScript.
  2. print. Appends text to the template output.
  3. Result. 'hello barney!' — matches the docs.
  4. Tip. Prefer interpolate tags for simple inserts.

Example 5 — Official: Custom Delimiters

Swap default tags for Mustache-style {{ }}.

Lodash
_.templateSettings.interpolate = /{{([\s\S]+?)}}/g;

var compiled = _.template("hello {{ user }}!");

console.log(compiled({ user: "mustache" }));
// 'hello mustache!'
Try It Yourself

How It Works

  1. Settings. Override interpolate with a custom RegExp.
  2. Compile. Template uses {{ user }} instead of default tags.
  3. Render. Same data-driven substitution.
  4. Caution. Global templateSettings affects later compiles — prefer per-call options when possible.
Compatibility

Browser & Runtime Support

_.template is a Lodash String helper available since 0.1.0. It runs anywhere Lodash runs — modern browsers (via CDN or bundle) and Node.js / Bun / Deno with npm install lodash. Development builds can attach sourceURLs for easier debugging.

✓ Stable · Lodash 4.x

_.template()

Available in [email protected] full builds and the lodash/template modular import. Works in evergreen browsers and current Node LTS when Lodash is installed.

100% With Lodash 4.x
Google Chrome Supported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Mozilla Firefox Supported · Desktop & Mobile
Full support
Apple Safari Supported · macOS & iOS
Full support
Microsoft Edge Supported · Chromium
Full support
Internet Explorer No native support · Use a polyfill
Polyfill
Opera Supported · Modern versions
Full support
Samsung Internet Supported · Android
Full support
Bun Supported · JavaScript runtime
Supported
Deno Supported · JavaScript runtime
Supported
Node.js Supported · Server runtime
Supported
Android WebView Supported · Modern WebView
Full support
_.template Since 0.1.0

Bottom line: Safe for trusted templates in production once Lodash is on the page. Prefer import template from "lodash/template" for smaller builds. Never compile untrusted template source.

Frequently Asked Questions

_.template(string, [options]) creates a compiled template function. Call that function with a data object to produce the rendered string. Official: compile 'hello' + interpolate user + '!' with { user: 'fred' } → 'hello fred!'.
Interpolate inserts values. Escape HTML-escapes values. Evaluate runs JavaScript (loops, conditionals).
No. Templates compile to functions and can execute code. Only compile trusted template sources; treat data as untrusted and prefer escape tags for HTML.
No. Compile once, reuse the function. Recompiling in a hot loop wastes CPU.
Yes. Set _.templateSettings.interpolate / escape / evaluate, or pass matching options to _.template.
Use import template from "lodash/template" or require("lodash/template") so bundlers can tree-shake. Full build: import _ from "lodash" then _.template.

Next: _.toLower()

Convert a string to lowercase characters.

_.toLower() tutorial →

About the author

Mari Selvan M P
Mari Selvan M P 🔗

Developer, cloud engineer, and technical writer

  • Experience 12 years building web and cloud systems
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I write practical tutorials so students and working developers can learn by doing—from databases and APIs to deployment on AWS.

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