---
title: "The Case Tag"
slug: "case-tags-in-liquid-markup"
updated: 2026-04-16T19:39:14Z
published: 2026-04-16T19:39:14Z
canonical: "knowledge.technolutions.net/case-tags-in-liquid-markup"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.technolutions.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# The Case Tag

In [Liquid markup](/v1/docs/getting-started-with-liquid-markup), the `case` tag lets you create an array of outputs that depend on the value of a given export.

In the **case** of a person reading your email: **when** they are an inquiry, they’ll receive a welcome message; **when** they are an applicant, they’ll instead find next steps on their application.

## How to use `case`

`case` works like the conditional tag `if`, but with a little more structure:

- Case blocks begin with the `case`, followed by the export you want Slate to evaluate. In our example, `{% case export %}`.
- The exports are themselves followed by one or more `when` conditions, each corresponding to a potential value the export might have: `{% when export-value-1 %}`, `{% when export-value-2 %}`, and so on.
- An optional (but recommended) `else` tag catches `case`s without any matching `when`s: `{% else %}`
- Finally, it is closed with an `endcase` tag.

All together:

```plaintext
{% case export %}
    {% when export-value-1 %}
        Output for Export Value 1
    {% when export-value-2 %}
        Output for Export Value 2
    {% else %}
        Fallback if no when conditions are satisfied
{% endcase %}
```

#### Examples

Present different calls to action depending on the recipient’s person status, or else an opportunity to update their profile if they have no status:

```plaintext
{% case {{Person-Status}}%}
    {% when "Inquiry" %}
        Welcome {{Person-Preferred}}! We're so excited that you're interested in exploring Slate University. Check out our upcoming events!
    {% when "Applicant" %}
        Hello {{Person-Preferred}}! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about your application!
    {% when "Current Student" %}
        Hello {{Person-Preferred}}, Check in with the Student Activities and Student Life Office to explore extracurriculars at Slate University
    {% when "Alumnit" %}
        Hello {{Person-Preferred}}, Stay connected with our alumni network for exclusive events and opportunities.
    {% else %}
        Welcome to Slate University! Please update your profile to get the most relevant information.
{% endcase %}
```

Show a student different material based on the value in their `major` field, or else give them an interdisciplinary course if they don’t have a major yet:

```plaintext
{% case student.major %}
    {% when "Computer Science" %}
        This course dives into advanced algorithms, perfect for Computer Science majors looking to deepen their programming skills.
    {% when "Business" %}
        This course covers the essentials of data analysis, ideal for Business majors interested in data-driven decision-making.
    {% when "Art" %}
        Explore digital tools for creating innovative art, a must-take for Art majors focusing on digital media.
    {% else %}
        Discover this interdisciplinary course, designed to appeal to students from all majors.
{% endcase %}
```

## When to use `case` over `if`

`case` tags are designed specifically for scenarios where evaluation of a **single export** against multiple values is necessary.

`if` tags, on the other hand, require either `if` or `elsif` tags for each condition, which is wordier and can be harder to maintain.

Take the following examples. Both deliver the same outcome to the end user, one using `case` and `when` tags, the other using `if` and `elsif` tags:

Using the case tagUsing if and elsif tags

```plaintext
{% case {{applicant_type}} %}
    {% when "full-time" %}
        Full-time student message
    {% when "part-time" %}
        Part-time student message
    {% when "alumni" %}
        Alumni message
    {% else %}
        Default message
{% endcase %}
```

```plaintext
{% if {{applicant_type}} == "full-time" %}
    Full-time student message
{% elsif {{applicant_type}} == "part-time" %}
    Part-time student message
{% elsif {{applicant_type}} == "alumni" %}
    Alumni message
{% else %}
    Default message
{% endif %}
```

#### Readability

In this example, the `case` tag is more readable and succinct as it compares the same export, like `applicant_type`, against its multiple values. The `if` tag makes you to call the `applicant_type` export every time.

#### Performance

The `case` tag has added performance benefits: it evaluates the expression once and matches it against all possible outcomes, whereas each individual `if/elsif` tag must be evaluated separately. While this might not be a critical factor, it can cause efficiency issues as your Liquid markup gets more complex.

#### Flexibility

Here, `if` has the edge. `case` tags allow for a fixed set of potential values to compare against, while `if` *tags* are better off evaluating complex conditions, or when those conditions are not just simple value comparisons.

**📖** See the [Shopify documentation on case tags](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/liquid/tags/case).