> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpdesk.smaply.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpdesk.smaply.app/account-and-team/customization/how-to-create-and-use-templates.md).

# How to create and use templates

A template is a saved journey map structure you can reuse for similar projects, so you don't rebuild the same lanes and stages every time. You save a map as a template from the journey maps list, and you start a new map from a template either when you create a new map or from the workspace **Templates** section.

{% hint style="info" icon="tag" %}
Custom templates are available on the **Repository** plan and above.
{% endhint %}

Smaply gives you two kinds of templates. Smaply Templates ship with your account as ready-made starting points, and User Templates are the ones you save from your own journey maps. Both live in the same place and work the same way.

#### How to save a journey map as a template

You turn any existing map into a template from its three-dot menu in the journey maps list. The template is a copy, so your original map is untouched.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Open the workspace journey maps list**

Click **Journey maps** in the workspace sidebar to see every map in the workspace.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Open the map's three-dot menu and choose Copy as template**

On the row for the map you want to reuse, click the three-dot menu and select **Copy as template**.

<figure><img src="/files/5iQlJajhUAvs114ftr09" alt="The three-dot menu open on a journey maps list row. The menu lists Manage access, Share link (view-only), Rename, Create a copy, Copy as template, Copy to other workspace, Move to hierarchy, Move to library, Manage tags, and Archive. Copy as template is the option used to save the map as a reusable template."><figcaption><p>Journey maps list row menu > Copy as template</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Find the new template in the Templates section**

The template appears in the workspace **Templates** section, listed by **Name**, **Viewed**, **Created**, and **Creator**. From here you can start new maps from it.

<figure><img src="/files/XPPNzqWKy9OlJNUtlweW" alt="The workspace Templates list. A toolbar across the top has search, filter, and a Create template button. The list has columns for Name, Viewed, Created, and Creator, with one template row shown."><figcaption><p>Workspace Templates section</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

To build a template without starting from an existing map, click **+ Create template** in the **Templates** section to open a blank template, then structure it the same way you would a journey map.

***

#### Start from a template when you create a map

When you create a new journey map, it opens on a **Create your journey map** screen before it has any content, and a **Templates** row there starts the map from a template in one click.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Create a new journey map**

In the workspace **Journey maps** list, click **+ Create journey map** (or **+ New journey** on the dashboard). The new map opens on the **Create your journey map** screen.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Choose a template from the Templates row**

Under **Templates**, click the card for the template you want, and Smaply builds the new map from its structure. The same row has a **Blank journey** card to start from scratch, and it shows your account's ready-made templates alongside the ones you've saved.

<figure><img src="/files/rbIQlE3J4ZjC5AQZiT7x" alt="The Templates row on the new journey map screen. Starting-point cards sit side by side: a Blank journey card labelled Choose your starting lanes, followed by template cards that each show a title and a short description."><figcaption><p>Templates row on the new-map screen</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

The same screen can also draft a map from a text prompt with Smaply AI. See [How to create a journey map](/journey-maps/how-to-create-a-journey-map.md) for the other ways to start.

***

#### Start from a template in the Templates list

If you're already in your **Templates** list, start a map straight from there. Each new map is an independent copy, so editing it never changes the template.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Open the workspace Templates section**

Click **Templates** in the workspace sidebar. The list shows your Smaply templates and any templates you've saved.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Open the template's three-dot menu and choose Copy as journey map**

On the row for the template you want to use, click the three-dot menu and select **Copy as journey map**. Smaply creates a new map from the template's structure and adds it to your journey maps list.

<figure><img src="/files/KjGdV51KBnCOuSp77lKv" alt="The three-dot menu open on a Templates list row. The menu lists Manage access, Share link (view-only), Rename, Create a copy, Copy as journey map, Copy to other workspace, Move to hierarchy, Move to library, Manage tags, and Archive. Copy as journey map starts a new journey map from the template."><figcaption><p>Templates list row menu > Copy as journey map</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

#### How to share a template across workspaces

Templates start out in the workspace where you create them. To make one available in your other workspaces, add it to the **Account Library**, the shared layer that holds content for the whole account. Open the template row's three-dot menu and choose **Move to library**.

{% hint style="info" icon="tag" %}
The **Account Library** is available on the **Framework** plan and above, and applies once your account has more than one workspace.
{% endhint %}

For the full workflow, see [How to use the Account Library](/account-and-team/how-to-use-the-account-library.md).

#### Related topics

<table data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Article</th><th>What it covers</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Target</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>How to create a journey map</strong></td><td>Start a new map from scratch or with Smaply AI, and build out its lanes and stages.</td><td><a href="/pages/LfyJzQKJ0Sv9rMnQYKEQ">/pages/LfyJzQKJ0Sv9rMnQYKEQ</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to use the Account Library</strong></td><td>Share templates, personas, and other content across every workspace in the account.</td><td><a href="/pages/1xJR8wxOSmPbsGgxwtjR">/pages/1xJR8wxOSmPbsGgxwtjR</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to set up custom branding</strong></td><td>Another account-level customization: add your logo, icon, and brand colors.</td><td><a href="/pages/EKjozESfgG8Y8qnOvKPa">/pages/EKjozESfgG8Y8qnOvKPa</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>How to archive a journey map</strong></td><td>Move maps and templates you no longer need out of the active list.</td><td><a href="/pages/0p0xTsJoEwHiuKOfOd3Y">/pages/0p0xTsJoEwHiuKOfOd3Y</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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