Save as Template

This guide explains how to turn a finished page layout into a reusable "Starter Kit" for future content. It helps beginners avoid repetitive work by capturing the structure, spacing, and components of a high-performing page. You’ll learn how to create a library of your own custom templates, making site expansion faster and more consistent.

Why Use Templates?

Imagine you’ve spent an hour perfectly formatting a "Case Study" page with a specific hero banner, a three-column stat grid, and a testimonial slider at the bottom. By using Save as Template, you record that exact DNA. The next time you have a new case study, you simply select your template, and the entire structure appears instantly—leaving you only to swap out the text and images.

Templates vs. Blueprints

In Umbraco 17+, these are often referred to as Content Templates (or Blueprints). They live in the "Settings" or "Content" section and act as a master copy. When you create a page from a template, it creates a new, independent instance. Changing the new page won't break the original template, and updating the template won't retroactively change pages you've already built.

Watch: Creating and Using Content Templates in Umbraco 17+

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This video demonstrates how to take a finished Block Grid page and save it as a template to be used as a starting point for new nodes.

Other Related Tutorials

Action Steps to Save a Template

  1. Open the Source Page: Go to the page that has the layout you want to copy.

  2. Access the Action Menu: Click the arrow next to the "Save and Publish" button.

  3. Select 'Create Content Template': Give your template a clear, descriptive name (e.g., "Standard Service Page" or "Landing Page - Style A").

  4. Confirm Settings: Umbraco will save all current properties, including Block Grid layouts and SEO settings.

  5. Using Your Template: To use it later, right-click a parent node, select Create, and look for your template name under the "From Template..." section at the bottom of the list.

 

Pro-Tip: When saving a template, try to use "Placeholder" text (like "Enter Client Name Here") in your blocks. This makes it much more obvious for other team members what they need to edit once they launch a new page from your template!