Work with templates

This topic describes how to show and hide the template page displayed for new workflows, select templates for new workflows, and save workflow templates.

Workflow templates allow workflow designers to begin designing from existing workflows, which saves time by removing the need to recreate similar workflows from scratch. Workflow templates are available for reuse within the site collection on which they were saved. You can export workflows to use them on other site collections. For more information, see Import and export workflows.

The template page is available for workflows on lists and document libraries only. By default, the template page is hidden for new workflows.

To show the template page for new workflows on lists or libraries

1. On the Workflow designer ribbon, click Open to display the Open Workflow dialog box.
2. Select the check box Show template page when creating a new workflow.
3. Click Select to save changes and close the dialog box.

To hide the template page for new workflows on lists or libraries

1. Access the Workflow designer or, if already accessed, click New on the Workflow designer ribbon.

   This action triggers display of the Select a Workflow Template dialog box.

2. Clear the check box Show template page when creating a new workflow and then close the dialog box.

To select a template for use in a new workflow

1. Access the Workflow designer or, if already accessed, click New on the Workflow designer ribbon.

   This action triggers display of the Select a Workflow Template dialog box, if the template page is shown for new workflows.

   For instructions on showing the template page, see the procedure above.

   Template categories are listed on the left. Pre-loaded templates depend on the installed version of the product.

2. To view templates in a category, click the category.

3. To view information for a template, click the template.

   The template description appears on the right, along with the last date and account used for modification.

   Note: You can also hover over templates to view their descriptions.

4. Select a template by doing one of the following.
   • Click the template and then click Create.
   • Double-click the template.

   The workflow design of the selected template is loaded into the Workflow designer.

To save the current workflow as a template

1. On the Workflow designer ribbon, under Save, select Save As Template to display the Save as Template dialog box.

2. Fill in the fields and then click Submit.

   The workflow template is now available for selection when creating new workflows.

Related information

Save as Template dialog box

Delete workflow templates