How to Use Doc Templates in ClickUp
Doc templates in ClickUp help you standardize recurring content, speed up documentation, and keep your workspace organized. This guide explains how to create, apply, and update Doc templates so your team can reuse consistent structures in any space where Docs are available.
What are Doc templates in ClickUp?
Doc templates in ClickUp are reusable layouts you can apply to new or existing Docs. Instead of building the same outline multiple times, you create a template once and then apply it whenever needed.
These templates can include:
- Headings and subheadings
- Formatted text and lists
- Tables, images, and embeds
- Placeholders and instructions for teammates
Doc templates are especially useful for recurring items like meeting notes, project briefs, product specs, and SOPs.
Where Doc templates work in ClickUp
You can use Doc templates in most areas of ClickUp where Docs are available. This allows teams to keep documentation consistent across projects, spaces, and departments.
Before creating or applying templates, confirm you have permission to view and manage Docs in the relevant location in your ClickUp Workspace.
How to create a new Doc template in ClickUp
Follow these steps to turn any Doc into a reusable template in ClickUp.
1. Open or create the Doc
- Navigate to the location in your ClickUp Workspace where you want to work.
- Create a new Doc or open an existing Doc that has the structure you want to reuse.
- Update headings, formatting, and content until the Doc matches the layout you want for your template.
2. Open the template menu
- In the Doc toolbar, look for the template options menu or template icon.
- Select the option to save the current Doc as a template. This opens the Doc template settings window in ClickUp.
3. Name and categorize your template
In the template settings window:
- Enter a clear, descriptive name for the template.
- Optionally add a description so teammates know when to use it.
- Choose the visibility or sharing level, depending on your ClickUp plan and workspace settings.
Use names that make sense to your team, such as “Client Meeting Notes,” “Product Requirement Doc,” or “Project Kickoff Template.”
4. Save the Doc as a template
After configuring the details, confirm and save. The Doc is now stored as a template and available from the Doc template library in ClickUp.
How to apply a Doc template in ClickUp
Once you have at least one template saved, you can apply it to new or existing Docs in ClickUp.
Apply a template to a new Doc
- Create a new Doc from your chosen location in ClickUp.
- Open the template options menu in the Doc.
- Browse the list of available templates, or search by template name.
- Select the template you want to apply.
- Confirm application. The content from the template populates your new Doc.
You can then customize the Doc content without affecting the original template.
Apply a template to an existing Doc
- Open an existing Doc in ClickUp.
- Access the template options menu.
- Choose the option to apply or load a template.
- Select the desired template from your template library.
- Confirm how you want the template applied, based on the options presented in your workspace.
After applying, review and edit the content to match your specific use case.
How to update a Doc template in ClickUp
Over time, your processes may change and you may need to update existing Doc templates in ClickUp. You can either overwrite an existing template or save a revised version as a new template.
1. Open a Doc based on the template
- Locate a Doc that already uses the template you want to update, or create a new Doc from that template in ClickUp.
- Make all the necessary changes to layout, headings, and content.
2. Save the updated structure as a template
Once the content reflects your new standard:
- Open the template options menu in the Doc.
- Choose the option to save as a template.
You will see options to either overwrite an existing template or create a new one.
3. Overwrite or create a new template version
Depending on your needs in ClickUp:
- Overwrite the existing template if you want the old version replaced for everyone going forward.
- Create a new template if you need both the old and new versions to remain available.
Update the name or description as needed so teammates can quickly recognize the correct template.
Best practices for managing templates in ClickUp
To keep your Doc templates efficient and easy to use in ClickUp, follow these guidelines.
Use naming standards
Set a consistent naming convention, such as:
- Prefix by department, for example: “Marketing – Campaign Brief”
- Prefix by use type, such as: “Meeting – Weekly Standup”
- Include version labels if you maintain multiple iterations.
Keep templates lean
Only include the fields and instructions your team truly needs. Extra filler text can slow people down and make Docs harder to read in ClickUp.
Document when to use each template
Create a reference Doc that lists available templates in ClickUp and explains use cases for each. Link that reference from spaces or folders where teammates frequently create Docs.
Review templates regularly
Set a recurring task in ClickUp to review Doc templates. Remove outdated templates and update those that no longer match current workflows.
Troubleshooting Doc templates in ClickUp
If you run into issues with Doc templates in ClickUp, check the following:
- Permissions: Ensure you have permission to view and create templates in that space or folder.
- Template availability: Confirm the template is saved in a location and visibility level accessible to your team.
- Plan limitations: Review your current ClickUp plan to see whether certain advanced template features are restricted.
For full, official instructions and the latest feature details, always refer to the product documentation at this ClickUp help center article.
Learn more about optimizing ClickUp
To go beyond basic configuration and get help designing efficient workflows around Docs, tasks, and templates in ClickUp, you can explore expert consulting resources. A good starting point is Consultevo, which focuses on process optimization and workspace strategy.
By creating, applying, and updating Doc templates in ClickUp, your team can maintain consistent documentation, reduce repetitive work, and scale processes more confidently across your entire workspace.
Need Help With ClickUp?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.
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