The Templates folder is a handy, easy-to-access spot for content that authors frequently reuse or clone. The folder is a simple way to mark content items as templates and organize them on the content list page. These items are then easily available to authors from the Templates folder or during the content creation process. Other content item functionality is not affected, meaning you can even save live courses as templates.
Use Case Information
Saving content to the Templates folder allows you to save time and energy because all main site managers with permissions for content management have access to it. This allows consistency and clarity for what content you use as a starting point when authoring.
The Templates folder is a default folder and will appear in every site on the content list page. It cannot be moved, deleted, or renamed. It is shared across all main site users.
When configured you can accomplish the following:
- Choose a template directly from the content creation flow
- Cleary mark content that authors should clone without the use of tags or extra communication
- Have one convenient place to review when updates to branding or content are needed from here on out
- Peace of mind that authors are copying the right content
Content Types available for Templates:
Content is added to folders at the course group level. Here are the content types that can be saved as templates:
- Courses
- MicroCourses
- Learning Paths
- ILTs
- Articles
- Videos
Note
Content Types excluded are VILTs, SCORM, and xAPI. These items are not available to be templates because they cannot be cloned.
Saving Content as a Template
Main site manager roles can save content items as a template from the content list page. When viewing the Templates folder, you can also remove content from the folder or move content items to other folders.
Main site manager roles will need certain permissions to see the option to mark content as a template:
- Editing Content: This permission is required to see the template option for any content item.
- Manage Learning Paths: This permission is required, in addition to Editing Content, if you'd like the manager to be able to mark Learning Paths as templates.
- Navigate to Courses > All Courses.
- From the list, select the actions menu in the content row.
- Click Mark as Template.
The content will now display in the Templates folder and show up as a choice during the content creation process.
Creating Content from a Template
Essentially, templates are cloning a piece of content and its settings. For more information on what settings will copy over, please see our article on Copying Courses.
When creating new content, main site manager roles with content creation permissions can start from blank or start from a template as a way to speed up content creation.
- Go to Courses > All Courses.
- Click the plus icon in the top right to create content.
Note - only available in the new content wizard experience - Select a content type.
- You have the option to start from blank or start from an existing template.
Tip
Options for specific templates will appear once you have saved a content item as a template with the same content type base.
If no matching templates are available, you will see an option to Create a Template. This will create the content normally with the exception that you won't have to take the extra step to save it as a template from the Content List.
- To start from a template, select an existing template from the dropdown.
- If the template course group contains a single session, the user goes to the next step to add Title.
- If the template course group contains multiple sessions, the user will be prompted to select a specific session before proceeding to the next step to add Title.
- Add a Title.
- Click Save.
You will be launched into the authoring interface for this new content item, which is a clone of the template you chose.