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How to Create Templates in Coda

Learn how to build reusable Coda templates using building blocks and doc publishing, from quick /commands to full workspace template galleries.

Quick answer

To create a template in Coda, build the doc structure you want to reuse, then click File in the top menu, select Make a copy, or use the doc settings to save it as a template through Coda's Gallery publishing flow. You can also type "/template" inside a doc to insert prebuilt building blocks instantly.

Steps at a glance

  1. Type "/" and choose a prebuilt template block to insert
  2. Customize the block's columns, rows, and formulas
  3. Build a full doc structure you want to reuse as a template
  4. Open the doc's Settings menu from the title dropdown
  5. Toggle the template option and choose workspace or public Gallery
  6. Add a template name, description, and category
  7. Test the template by generating a new copy

Summary

Coda templates let you turn any doc, table, or set of building blocks into a reusable structure that anyone can copy in seconds. You can insert small prebuilt template blocks with a simple "/" command, or publish an entire doc as a workspace or public Gallery template. This saves you from rebuilding the same trackers, dashboards, or knowledge bases every time you start a new project.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1

    Insert a Quick Building-Block Template

    Open any doc and type "/" on a blank line, then start typing a keyword like "voting," "roadmap," or "template" to see Coda's prebuilt building blocks. Select the one that matches your needs and Coda inserts a ready-made table, button, and formula setup instantly. This is the fastest way to test template structures before designing your own from scratch.

  2. Step 2

    Customize the Inserted Template

    Rename the columns to match your project, add or remove rows, and adjust the formulas to fit your workflow. If you need additional fields, follow the same process described in adding columns to a table to extend the template's structure. Save your changes by clicking anywhere outside the table.

  3. Step 3

    Design a Full Doc as a Reusable Template

    For more complex needs, build the complete doc structure you want to reuse, including tables, pages, views, and automation. Add action buttons to automate repetitive steps like status updates or task assignments so every copy works the same way. Organize related content into separate pages using the sidebar's Add Page option.

  4. Step 4

    Open Doc Settings to Access Template Options

    Click the doc name in the top-left corner to open the dropdown menu, then select "Settings." Scroll to the section labeled "Template" or "Publish," where Coda lets you convert the entire doc into a reusable template.

  5. Step 5

    Publish the Doc as a Template

    Toggle the "Make this a template" option, then choose whether to keep it private within your workspace or submit it to Coda's public Gallery for other users. Add a short description and select a category so teammates can find it easily when starting a new doc.

  6. Step 6

    Test and Refine Your Template

    Create a new doc from your published template to confirm all tables, formulas, and buttons carry over correctly. Make adjustments to the original template doc if anything looks off, then republish it so future copies reflect the fix.

Why this matters

You're building the same project tracker or onboarding doc for every new client or team, and recreating it from scratch wastes hours. Creating a Coda template lets you save that structure once, then spin up fresh copies instantly whenever you need a CRM, roadmap, or knowledge base without rebuilding tables and formulas.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I create templates on Coda's free plan?

    Yes, the free plan lets you build and publish personal or workspace templates. Submitting templates to the public Gallery is also free, though some advanced automation features may require a paid plan.

  • What's the difference between a building-block template and a doc template?

    Building-block templates are small prebuilt elements you insert with a "/" command, while doc templates are entire docs you publish so others can copy the whole structure at once.

  • Do Coda templates work with integrations like Google Sheets?

    Yes, if your original doc includes a Google Sheets connection, that setup carries over to new copies, though each copy will need its own authorization to sync live data.

  • Can I turn a task management or CRM doc into a template?

    Absolutely. Docs built with task management or CRM structures work well as templates since their tables and buttons are already organized for reuse.

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