A project template gives you a structure to reuse when starting a new job. You can choose a template prepared by Programa or build one around your studio's workflow.
Choose a project template
Template type | Where to find it | Use it for |
Programa project template | Create Project → Template | A starting structure prepared by Programa for a project type |
Your studio's project template | Create Project → Past project | A project you've prepared with your own standard structure |
For individual cover images, pinboard layouts and Canva designs, see Use workspace templates. Your account also includes a Template example project, a basic project template you can duplicate or select under Past project. See Use example projects.
Use a Programa project template
From your Projects dashboard, select Create Project.
Enter the new project's details and select Create Project.
Choose Template.
Browse the available templates and select the one that suits your project.
Depending on the template, the starting point can include phases and tasks, placeholder products, saved schedule views, presentation templates, locations and labels.
Review the structure and placeholder products, then remove or replace anything you don't need before sharing work with a client.
Programa templates are available through the create flow. They're separate from the Template example project on your dashboard.
For the full create flow and finishing setup from Up next, see Create a project in Programa.
Build a studio project template
A studio template is a project you prepare with the structure your team uses regularly. It remains a project in your studio account and can be selected under Past project.
1. Start with a blank project
Select Create Project, enter the details and choose Blank.
Give it a clear name, such as Template: Residential or Template: Commercial.
On the setup page, add the phases, locations, labels and team members your studio needs regularly.
2. Set up your schedules
Every project has one product list, All products. Saved schedules show those same products arranged in different ways, so your template only needs the arrangements, not the products.
Add the locations your studio uses regularly, such as Living room, Kitchen and Primary bedroom.
In Project settings → Product Labels, add the labels and label groups you use to organize products, such as Builder supplied or Client supplied.
Open All products and select Create a schedule for each arrangement you use often.
Choose the grouping, view and displayed fields, add any filters, then save it as visible to the project team.
For example:
FF&E by room: Grouped by Location in Classic view.
Lighting: Grouped by Location and filtered by Category → Lighting.
Builder supplied: Filtered by the Builder supplied label in Sheet view.
Client selections: Card view, for reviewing images with a client.
Leave out job-specific products if you only want to reuse the structure. For the full steps, see How to set up your schedules and views.
3. Add standard files
Create the pinboards and presentations you use most often. For example:
Concept pinboard: Inspiration, Colors and Textures.
Material palette: Flooring, Walls and Fabrics.
Concept Design Presentation: Your studio's standard layout, with Page Styles for your logo and footer.
Leave out job-specific images and client details.
4. Add phases and tasks
Open Project Management from the sidebar. Create phases first, then add tasks that repeat across your projects.
For example, Concept Design might include Client brief, Space planning and Present boards. Procurement might include Quote requests, Order products and Track deliveries.
Leave out job-specific dates and client details.
5. Review the defaults
Check the Client Dashboard defaults and any custom workflow statuses you want your team to work from.
6. Test your template
Create a test project using the steps below. Check the phases, tasks, locations, labels, saved schedules and files that carry over, then update the original template if anything is missing.
Start a new project from your studio template
Select Create Project and enter the new project's details.
Choose Past project.
Search for your template by name.
Select it and review what will carry over.
Choose whether to turn on Include products and Include project files.
Select Use this project.
Phases, tasks, locations, product labels and team members carry over. Timelines, budgets and client details reset.
Keep the template current
Update the original template as your process changes. Organize it around the way your team works, such as by room, category or phase.
Projects created from the template are separate from it. Editing a new project won't change the original template.
Can I still duplicate a template?
Yes. Select Duplicate from the three-dot menu on its project card.
Use Past project when you want to start a new job with timelines, budgets and client details reset. See Duplicate, archive or delete a project.
Need help with project templates? Contact our support team via live chat.