> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.metaforms.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.metaforms.ai/survey-programming-decipher/legacy-flow/what-are-templates-1.md).

# What are Templates?

#### **Overview**

Templates are reusable survey shells that help you standardise structure and speed up project creation. A Template contains your survey XML shell and any linked AI rule folders that should be utilised by default when creating a new project.

Templates allow you to build on top of the model’s baseline intelligence with your own custom logic and instructions - helping standardise survey logic across teams and clients.

You can create new templates or change existing templates by navigating to **Templates** tab.

This includes a baseline XML, Quota sheet and other files that you can set for every single template. These also include Dynamic placeholders to be filled by AI based on the questionnaires used.

#### **Creating a Template**

1. On your Survey Programming Dashboard go to **Templates**
2. Click **Create Template**
3. Choose your **Survey Hosting Platform**
4. Add your **survey XML** and files
5. Click **Save**

Your Template will now appear in the Templates list.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can import a pre-existing Decipher XML file using "Copy from Decipher" option to use as a Template
{% endhint %}

#### **Linking AI Rule Folders to a Template**

You can link AI Rule Folders to a template so that relevant rules are pre-selected while creating a project.

1. Open the Template from the Templates list
2. Click **AI Rule Folders** at the top
3. Select one or more folders to link
4. Save the Template

<figure><img src="/files/7S357IXSugmPgj9l9R7r" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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