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How to create your own project templates

Save time on every new project by building reusable templates that match your workflow.

Written by Claire Scattini
Updated over a week ago

What's a template?

A template is an empty project structure you can duplicate and reuse. It includes your standard schedules, boards, and pinboards—without any products, images, or dates.


Creating a template in 5 steps

You can create your own project templates in Programa and duplicate them as needed into your actual projects to streamline structure and organization.

1. Start a new project

Name it clearly so you can find it later.

  • [Studio Name] Template - Residential

  • [Studio Name] Template - Commercial

2. Add schedules

Create your standard schedules with section names only (no products). For example:

  • FF&E Schedule → sections: Living Room, Kitchen, Bedrooms

  • Lighting Schedule → sections: Ceiling, Table, Floor

  • Fabric Schedule → sections: Upholstery, Curtains, Cushions

3. Set up pinboards

Create pinboards and add sections (no images). For example:

  • Concept Board → sections: Inspiration, Colors, Textures

  • Material Palette → sections: Flooring, Walls, Fabrics

4. Add project management boards

Create boards with your standard phases and task names (no dates). For example:

  • Concept Design → tasks: Client brief, Space planning, Present boards

  • Procurement → tasks: Quote requests, Order products, Track deliveries

Note: Always create your phases first!

5. Configure settings

Review project settings:

  • Schedule visibility preferences

  • Client dashboard defaults

  • Custom specs fields you always use


Using your template

To start a new project:

  1. Find your template in the project list

  2. Click the three dotsDuplicate

  3. Rename with your new project name

  4. Update project settings with client details

Done! Now add your project-specific content.


Template tips

✅ Keep it simple—structure only, no content

✅ Organize by how you actually work (by room, by category, by phase)

✅ Update your template as your process improves

Remember: Changes to duplicated projects don't affect your original template.


Quick checklist

  • [ ] Create project with clear template name

  • [ ] Add schedules with sections (no products)

  • [ ] Add pinboards with sections (no images)

  • [ ] Add boards with tasks (no dates)

  • [ ] Review settings

  • [ ] Test by duplicating

  • [ ] Start using it!


Need help? Contact our support team—we're happy to help you set up templates for your workflow.

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