Getting Started with Shared Templates
Want to hit the ground running with a fully built guidebook — or hand your content over to a new owner? Shared templates make it easy to copy a guidebook structure into any Touch Stay account in just a few clicks.
In this article:
What Is a Template?
A template is a ready-made guidebook structure you can use as a starting point. Think of it as a blank version of your guidebook, with all the scaffolding already in place. It can include:
Categories and subcategories to organise your information
Topics with pre-written content
Photos and videos
Branding settings like colours, fonts, and language options
Once you've added a template to your account, you're free to edit and customise everything to match your property, brand, and guests.
What Is a Shared Template?
A shared template is a template that someone shares with you via a unique private link. It could come from a collaborator, an expert, or a fellow property manager.
When you open the link, you can copy the template straight into your Touch Stay account, either during sign-up or after. It's a great way to skip the blank-page problem and start with a solid structure already in place.
What Can (and Can't) Be Transferred
✅ What carries over:
Guidebook structure (categories, subcategories, topics)
Written content
Photos and videos
Branding settings
⚠️ What doesn't carry over:
Additional guides beyond the master template/guidebook structure
Any unique content added in multiple guides using the customisation tool
The shared template copies your master guidebook structure. If you need to replicate multiple guides, each additional one will need to be built and edited manually, but don't worry, it's much faster than starting from scratch.
How It Works
If you're sharing a template:
Go to the Templates tab in your Touch Stay account
Select the template you want to share
Generate a unique link and share it with the intended recipient
If you're receiving a template:
Click the shared link you've been sent
If you're new to Touch Stay, the template will automatically be applied as your first guidebook during sign-up, skipping the standard template selection step
If you already have a Touch Stay account, the link will let you add the template directly to your existing account
Once applied, edit your categories, topics, branding, and content to make it your own
Use Cases
Starting fresh with a pre-built structure
If you're new to Touch Stay, a shared template from a collaborator or expert gives you a fully structured guidebook from day one. No need to build from scratch, just import, personalise, and you're good to go.
Transferring your guidebook to a new owner
Right now, it's not possible to transfer a guidebook directly between accounts. But a shared template is the best workaround. The new owner applies your template during sign-up or after creating their account, giving them your master guidebook structure as a starting point.
👉 Keep in mind: only the master structure transfers. Any additional guides or content added using the customisation tool will need to be recreated manually.
FAQs
Is it possible to transfer a guidebook directly to another account? Not currently. A shared template is the recommended workaround, it lets the new owner copy your guidebook structure into their own account quickly and easily.
Will my edits affect other people using the same template? No. Once a template is applied to an account, it's completely independent. Any changes you make only affect your own guidebook.
Can I share a template with more than one person? Yes. The same unique link can be shared with as many people as you like.
Can I apply more than one template? Yes. You can apply one template during sign-up, and add more to your account afterwards.
Can I share my own template with others? Absolutely. Go to the Templates tab, generate a unique link, and share it privately with whoever needs it.
Is sharing private and secure? Yes. Templates are shared through unique links, so only the people you send the link to can access them.
🤝 Need Help?
If you get stuck, our team’s always happy to help!
Email us at support@touchstay.com or send us a ticket directly from your Touch Stay account. We’ll be right in touch.
