> **Source:** https://knowledge.leegality.com/deal-collaboration/Templates/create-template
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# Creating a Template

To create a template in Deal Collaboration’s software, follow these steps:

1. Select **Templates** from the left navigation panel.
2. Click **+ Add Template** on the top right and select:
    - **Create Template:** Start with a blank document and create a template from scratch.
    - **Upload Template:** Upload a pre-built document and create template using it. (**Note:** Allowed documet format is `.docx`)
3. Enter an appropriate **Template Name**.
4. A MS Word-like editor will open. You can use this editor to type and format your template similar to MS Word.

> **Tip**
>
> The template name is displayed in the top-left corner of the window, along with the template version. Click the __Edit__ icon to rename the template.

## Add Variables to Templates

Variables are dynamic fields within templates where users can input specific information. 

To add a variable to your template:

1. Click on the document where you want to add a variable and then click on **Add Variables** from the right side panel.
2. In the Select Variable dropdown, you have two options.
    - **Global Variables**: [Global variables](https://knowledge.leegality.com/deal-collaboration/Settings/global-variables) are pre-built variables available to all users in organization.

        In a situation where your internal terminology does not match the global variables, you can set an alias.
> **Info — Example**
>
> Suppose you refer to the execution date as the effective date in your contracts. In that case, you can simply add the execution date as a variable and put the effective date (your terminology) as an alias for this variable. 
> 
>           Now this variable will show as an effective date for all contracts.

        If you want to add an alias, just select the **Set Alias** checkbox, and add the **Variable Name (Alias)**. Now this alias will appear throughout the document.

    - **Custom Variables**: Alternatively, you can add a custom variable. To do this, select the **+ Add Custom Variable** option to add a new custom variable.
3. Enters the **Name** of the variable.
4. In Variable Type, you have five options.
    - **Text:** Allows users to input textual information, such as names, addresses, descriptions, etc.
    - **Number:** Used for capturing numerical data, such as tenure, amount or any other numeric values.
    - **Dropdown:** Provides users with a predefined list of options from which they can select one. Useful for presenting users with a limited set of choices, such as categories, statuses, or predefined values.
    - **Checkbox:** Used for capturing Yes or No responses.
    - **Date:** Specifically used for capturing date. It could be date of initiation, appointment dates, deadlines, or any other date values.
5. In **Placeholder Text:** Enter text to provide hints or examples of the expected input.

> **Info — Note**
>
> You can mark a variable as **Optional**, allowing the deal initiator to decide whether to fill it or leave it blank.

## Create a Section in Template

Sections provide flexibility and control over the contents of a template. They enable deal initiators to customise documents by keeping or removing specific sections according to the requirements of each agreement. 

You can select different parts of the document and mark them in the same section.

The deal initiator has option to keep or remove specific sections when they use the template, without having to change the template itself.

Specific sections can be assigned to Reviewer so they can review the text within those sections during deal negotiation.

To add a section to your template:

1. Select a portion of the text you want to convert into a section.
2. After that click on **Add Section** from the right side panel.
3. Click the **Select Section** dropdown and choose **+ Add Custom Section** to create a new section.
4. Enter the **Section Name** and the **Placeholder Text**.
    - **Mark as Optional**: Enable this and the deal initiator will have the option to keep or remove this section. You can also add a **Question for Initiator**.
5. Click **Save**.

After adding required variable fields and creating sections, you can either Save template as a **Draft** or **Publish Template** to use in the workflow.