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Edited by Josh W., Horses4Ever, Versageek, Zack and 32 others

Four Parts:Choose a TitleCreate a Template PageMake the TemplateTemplate Page Set Up

Templates are valuable communication tools. They can be used to improve the quality of an article, discuss certain aspects of an article, make an informative User page, to communicate with others, clarify the licensing of images or convey project information. Here's how to make one:

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EditSteps

  • If you are creating a template to be placed on the article page, or a talk page template that coaches a new editor, show it to the community in the forums before you start using it. Since these templates can clutter up article pages or easily discourage authors, respectively, it's important to seek consensus before using a new one.[1]

EditPart 1 of 4: Choose a Title

  1. 1
    Search for duplicates first.
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  2. 2
    Abbreviations within the title are not recommended as they are difficult to interpret.

EditPart 2 of 4: Create a Template Page

  1. 1
    Click on Write an Article at the upper right of any page.
  2. 2
    Submit your title as: Template:TEMPLATE NAME.

    • Replace TEMPLATE NAME with your chosen title.

EditPart 3 of 4: Make the Template

  1. 1
    Be clear, concise and informative.
  2. 2
    Dates will not be automatically updated.
  3. 3
    Be creative. Include color, backgrounds, borders, images, links or tables.
  4. 4
    Review other templates for appropriate language, codes and images.

EditPart 4 of 4: Template Page Set Up

  1. 1
    Explain how the template can be used.
  2. 2
    Show the full template.
  3. 3
    Categorize your template accordingly to appear within Category:Templates.
  4. 4
    Add your template to a listing, found in each category, with further clarification.

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EditTips

  • Changes to a template will appear throughout wikiHow. For example, if you change a photo from a dog to a cat, the new image will appear throughout wikiHow.
  • Add a Template Upholder's Barnstar or the da Vinci Barnstar to an editor's Talk page as an award.
  • Do not tag a template page, as the tag will appear throughout wikiHow.
  • Templates are displayed throughout wikiHow. Please abide by our guidelines.
  • Use start and end html or CSS tags. If you use a start tag, use a corresponding end tag as well. Otherwise, the font or background color will stretch on past your message.
  • Ask for help in the Forum.
  • Feel free to lighten or change colors.
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EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Use a Template Code in Conversation on Talk or Discussion Pages on wikiHow

How to
Create a Personalized wikiHowTemplate

How to
Use Templates on wikiHow

EditSources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.wikihow.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20165

Article Info

Categories: Making and Using Templates

Recent edits by: BR, Serendipitee, Gaurang

In other languages:

Español: Cómo crear una plantilla

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 15,867 times.

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