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Page templates

Page templates provide an efficient way to publish standardised content.

They allow you to create a reusable page structure with placeholder text or guidance, so editors can quickly build new pages that follow the same layout and style. Using templates helps maintain consistency across sites while saving time for content creators.

Convert page to a page template cloning methods of copy all content or structure only

Fig. 1 Still from the video ‘How to use Page Templates in Fresco’. Video length 3:55

Click Fig. 1 image to view the video on SharePoint Online. Available to users who are logged in to our organisation’s intranet

Step-by-step instructions

Part 1: Create the page template

  1. Open the page you want to turn into a template.
  2. Add placeholder text or guidance in the content areas so others know how to fill it in.
  3. Save the page as usual.
  4. Exit editing mode.
  5. In the administration ribbon, click Page template.
  6. Choose one of the following options:
     - Copy all content – keeps your placeholder text and guidance.
     - Copy structure only – keeps only the page layout (no content).
  7. Click Convert to template.
  8. A warning will appear that the page can no longer be modified. (You can undo this later if needed.)
  9. Your page is now saved as a template.

Part 2: Use the page template

  1. Go back to your Content screen.
  2. Click Add content to create a new page.
  3. Select the correct content type (e.g. 'Person' for a researcher profile).
  4. In the Page details tab (on the right), click 'Create from template'.
  5. Choose the template you created earlier.
  6. A new page will appear, pre-populated with the structure and any guidance text.
  7. Replace the placeholder content with real information.
  8. Save and publish your new page.

Changes may have been made to enhance this feature since we last updated this page. See What’s new for the latest release information.

Last updated: 17 July 2026