Why would I use an artifact template?

You may find that you often enter the same values for attributes for similar artifacts. Templates allow you to save a set of values for quick access and use while creating artifacts. Templates store a descriptive dataset that can be used to populate values in future artifacts. Templates use the same attributes as are available for entering an artifact.

For instance, a user, jdoe, is responsible for creating and implementing test plans for all functionality on the UNIX operating system. Since jdoe will be entering the same values for each artifact relating to test plans, jdoe can define a template with those common values. When creating artifacts, jdoe can use the template to populate the common data points. Fields populated using a template can be edited in the Enter New form.

Templates can be available on a global or individual basis. Personal templates can be made by any user and are available only to the creator. Global templates require the permission Project Issue Tracking - Submit to create. Users without the Project Issue Tracking - Submit permission can suggest new templates to the project owner. The project owner is responsible for reviewing all suggested templates and approving those that have global use in the project.

If you have saved templates, they will appear in the Templates dropdown box on the Enter artifacts tab.

Regardless of whether you have any templates saved for an artifact type or not, you will see a Manage templates link under your artifact type on the artifact entry screen. Clicking this link will take you to the Template list where you can manage your existing templates or create new ones. If you already have saved one or more templates for an artifact type, on the artifact entry screen, you will see the Templates drop down box where you can choose a template. The Manage Templates link will take you to the Template list where all of your templates for the current artifact type are displayed. You can use this list to manage or create new templates for the current artifact type.