Creating and Managing Project Custom Templates in zipBoard

Overview

What is Project Templating & Exporting in zipBoard?

The Project Templating & Exporting feature allows teams to save and reuse project structures that are frequently used. Instead of setting up every new project from scratch, you can export an existing setup and turn it into a template for future use.

Who can use this feature?

This feature is available only for Enterprise plan organizations. To access it, users must have the appropriate organization-level permissions (Owner, Super Admin, or Admin) and the ability to create projects.

What are the benefits?

• Faster project setup – no need to rebuild structures for every new project.
• Consistency – standardized phases, statuses, and structures across all projects.
• Error reduction – fewer mistakes from manual setup.
• Flexibility – easily modify, chain, or delete templates as needs evolve.

1. Access and Permissions

Templating is available only to Enterprise plan organizations.

To use it, you must:

• Have organization edit permissions (Owner, Super Admin, Admin).
• Be able to create projects within the organization.

If you do not have the correct role or permissions, you will not see:

• The Create Project button.
• Export options in project card, table view, or project settings.

2. Creating and Exporting Templates

From Kanban View

1. Go to your project explorer in kanban view.
2. Click Export on the project card.
3. Save the exported template for reuse.
4. Use the template to create a new project, and verify it matches the original.

From Table View

1. Switch to table view in the project explorer.
2. Click Export next to the desired project.
3. Follow the same process to reuse the template.

3. Selecting a Template When Creating a Project

1. Click Create Project
2. In the Template Selection modal, choose:
   • A pre-made template from zipBoard.
   • A custom template created by your organization.
3. Proceed to create your project with the selected structure.

Different industries can benefit from templates in unique ways:

1. Construction Team

• Phases: Planning & Permits, Foundation, Electrical, Finishing
• Statuses: Pending Approval, In Progress, Inspection, Completed
• Tags: Compliance, Contractor, Safety

Benefit: Maintain strict workflows and compliance across builds.

2. Creative Agency

• Phases: Discovery, Concept Development, Production, Review
• Statuses: Draft, Feedback, Revision, Approved
• Tags: Client Name, Campaign, Priority
• Types: Design, Content, Asset

Benefit: Ensures consistent structure across multiple campaigns.

3. E-learning

• Phases: Scripting, Storyboarding, Development, Deployment
• Statuses: Draft, Under Review, Ready for LMS
• Tags: Module, Subject, Assessment
• Types: Lesson, Quiz, Resource

Benefit: Speeds up course creation while keeping modules consistent.

4. Web Projects

• Phases: Requirements, Design, Development, Testing, Launch
• Statuses: Backlog, In Progress, QA, Live
• Tags: Frontend, Backend, Bug, Feature
• Types: Page, Feature, Bug

Benefit: Creates a repeatable structure for smooth collaboration across design, dev, and QA.

4. Managing Templates (Modify, Chain, Delete)

Chaining Exports

You can create new templates from projects that were themselves created from templates:

• Export Project A to create Template B.
• Modify Template B’s (phases, statuses, or types)
• Export the updated Template B to create Template C with new settings.

Deleting Templates

1. Open the Template Management section.
2. Select the template you no longer need.
3. Click Delete. The template will be removed from your organization’s list.

5 FAQ & Troubleshooting

1. Can templates include reviewers, roles, or only structure?

2. If I change a template, do existing projects update too?

3. Is there a limit on the number of templates an organization can store?

4. Can non-admins use templates once created?

5. What happens if you try to delete a template being used by a live project?

Why We Built It

Before this feature, creating multiple projects with similar structures required repetitive manual setup. Now, teams can:

• Save time by reusing standardized project structures.
• Maintain consistency across all projects.
• Reduce errors from manual setup.

Experience Project Templating and Exporting

• Request a Demo to see it in action.
• Start your 14-day Free Trial and standardize your project creation process.
• Check our Release Notes for more updates.

Explore More Guides:

Creating a Project in zipBoard

Construction Template for Document Reviews

Content Development Template for Content Reviews