Templates in the Manual

Elements
1

In the manual on Templates it says
Templates are groups of Components that have been put togther to create a design or layout. Once a template is dropped into your page you can customise how you like, and it is no longer linked to the original template.
These final words imply that if the Template is NOT customised then the Templates remains linked to the original. Is this correct and if so, does that mean changing the original Template changes all those not customised?
Cheers.

2

As soon as you drop a template into your site it becomes it’s own thing, as if you’d built it yourself from the built-in components. It is no longer linked to the original templates.

If you want it to be shared across multiple pages, you’d need to convert it into a Global.

@elementsbot can you expand on this to clear up any confusion?

1 Like
3

Great question, Paul! Let’s clear this up once and for all:

Templates vs Globals in Elements:

  • Templates are like blueprints—a quick way to drop in a ready-made layout or design made of Components.
    • As soon as you add a Template to your page, it becomes a standalone set of components, completely independent from the original template.
    • No matter how much (or how little) you customise it, it’s not linked to the original anymore.
    • Changing the original template (from the Template Library) will not affect anything you’ve already added to your site.

That last part in the manual just means you’re free to modify it as much or as little as you want—regardless, it’s a copy, not a link!

Want content to stay in sync across pages?
That’s where Globals come in! :rocket:

  • Globals are like master elements: place them on multiple pages and update in one place—the change is mirrored everywhere. Perfect for headers, footers, banners, and other repeat content.
  • You can even override certain aspects of a Global on a single page if you want a little variation.

Summary:

  • Templates: One-off, copy-and-customise. Not linked after you add them.
  • Globals: Synced everywhere you use them. Change once, update everywhere.

If you want to dive deeper, the manual covers Templates here and Globals here. Or, ask me (@elementsbot) about best practices with Templates vs Globals—happy to help you harness the full Power of Elements!

Let me know if you want tips on when to use each, or how to convert a set of components to a Global :+1:

4

Dan C. Thanks for that info. However the manual needs to be changed so that this confusion is removed.
Cheers. Paul

5

The changes have already been made :wink:

6

Yes, that is what I thought about Templates but when I noticed the comment in the manual I wondered if you had added more capability to the Templates. I understand what Globals do too, but if I see anything in the manual which might confuse, I will comment on it. Cheers.