How to Create a Site Template

So you've been laboring through trial and error, adding webparts, removing standard links, changing layouts, customizing list and libraries, etc until it is perfect. In fact it is so perfect you want to reuse it over and over again. Well you can without all the pains of rebuilding by following the below simple steps.

Logged in as a Site Admistrator:

1. Click Site Actions
2. Site Settings
3. Under Look and Feel> Save Site as Template



4. On this screen >

Fill in File name (Keep it short, no spaces, single words works best)

Fill in Template Name (this can be more descriptive, but still keep it short 2 - 3 words)

Template Description (here you can go more into detail about your template)


Include Content (use this only if you have custom lists, workflows, content types etc to reuse)

Including content makes your template larger.

(If using including content try to do so before adding data unless necessary or you will be removing data every time this is deployed)


5. Click OK and Success! You can now use it

Use a Site Template to create a Site Collection

There are several great Site Templates out there available for download including MS Fabulous 40 and you can also create your own. The steps to create your own will be outlined later this week.

Normally these are used as subsite templates however they can also be used as a Site Collection template. If you would like to have a standardization across all site collections this is a great way to start!

1. Download or move your site template (.stp) file to your Central Administration server
2. Open a command prompt (start > run > (type) cmd> hit enter)
3. (type) cd c:\"program files"\"common files"\"microsoft shared"\"web server extensions"\12\bin (hit enter)
4. (type) stsadm -o addtemplate -filename (hit enter)
5. After Success message go to Central Administration > Application Management > Create Site Collection
6. You will now see a custom tab under template with your titled template