# Templates

{% hint style="info" %}
Custom templates are a part of [Fortelling Pro](https://wiki.fortelling.app/fortelling-pro)
{% endhint %}

## What is a writing template?

A writing template is a predefined structure that helps you record and organize details about your story elements.

Writing templates in Fortelling include ready made fields you can fill in. For example:\
• **Characters**: age, gender, species, personality, languages\
• **Locations**: geography, climate, fauna, culture, politics\
• **Worldbuilding**: history, societies, magic systems, unique lore

Templates keep your story consistent and structured, making it easier to build complex worlds and track important details.

### <img src="https://1916472331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FFR1c40OqcLTLBKjzbDgF%2Fuploads%2FDOlMIQbCfsmcv6mAZgHF%2FTemplates.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5074cb19-a750-442c-9e86-580512a4c319" alt="" data-size="original">

### Do you need templates for worldbuilding?

Templates give you control and flexibility. You can:

* Use the **default templates** for quick setup
* Create **custom templates** for the details you want to track
* Pair custom templates with custom story elements you invent

For example, if you create a story element called **Energy**, you can design a template to track fields like:

* Type of energy
* Power level
* Source or origin
* Side effects

This way, Fortelling adapts to your imagination instead of forcing you into preset categories.

### Default templates

Each built-in story element includes ready-to-use fields:

* **Characters:** age, gender, species, personality, languages, backstory
* **Locations:** description, culture, climate, key events
* **Items:** type, rarity, abilities, lore

These templates let you start organizing right away.

### Custom templates (Fortelling Pro)

Custom templates let you shape story elements around your own ideas. You can:

* Add existing preset fields
* Build custom fields in formats like:
  * **Text** for descriptions or lore
  * **Slider** for stats or traits (e.g., courage, danger, morality)
  * **Story element link** to connect with other elements (e.g., home city, energy type, magic system)
  * **Selector** for dropdown lists (e.g., rarity, faction, exam rank)
* Assign icons to make fields easier to recognize

### How to create a custom template

1. Open your project and go to **Settings**
2. Under **Story Elements**, select **Tools**
3. Choose the element type you want (or your own custom element, like Energy)
4. Tap the **+** bar at the bottom
5. Select **Create Template**, then choose **Custom Template**
6. Name your template and add the fields you need

> To download or share templates, use **Import from InkLink**.&#x20;
>
> [inklink](https://wiki.fortelling.app/story-elements/inklink "mention")

### How to apply a template

1. Open the story element you want to edit
2. Tap the **Edit (pencil)** button at the top
3. Under **Attributes**, open the dropdown menu on the right
4. Select the template you created

Your fields appear instantly, ready to fill.

### Tips and tricks

* Pair custom story elements with templates to create completely new tools (for example, “Energy Systems,” “Magic Schools,” or “Political Factions”)
* Keep a separate template for **main characters** and **minor characters** so you only see the details you need
* For tabletop RPGs, create templates for **quests, encounters, or NPCs** to streamline prep
* Use sliders to compare traits at a glance (e.g., power levels, loyalty, danger rating)

### Conclusion

Templates give you the freedom to design Fortelling around your story instead of the other way around. Use the defaults for fast organization, or unlock **Fortelling Pro** to create custom templates that capture every unique detail of your world.

## Interactive tutorial

Please ensure your audio is turned on for the optimal experience.

{% embed url="<https://demo.arcade.software/pqCg9F9GFKUjTv7V1zIw?embed=&embed_desktop=inline&embed_mobile=inline&show_copy_link=true>" %}

## Q\&A

<details>

<summary>Can I share templates with other users or use them across projects?</summary>

Yes. You can transfer templates between projects and share them with other writers through [InkLink](https://wiki.fortelling.app/story-elements/inklink). This makes it easy to reuse a template you've built or download ones created by the Fortelling community.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Does Fortelling have free templates?</summary>

Yes. Fortelling includes free built-in templates for characters, locations, and species. The character template in particular is very detailed, with fields that help you explore your character's personality, backstory, and motivations at depth.

</details>