> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.paintscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.paintscout.com/support/customization/templates-and-presets/estimate-templates.md).

# Estimate Templates

Create reusable estimate templates with pre-filled areas, rates, and line items to speed up creating similar estimates.

Estimate Templates in PaintScout are pre-filled estimates with areas, rates, and line items already configured, so you can create similar estimates faster without starting from scratch.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkgDP7jfCn8>" %}

## Why use Estimate Templates?

Templates save time when you frequently create similar estimates. Pull up a saved template and adjust it instead of building each estimate from scratch.

***

## How do I create an Estimate Template?

1\. Go to your **Account Settings** > **Estimates** > **Templates** section. Click **+Add New Estimate Template.**

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6c96667ea237ed477a9173b0bc3310a3816e0683%2Fa5e1c448f6066859cde62d25_PaintScout_Settings_2024-01-17_at_2.43.17_PM.jpg?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the Templates section in Account Settings with the Add New Estimate Template button"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. Enter the name of your template, and select which estimate type it is associated with.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f78f47ff99340d1ad08e308569dd2d5d40c06648%2F5f3a6c66c10bc62f44491ffe_Image_2022-07-11_at_1.29.11_PM.jpg?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the template name and estimate type selection dialog"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3\. A blank estimate will open and you can start adding in your items. Once you have finished, click the **Save** button.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-703129a1f55d3e18f58518438cc9717edcd1e0e7%2Fa4c6f1f9d9c462c68fce6adc_Image_2022-07-11_at_1.35.09_PM.jpg?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing a blank estimate template open for editing with the Save button"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## What are Smart Templates?

All new templates use **Smart Template** functionality, which automatically incorporates your latest production rates and settings to ensure consistency. Older customized templates display a banner at the top.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-93f188793a13a006590654bdf56b8469984d950a%2F1289440559_3181a51f6de0309217de11351361?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing a banner on an older customized template indicating it is not a Smart Template"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Customized templates cannot be converted into Smart Templates.** To utilize the Smart Template functionality, you must recreate the template manually.
{% endhint %}

***

## How do I create a template from an existing estimate?

You can save any existing estimate as a template without creating it from Settings.

1\. Click the drop-down arrow beside the send button and select **Save as Template.**

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ce14b68c93a61625fd94fe3edcc94844d93bc51c%2F1766dffc567c6b3d6c72ff95_PaintScout_Edit_Estimate_2024-01-17_at_2.45.43_PM.jpg?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the Save as Template option in the dropdown menu beside the send button"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2\. Add a name for the template and choose the estimate type you want it assigned to. Click **Confirm** to save the estimate as a template. You can then adjust the template by editing it in your settings.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2ba5a61e4914c8f91716ea0ed2c55a1090546889%2F493731a5be7085a826e3f1fb_Screenshot_2024-01-17_at_2.46.59_PM.png?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the Save as Template dialog with template name and estimate type fields and Confirm button"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

&#x20;&#x20;

## Related articles

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Smart Templates</strong></td><td>Learn how Smart Templates automatically incorporate your latest production rates, products, and terms into new estimate templates.</td><td><a href="/support/customization/templates-and-presets/smart-templates.md">Smart Templates</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Create a New Estimate</strong></td><td>Start new estimates from the dashboard using templates or blank quotes and add areas and line items to build your proposal.</td><td><a href="/support/estimating/creating-estimates/how-to-create-a-new-estimate.md">Create a New Estimate</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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