Templates are "models," or prototypes, of Work Products. Within a Work Product description, there usually are one or more templates that can be used to create the corresponding Work Product. Templates are linked to the tool that is to be used to create the Work Product. Prior to project start, organizations may want to customize the templates by adding the company logo, some project identification, or information specific to the type of project.

Example:

• Microsoft® Word® templates can be used for Work Products that are documents, and for some reports.
• Rational SoDA templates for Microsoft Word or Adobe® FrameMaker® extract information from tools such as Rational Rose, Rational RequisitePro, or Rational TeamTest.
• Microsoft® FrontPage® templates for the various elements of the process.
• Microsoft Project template for the project plan.