---
title: "Using Templates vs. Creating Forms From Scratch"
url: "https://help.ontraccr.com/en/article/using-templates-vs-creating-forms-from-scratch"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2025-05-26T22:18:07.566Z"
---

# Using Templates vs. Creating Forms From Scratch

## 📄 Using Templates vs. Creating Forms From Scratch  
 

When creating forms in Ontraccr, you have two main options: start from a blank slate or build from a template. This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and use cases for both—plus how to access either option.

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## 🎯 What You’ll Learn

-   The difference between templates and scratch-built forms
-   When to use each method
-   How to access and customize both

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## 🧱 Option 1: Create a Form From Scratch

### 🔹 Use This When:

-   You have a very specific or unique process to document
-   No existing template fits your needs
-   You want full control over structure and content

### 🧭 Steps:

-   Navigate to the **Forms Templates Library — Documents → Forms → Templates**
-   Click **Add +**
-   Type in a **name** for your new form
-   Choose a form **type**
-   Select a **division** (if applicable)
-   Configure **Automatically Collected Data** & **Form Options** settings accordingly
-   Configure **Step 2: Fields, Step 3: Workflow, & Step 4: PDF Designer** to be consistent with the form’s desired outcome

### 🛠 Advantages:

-   100% customizable
-   Ideal for niche workflows or company-specific processes

### 🧱 Limitations:

-   Slightly more time-consuming to build
-   No sample content or workflow included

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## 📚 Option 2: Use a Template From the Ontraccr Library

### 🔹 Use This When:

-   You want a fast, prebuilt starting point
-   You're working with common industry forms (e.g., safety inspections, change orders)
-   You want to see best practices in action

### 🧭 Steps:

1.  Go to **Documents → Forms → Templates**
2.  Click the **➕ Add** button
3.  Choose **Import from Form Library**
4.  Browse the list of available templates
5.  Click any template to see:
    -   A summary of what the form is for
    -   Instructions on how to use/customize it
    -   A sample PDF output
    -   A sample workflow

Once imported, you can fully customize the template (fields, workflows, etc.) just like a scratch-built form.

### 🛠 Advantages:

-   Fast setup
-   Built-in examples, workflows, and formatting
-   Less risk of missing key form components

### 📌 Limitations:

-   Some template structures may require tweaks to match your processes

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## 🧠 Pro Tip: Combine Both Methods

Start with a template, then strip out anything you don’t need—or add custom sections and logic to make it yours.

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