Create a new Library Template

Library templates let users create reusable, interactive documents. These templates can range from simple agreements with a single signature field, like non-disclosure agreements, to complex forms for tax filings or employee onboarding.

If you frequently use the same file to define an agreement, a template can streamline the process by speeding up document delivery, ensuring consistency in the final signed contract, and keeping your team aligned with the latest version.

Types of Templates

Library templates can be created in two ways:

Form Field Layer templates – These templates contain only the fields applied to an uploaded file. They’re ideal for organizations that generate contracts dynamically with custom content but follow a standardized format. Upload the file and apply the field layer to position all fields.
Document templates – These templates include both the base file and predefined fields. They work best for static, boilerplate documents that don’t require dynamic content, such as tax forms, applications, and non-disclosure agreements.

Configuration

Availability:

Acrobat Standard and Acrobat Pro: Enabled by default. Not configurable.
Acrobat Sign Solutions: Supported; Enabled by default.
Acrobat Sign for Government: Supported; Enabled by default.

Note:

The user who creates a template is its owner.

Only the owner can edit the template or change its permission level unless it's shared with their group or the organization:

Account-level admins can edit the template from the Shared Libraries section in the admin menu if shared with the organization.
Group-level admins can edit the template from the Shared Libraries section in the admin menu if shared with a group in which they have admin authority.
- Account-level admins also have access to all documents shared with any groups.

Account-level admins or the group admin overseeing the original creator can transfer template ownership to another user.

Create a library template

To create a library template, navigate to the Home tab, then select Create a reusable template
The Create a Library Template configuration page loads.

Drag and drop your files into the Add files section, or select the Choose files button to open the file picker panel.

Multiple files can be attached to build one larger template if desired.
Enter the name of your template into the Template Name field.
Configure the Template Type:
- Reusable document - This option saves the full document, content, and form fields.
- Reusable form field layer - This option saves just the form field layer to be applied to a different document (different content with the same layout).
- Both - Both types of templates will be available.
Note:

At any time you can change the type of template by editing the template properties.
Configure Who can use the template.

Access to a template is determined by the user who uploads it. Choose from the following options:
- Only me – The template is available only to the uploading user.
- Any user in my group – The template is linked to the uploading user's group, giving all group members access. If the user can access multiple groups, another drop-down menu will be presented to select the group to which the template should be linked.
  
  If the uploader moves to another group, the template remains associated with the original group.
  
  Group and account-level admins can edit the template in the Shared Libraries menu.
  
  Changing the template's group association removes access for the previous group but does not affect agreements already sent.
  
  Accounts with Users in Multiple Groups enabled will see a dropdown to select the related group when sending the template.
- Any user in my organization – The template is accessible to all users in the account.
  
  Account-level admins can edit the template in the Shared Libraries menu.
  
  This option is always available, but a permissions error will occur if the user lacks permission to share templates organization-wide.
Note:
Deleting a Template – The user who owns the template can delete it anytime.

Editing a Template – The owning user, as well as group and account admins, can edit the template.

Modifying a Template in an Agreement – Other users can adjust fields by selecting Preview & add fields when sending an agreement. These changes apply only to the specific agreement the sender is editing and does not alter the original template.
Select Preview & add fields to start the form field authoring process.
Add participants

The page refreshes to display the Add participants panel.

Before placing fields, the system needs to know how many participants might be involved in completing the form. This ensures that fields can be assigned correctly.
- Each field must be explicitly assigned to a participant, defined as a Prefill field for the sender, or set to Anyone.
- Add the maximum number of recipients who may need to interact with the form by selecting the plus icon under the participant list. Add participants until all required participant slots are added. For example, if the template could involve up to four recipients, add four participants.
When finished, select Preview & add fields to continue.
Note:

The Template name, Template type, and Who can use the template values can be edited in this panel also if you want to make adjustments.
The form-building environment opens, displaying any fields already present in the uploaded document.

To add more fields:
- Select a field type from the left panel and drag it onto the document where needed.
  
  When you place a field, it is automatically assigned to the currently selected participant.
- Use the Auto-place fields button at the top of the field list to let the system place fields automatically.
  
  The system attempts to assign the appropriate field type based on document content.
  
  If no specific field type is detected, a Text field is placed.
  
  All auto-placed fields are assigned to the currently selected participant.
Create the template when you're done.
You can always come back and edit it later.