How to Use GitHub Templates for Repositories

To use GitHub templates, select a repository marked as a template and click Use this template to create a new repository with the same files and structure. This helps you start projects faster with predefined setups.

Syntax

GitHub templates are repositories marked as templates. You use them by clicking the Use this template button on the template repository page. This creates a new repository copying all files and folders from the template.

• Template Repository: A repo marked as a template.
• Use this template: Button to create a new repo from the template.
• New Repository: Your new repo with copied content.

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No command line syntax is needed; this is done via GitHub web UI.

Example

This example shows how to create a new repository from a GitHub template repository named example-template.

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1. Go to the GitHub repository page of <code>example-template</code>.
2. Click the green button labeled <code>Use this template</code> near the top right.
3. Enter a new repository name, e.g., <code>my-new-project</code>.
4. Choose if the new repo is public or private.
5. Click <code>Create repository from template</code>.

The new repository <code>my-new-project</code> is created with all files from <code>example-template</code>.

Output

New repository 'my-new-project' created with the same files and folders as 'example-template'.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using GitHub templates include:

• Trying to use a repository that is not marked as a template (no Use this template button).
• Expecting the template to copy issues, pull requests, or wiki content (it only copies files).
• Not setting the new repository visibility correctly (public/private).

Always verify the repository is marked as a template before trying to use it.

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Wrong approach:
- Forking a repo to reuse files instead of using a template.

Right approach:
- Use the <code>Use this template</code> button to create a clean new repository with the template's files.

Quick Reference

Action	Description
Mark repo as template	Go to repo Settings > Template repository checkbox
Use template	Click 'Use this template' button on template repo page
Create new repo	Name new repo and set visibility, then create
Limitations	Only files and folders are copied, not issues or PRs

Key Takeaways

GitHub templates let you create new repos with predefined files quickly via the web UI.

Only repositories marked as templates show the 'Use this template' button.

Templates copy files and folders but not issues, pull requests, or wiki content.

Always set the new repository's visibility (public or private) when creating from a template.

Avoid forking when you want a fresh repo with the same structure; use templates instead.