> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://fusiondocs.finchai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using Templates

> How to use report templates for consistent, structured reports

# Using Templates

Templates provide predefined structures for your reports, ensuring consistency across analyses and saving time on report generation.

## What Are Templates?

Templates are reusable report frameworks that define:

* **Sections** - What parts the report includes
* **Structure** - How sections are organized
* **Focus** - What each section should cover
* **Purpose** - The overall goal of the report

Using templates ensures your reports follow a consistent format, making them easier to produce and compare.

## Benefits of Using Templates

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Consistency" icon="equals">
    Every report follows the same structure, making comparisons easier
  </Card>

  <Card title="Efficiency" icon="clock">
    Skip setup time by using predefined structures
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quality" icon="check">
    Ensure all important sections are included
  </Card>

  <Card title="Standards" icon="file-check">
    Meet organizational requirements for report format
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Accessing Templates

Templates are available in multiple places:

### Template Library

1. Click the **Templates** section in the sidebar
2. Browse available templates
3. View template details by clicking on a template name

### During Report Generation

1. Open the chat panel
2. Look for the **Template** selector
3. Choose a template before generating

## Types of Templates

### System Templates

Pre-built templates provided by Finch Fusion:

* Company Analysis Template
* Industry Overview Template
* Investment Recommendation Template
* Quarterly Results Template
* Market Research Template

These templates are available to all users and cannot be modified (but can be cloned).

### Personal Templates

Templates you've created for your own use:

* Only visible to you
* Fully customizable
* Can be shared with others

### Shared Templates

Templates shared by team members:

* Visible to those granted access
* Follow organizational standards
* Can be copied to create personal versions

## Using a Template to Generate a Report

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Your Project">
    Ensure you're in the project containing your source documents.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Template Selection">
    In the chat panel or Reports menu, find the template selector.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a Template">
    Browse available templates and select one that matches your needs.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Your Prompt">
    Describe the specific report you want:

    * Subject (company, industry, topic)
    * Focus areas
    * Any special instructions
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate the Report">
    Click **Generate** to create a report following the template structure.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Template vs. Report Type

Templates and report types work together:

| Aspect        | Report Type      | Template           |
| ------------- | ---------------- | ------------------ |
| Purpose       | General category | Specific structure |
| Customization | Fixed            | Fully customizable |
| Sections      | Standard         | Custom sections    |
| Who creates   | Finch Fusion     | You or your team   |

<Tip>
  Start with a report type to understand basic structures, then create templates for your specific recurring needs.
</Tip>

## Template Preview

Before using a template, preview its structure:

1. Click on the template name in the library
2. View the template details:
   * Template purpose and description
   * Section list and order
   * Section descriptions
3. Decide if it fits your needs

## Customizing Generated Reports

Even when using a template, you can:

* Edit any section content after generation
* Add new sections not in the template
* Remove sections you don't need
* Reorder sections

The template provides a starting structure, not a rigid constraint.

## Finding the Right Template

When choosing a template:

1. **Match your purpose** - Select templates designed for your analysis type
2. **Review sections** - Ensure the sections cover what you need
3. **Consider audience** - Choose templates appropriate for your readers
4. **Check complexity** - More sections means longer reports

## Template Recommendations by Use Case

| Use Case               | Recommended Template                |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Investor presentations | Investment Recommendation           |
| Client research        | Company Analysis                    |
| Market entry decisions | Industry Overview + Market Research |
| Earnings review        | Quarterly Results                   |
| Strategic planning     | Market Outlook                      |

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Template sections don't fit my needs">
    Use the template as a starting point and edit sections after generation. Consider creating a custom template for recurring needs.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can't find a suitable template">
    Try the closest match or generate without a template. You can also [create your own template](/templates/creating-templates).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Template is missing sections I need">
    Request additional sections in your generation prompt. The AI will add content beyond the template structure.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Creating Templates" icon="plus" href="/templates/creating-templates">
    Build your own custom templates
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sharing Templates" icon="share" href="/templates/sharing-templates">
    Share templates with your team
  </Card>
</CardGroup>