Confluence Templates with variables
Asked by Casey Daniell:

We currently use a Confluence Template, "Service Info", which documents some of the basic items we need to know to monitor services and provision the correct VMs for running these services. Essentially these templates are the basis of our service catalogue and enforce some formatting standards for the document.

Part of these documents we are using variable to ask what version of .NET Framework, or .NET Core a service relies on. The implementation when initially completing this document seems kludgy. There is one page where a user selects the correct value for the variables we have in the document, then they have to select "Next" at the bottom of the page and complete the text versions of these pages.

1. Is this how Confluence Templates are expected to function when a user fills one out?
2. Is there a premade template I can and refine to use for this function? I don't see anything on <https://www.atlassian.com/software/confluence/templates>
3. Maybe a blueprint for this function (service documentation) exists from a vendor that I haven't found?


Answers:
author: Diego
body: Hello [@Casey Daniell](/t5/user/viewprofilepage/user-id/538134)!

I believe that, according to your description, you are dealing with a custom Blueprint that exists within your Confluence Server instance.

Blueprints are similar to templates but are more advanced in some ways. Using a blueprint would, for example, allow for User Interface input during page creation and even pre-populated page titles.

In your case, it seems that a blueprint has been created to satisfy a specific need of your organization. Blueprints can be developed to achieve a myriad of results, so I can not say that whoever developed yours, had this exact behavior in mind. You can take a better look at how to develop blueprints here:
> * [++***\[Atlassian Developer\] Confluence Server - Write an intermediate blueprint plugin***++](https://developer.atlassian.com/server/confluence/write-an-intermediate-blueprint-plugin/)

For a more detailed explanation about blueprints, you can check here:
> * [++***\[Confluence Server\] Blueprints***++](https://confluence.atlassian.com/doc/blueprints-323982376.html)

Your guts were right! You can surely look into our Marketplace for blueprints that might satisfy your needs:
> [++***\[Atlassian Marketplace\] Search -- blueprint***++](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/search?hosting=server&product=confluence&query=blueprint)

I hope this helps!

comments: author: Casey Daniell
body: Yea, we are using Templates for sure and not Blueprints. What I am seeing it like the "Step 2: Fill in template variables" image on <https://confluence.atlassian.com/doc/create-a-template-296093779.html>

This seems odd from a users POV having to select answers for my variables on the first page, then proceed and answer additional questions.


author: kyle g
body: I'm struggling with the same problem - when I add variables to a template - Confluence is forcing another step in the process. From the users POV - triggering the template page they will be forced to select the variable values before clicking NEXT to be able to edit the page normally.

When you have a long template - it sure creates confusion when it appears they cannot edit the page at all.

I can add instructions - but it creates a really 'busy' looking page. Is there a way to limit the 'Step 2' piece to show only the variables within the template? Or eliminate Step 2 altogether and allow the user to edit and select variables in one step?


author: Doris Rivera
body: has anyone been able to find a workaround for this issue?


Tags: confluence-server

migration-customer-care

server