Save your bulk action configurations as reusable templates so you can repeat complex workflows with a single click, saving time and ensuring consistency across your agency.

### Overview

- **What it is:** **Bulk Templates** let you save a completed bulk action setup (including filters, parameters, and message content) as a named template you can re-run at any time.
- **Why it matters:** Agencies frequently run the same bulk actions (reminders, status updates, exports). Templates eliminate repetitive configuration and reduce the risk of errors.
- **Who uses it:** Agency administrators and staff who regularly execute bulk actions such as mass notifications, status changes, or data exports.
- **Expected outcomes:** Faster execution of recurring bulk tasks, consistent parameters across runs, and a clear history of when each template was last used.

### Prerequisites

- An active eCourtDate agency account
- Role with permission to manage bulk actions
- At least one successfully completed bulk action to use as the basis for a template

### How-To Steps

#### Step 1: Navigate to Bulk Templates

1. Click **Bulk Actions** from the main navigation.
2. Select **Bulk Templates** from the submenu.
3. Review the list of existing templates or proceed to create a new one.

#### Step 2: Create a Template from a Completed Bulk Action

1. Navigate to **Bulk Actions** and run a bulk action with your desired configuration.
2. After the bulk action completes, click **Save as Template**.
3. Enter a descriptive name for the template (for example, "Weekly Court Reminder - SMS").
4. Add an optional description to help your team understand what the template does.
5. Click **Save** to store the template.

#### Step 3: Re-Run a Template

1. Navigate to **Bulk Actions** > **Bulk Templates**.
2. Locate the template you want to run.
3. Click **Run** next to the template name.
4. Review the pre-filled parameters to confirm they are correct.
5. Click **Confirm** to execute the bulk action using the saved configuration.

#### Step 4: Review Run History

1. Open a template from the **Bulk Templates** list.
2. Click the **History** tab to view all previous runs.
3. Review the date, status, and results of each run to track performance and outcomes.

#### Step 5: Update Template Parameters

1. Navigate to **Bulk Actions** > **Bulk Templates**.
2. Click the template name to open its details.
3. Click **Edit** to modify the template parameters (such as filters, message content, or target audience).
4. Click **Save** to apply your changes.

### What to Expect

When you save a template, all configuration details from the original bulk action are preserved. Re-running a template applies the saved parameters to the current data set, so results may vary based on which records match the filters at the time of execution. Run history updates immediately after each execution completes.

### Best Practices

- Use clear, descriptive template names that include the action type and frequency (for example, "Monthly Payment Reminder - Email").
- Review template parameters before each run to ensure filters still match your intended audience.
- Check run history regularly to verify templates are producing expected results.
- Archive or delete templates that are no longer needed to keep your list organized.
- Test a new template with a small audience before applying it broadly.

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Can I create a template without running a bulk action first?**
A: Templates are created from completed bulk actions. Run the bulk action with your desired configuration first, then save it as a template.

**Q: Will a template automatically update if my data changes?**
A: The template saves the configuration (filters, parameters, message content), not the data itself. Each time you run the template, it applies those filters to the current data set, so it always targets up-to-date records.

**Q: Can multiple team members use the same template?**
A: Yes. Any team member with permission to manage bulk actions can view and run shared templates. Templates are available agency-wide.

**Q: How do I delete a template I no longer need?**
A: Open the template from the **Bulk Templates** list, click **Delete**, and confirm the action. Deleting a template does not affect any previously completed runs.

**Q: Is there a limit to how many templates I can save?**
A: There is no hard limit on the number of templates. However, keeping your template list organized with clear names and removing outdated templates is recommended.

### Troubleshooting

**Issue:** Template run produces no results.
**Symptoms:** You click **Run** but the bulk action completes with zero records processed.
**Solution:** The saved filters may no longer match any current records. Open the template, click **Edit**, and review the filter criteria. Adjust the filters to match your current data set, then save and re-run.

**Issue:** Template parameters appear outdated.
**Symptoms:** The message content or configuration in the template no longer reflects your current workflow.
**Solution:** Open the template and click **Edit** to update the parameters. Alternatively, run a new bulk action with the correct configuration and save it as a new template.

### Related Articles

- [How to Send Bulk Messages](/how-to-send-bulk-messages)
- [How to Create Recurring Actions](/how-to-create-recurring-actions)
- [How to Manage Bulk Actions](/how-to-manage-bulk-actions)