Using Templates

Quarto Wizard allows you to quickly start new documents using pre-configured templates from the extension registry, GitHub repositories, URLs, or local paths.

What are Templates?

Templates are special Quarto extensions that include starter files for specific document types, such as:

  • Academic papers.
  • Presentation slides.
  • Letters and invoices.
  • Journal article formats.

When you use a template, Quarto Wizard:

  1. Installs the extension.
  2. Copies the template files to your workspace.

Using the Template Browser

  1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P on macOS).
  2. Type Quarto Wizard: Use Template and select it.
  3. Browse the list of available templates.

The template browser interface showing available Quarto templates with their names, versions, and descriptions. The template browser interface showing available Quarto templates with their names, versions, and descriptions.

Installing a Template

  1. Select the template you want to use.
  2. Choose the workspace folder where the template should be installed (if multiple are available).
  3. Specify a target subdirectory for template files (optional).
  4. Select which template files to copy.
  5. Confirm any file overwrites if necessary.

The input box prompting for a target subdirectory where template files should be copied. The input box prompting for a target subdirectory where template files should be copied.

The QuickPick dialog showing available template files to copy. The QuickPick dialog showing available template files to copy.

Target Subdirectory

When using a template, you can specify a subdirectory where the template files should be copied. This is useful when you want to organise your project or avoid overwriting existing files in the project root.

  • Leave the field empty to copy files directly to the project root.
  • Enter a relative path (e.g., my-project or docs/templates) to copy files to that subdirectory.
Note

Extensions are always installed to the _extensions/ directory at the project root, regardless of the target subdirectory setting. Only template files (e.g., .qmd documents, stylesheets) are affected by the target subdirectory.

Template Files

Templates typically include:

  • A .qmd starter document.
  • Custom styling files (CSS, SCSS).
  • Configuration files.
  • Example content.
Note

The “Use Template” command retrieves all files from the template repository and allows you to select which ones to copy. Common repository files (such as README, LICENSE, and Git configuration) are excluded by default, but you can include them if needed.

Recently Used Templates

Quarto Wizard keeps track of your recently used templates for quick access. These appear at the top of the template browser.

To clear this list, use Quarto Wizard: Clear Recently Installed Extensions.

Accessing Templates from Context Menu

You can also access the template browser from:

  • The Explorer context menu (right-click in the file explorer).
  • The Editor context menu (right-click in an editor).
  • The Quarto Wizard Explorer View toolbar.
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