Key Points
To create a shift template, go to the Admin Menu and select Templates, click Create Reference Period, set the template name, frequency and start date, then click Create Template. To apply it, open the period in the Roster Schedule, click Apply Template, choose the template and confirm.
A template copies every shift in the selected roster period, including any notes, edits or adjustments, so create it from a clean, finalised roster. Templates can be weekly or fortnightly.
Applying a template automatically creates shifts in the selected roster period. They're added on top of any shifts already there, so apply templates to empty periods to avoid duplicates.
Shift templates are a legacy feature. For most organisations, repeating shifts are the recommended alternative.
Shift Templates
Shift templates allow you to quickly copy a set of shifts from one roster period to another. This article covers how to create a template, apply it to a new roster period, and fix any mistakes.
Preparing the Roster
Before creating a template, select a roster period that contains the shifts you want to copy. The template will copy every shift in that period, including any notes, edits, or adjustments attached to those shifts.
Because of this, it is best to create templates from clean and stable roster periods that will not require further changes. Using a well-prepared roster ensures your template remains accurate and reusable.
A template is linked to the original roster period, not saved as a separate copy. If shifts in that period are changed later, the template applies the changed shifts, so keep the original period as it is.
Creating a Shift Template
Once you have identified the roster period you want to copy, go to the Admin Menu in the top right corner and select Templates. This will open the Template Management screen.
Click Create Reference Period in the top right corner, then fill in the following settings:
Template Name
Give the template a clear and descriptive name. For example: Weekday Support Template.
Template Frequency
Choose whether the template will be weekly or fortnightly.
Start Date
Select the start date of the roster period you want to copy. The template will capture all shifts from this date forward.
Once completed, click Create Template. The template will appear in the template list showing its name, duration, and the total number of shifts copied.
The start date moves automatically to the first day of your roster week or fortnight. Your roster's week start is set by our Support team.
The Template Management list shows each template's name, period (week or fortnight), start date and number of shifts. Click the start date to open that roster period in the Roster Schedule, in a new tab.
Applying a Shift Template
Once the template has been created, it can be applied to any future roster period. Follow these steps:
Step 1 - Go back to the Roster
Navigate back to the Roster Schedule and find the week or period where you want to apply the template.
Step 2 - Check for template period indicators
If the roster period is already part of a template, a Template Dialogue Box will appear at the top of the roster. This warning helps prevent users from accidentally modifying template-based shifts, so take care when editing shifts within a template period.
Step 3 - Apply the template
Click the Apply Template button in the top right corner. A template selection window will appear. You will be asked whether to allow sleepover shifts to extend into the following week.
It is recommended to cut off sleepover shifts if the end portion already exists within the template. This prevents duplicate overnight shifts from being created.
Step 4 - Select and apply the template
Choose the template you created and click Apply. You will be asked to confirm the creation of shifts.
Step 5 - Confirm
Once confirmed, the template shifts will automatically populate the roster. All shifts from the template period will appear in the selected week.
Note: applying a template adds shifts on top of any shifts already in that period. Apply templates to empty periods to avoid duplicate shifts.
Verifying the Template
After applying the template, it is good practice to review the roster. Navigate back to the original template week, compare both weeks, and confirm that the shifts match correctly. This ensures the template is applied successfully.
Fixing Template Mistakes
If the wrong template was applied or shifts were created incorrectly, delete all shifts from the affected roster period, return to Apply Template, select the correct template, and apply it again. Templates can be reapplied as many times as needed.
Deleting a Template
Click the Admin Tools menu (spanner icon) in the top right corner of the roster and select Templates.
Click the arrow next to Edit on the template and select Delete.
Click Yes to confirm. This can't be undone.
Deleting a template doesn't delete any shifts. Shifts already created from the template, and the shifts in the original roster period, stay on the roster.
Important Note
Shift templates are considered a legacy feature in FlowLogic. For most organisations, repeating shifts are the recommended alternative because they:
Automatically generate shifts without manual effort.
Are easier to maintain long-term and reduce errors in rostering.
Provide a more efficient workflow for ongoing roster management.
Templates may still be useful when copying an existing roster structure, but repeating shifts are generally the more efficient option for long-term rostering.