8.3. Understanding and Working with the SharePoint Site Templates
In SharePoint, whenever you create a new site, you start with a template, which has predefined components including a home page, lists and libraries, customized Web Parts, features, and content types that anticipate how you will use the site and that reflect its possible requirements. It's left to you to determine your requirements (as mentioned in the section "Site Management Overview"). So which template should you choose? Obviously, to cut down on work, the key is to select a template with as many of the components you need for your situation. You can then modify it to fit your requirements and save it to use on future sites. For example, to create a site template for your company's projects, you can start with the team site template, which has built-in management components, and then add a list that tracks timelines and milestones for the project, as well as content types for project management and reporting. You can then save your site as a template and call it Standard Project Management Site so users will have all the elements they need to work on the site.
If you are responsible for a SharePoint site, remember the following timesaving tips in creating customized templates for your site:
Identify the key templates your organization will need. Anticipating your users' needs prevents them from creating their own templates.
Try not to create too many templates. Too many templates are difficult to manage, and ...
