#### 11.6.2 Block Templates

In addition to copy blocks that were previously added to the diagram, you can also define templates of blocks. Block Templates are fully defined blocks (of any kind), that are not part of the diagram. They do not appear and cannot be referenced (e.g., for alignment or arrows). They, however, can serve as a basis of other blocks, that do appear.

To define a template, simply add `template` in front of any block. The name of the block becomes the name of the template.73 The template captures the default styles and running styles at the location of definition and replaying it will not be impacted by a later change to them.

Templates are part of the chart and do not disappear after closing the scope (at the closing brace). Template definitions cannot be made part of design specifications, but can be part of procedures. In the latter case replaying the procedure will result in the definition of the template at the location of the replay. You can also create a modification of a template by copying it. Simply type `template` before a `copy` command and the result will not be a block that appears but a template. This construct is also suitable to create a template (possibly with modifications) from an exitsing block - simply type `template copy <block_name> as <template_name>`.

#### Footnotes

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If you have defined the template inside another block (wierd), the full name of the block becomes the name of the template.