Model Templates

This article explains how model templates work in Model Reef.

You will learn:

• What a model template is.

• How to create templates from existing models.

• How to use templates to enforce structure and speed up new builds.

Templates help ensure consistency across models and reduce setup time.

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What a model template is

A model template is a normal Model Reef model that you treat as a reusable starting point.

Templates usually contain:

• Branch structures for entities, divisions or projects.

• Preconfigured categories and subcategories.

• Variable stubs or example variables for common lines.

• Standard dashboards and charts.

• Standard reports such as P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Waterfall and key KPIs.

• Optional opening assumptions that you plan to overwrite in new models.

When you use a template, you normally duplicate it and then customise the copy.

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Creating a template from an existing model

1

Build or open a model with the desired structure

Start from a model that already includes the branches, categories, reports and dashboards you want to reuse.

2

Remove client- or project-specific data

Clean out sensitive or specific items before turning the model into a template, for example:

• Remove or anonymise live actuals.

• Reset or simplify assumptions.

• Remove sensitive attachments.

3

Save or label the model as a template

Organise or name the model so it’s clear it’s a template, for example:

• Move it into a Templates folder.

• Name it Template - [use case], such as Template - SaaS Model.

You now have a template ready for reuse.

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Using a template to create a new model

1

Duplicate the template

Duplicate the template model in the workspace to create a working copy.

2

Rename the copy

Rename the duplicated model for the specific client, entity or project.

3

Update the copy for the new use case

Adjust the working copy to reflect the new client or project:

• Update branch names to match the real structure.

• Import or update opening balances and actuals.

• Update key driver assumptions and variables.

• Create or adjust scenario versions if needed.

All dashboards, reports and valuation settings come across with the template, so you avoid rebuilding them from scratch.

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Managing a library of templates

Over time you may build a library of templates, for example:

• Template - 3 Statement Group Model

• Template - SaaS Unit Economics

• Template - Retail Multi Site

• Template - LBO

• Template - Project Finance

To keep templates useful:

• Review them periodically and update for new best practice.

• Remove or archive templates that are no longer used.

• Align naming conventions and documentation across templates.

Good templates accelerate new work and keep structures consistent across the workspace.

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Templates and permissions

Templates behave like normal models for permissions:

• Owners decide who can see and use templates.

• Editors can create new models by duplicating templates.

• Viewers can inspect template structures but cannot change them.

You might keep templates restricted to a core modelling team if they are complex.

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Related articles

• Capacity & Production Planning

• Build Cross Branch Drivers & Dependencies

• Variable Overview

• Manual Time Series Editing