Custom Object Templates: Quick-Start CRM Setup

Introduction to Custom Object Templates

Custom Object Templates are ready-made configurations that help you build industry-specific data structures in your CRM quickly. Instead of creating custom objects, fields, and relationships from scratch, you can apply a template that includes these elements pre-organized for common business scenarios. This saves time and ensures your CRM is set up with best practices for your industry.

These templates are ideal for tracking specialized information that doesn't fit into standard CRM records like contacts or companies. You can preview each template's components before applying it to your account.

Benefits of Using Custom Object Templates

Using Custom Object Templates offers several advantages for setting up your CRM efficiently:

• Rapid Deployment: Create multiple custom objects, fields, folders, and associations in a single step instead of building each component manually.
• Industry-Relevant Structures: Choose from templates designed for specific industries such as real estate, insurance, automotive, SaaS, events, pet care, and home services.
• Organized Data: Benefit from predefined fields and logical folder groupings that keep related information together.
• Predefined Relationships: Templates include associations that connect records across companies, opportunities, and custom objects.
• Preview Capability: Review all template details including objects, fields, associations, descriptions, and requirements before applying.
• Agency Control: Agency administrators can control which templates are visible to specific sub-accounts.

Agency Visibility Controls

For agencies managing multiple client accounts, Custom Object Templates include visibility controls to keep the template library focused and relevant. Agency administrators can use existing template library settings to show or hide specific template categories from sub-accounts.

This is particularly useful when serving niche industries where only certain templates are relevant. Restricting template access prevents sub-accounts from seeing inappropriate options, while templates already applied remain editable even if future access is limited.

How to Apply a Custom Object Template

Applying a template creates a foundation of custom objects that you can customize for your specific needs. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Navigate to Settings within your sub-account.
2. Select Objects from the left navigation menu.
3. Click the Add Custom Object button.
4. Choose the option to use a template for creating objects.
5. Browse the available Custom Object Templates.
6. Select the template that matches your industry or use case.
7. Review the template preview showing objects, fields, associations, descriptions, tags, and prerequisites.
8. Click "Import Objects" to apply the template to your account.
9. After import, review the created objects and make any necessary adjustments.

Once applied, you can manage your custom objects from the Objects section in Settings and review associations through each object's association settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Custom Object Templates create actual records?

No, these templates create the CRM structure (custom objects, fields, folders, and associations) but do not import customer records or sample data.

Can I modify a template after applying it?

Yes, you can edit all aspects of the created custom objects, fields, and associations through the Objects area in Settings after applying the template.

Will applying a template overwrite my existing custom objects?

The system does not overwrite existing custom objects when applying a new template. Always review the template preview before applying to ensure compatibility.

Can agency administrators restrict template access?

Yes, agency admins can control which templates are visible to sub-accounts using template library visibility settings.

What happens if a template is hidden after being used?

Custom objects created from a template remain editable even if the template is later hidden from the library.

Do templates include relationships between records?

Yes, templates can include associations that connect records across companies, opportunities, and custom objects.

Do templates include workflows or sample data?

Not currently. Workflows and sample data are planned for future updates.

Can users create and save their own templates?

User-created templates are not available in the current version but are planned for future development.