Lesson 8 of 8 · 8 min

Templates and packs

Template Packs, built-in workflow templates, and cloning.

Lesson 8 of 8

You rarely need to build a workflow from a blank canvas. MatterFirst offers Template Packs, a set of built-in workflow templates, and one-click cloning — this lesson shows how to reuse each.

Before you start

  • Admin access for workflow templates and cloning ('manage workflows')

Template Packs set up a whole practice area

Settings > Template Packs installs pre-built packs that set up matter types, a workflow, task templates, and folder structures for common legal practice areas in one go. Packs are grouped by practice area; each card shows what it includes (a workflow, its steps, task and folder counts) and an 'Install Pack' button that becomes 'Installed' afterwards. This is the fastest way for a new firm to get a working setup.

Built-in workflow templates

When creating a workflow, 'Start from a template' offers eight ready-made workflows — Conveyancing — Purchase, Conveyancing — Sale, Family Law — Divorce, Litigation, Estate Planning, Simple, Review, and Project. Each 'Use Template' clones the template's full set of stages into a new workflow you can then rename and customise.

Cloning an existing workflow

To reuse a workflow you've already refined, clone it. Every workflow has a 'Clone' action (in its row on the list and in the builder's overflow menu) that copies all of its stages, transitions, and actions into a new workflow. Note there is no 'save workflow as a template' feature — cloning is how you reuse a workflow, and the copy is created inactive until you Start it.

  1. 1

    Install a Template Pack

    Open Settings > Template Packs. Browse the packs grouped by practice area, check what a pack includes (workflow, steps, tasks, folders), and click 'Install Pack'. Once installed the button changes to 'Installed', and the pack's matter types and workflow are ready to use.

    Template Packs install matter types, a workflow, tasks, and folders in one click.
  2. 2

    Start a workflow from a built-in template

    When creating a workflow, use 'Start from a template'. The builder shows a 'Start from a template' grid of the eight built-in workflows; click 'Use Template' on one to clone its stages into a new workflow, then rename and customise it.

  3. 3

    Clone a workflow you already have

    To reuse a workflow you've built, open it in the builder, use the toolbar's overflow (⋯) menu, and choose 'Clone workflow'. Confirm the new name in the dialog — all stages, transitions, and actions are copied. The clone is created inactive, so open it and click 'Start' when you're ready.

Tips & pitfalls

  • There is no 'save as template' action. To reuse a workflow you refined, Clone it (from the row action or the builder's ⋯ menu).
  • A cloned workflow — from a template or another workflow — is inactive on creation. Remember to Start it before it drives any matters.

Key takeaways

  • Template Packs (Settings > Template Packs) set up matter types, a workflow, tasks, and folders for a practice area
  • Eight built-in workflow templates are available via 'Start from a template' → 'Use Template'
  • Reuse an existing workflow by cloning it; there is no save-as-template, and clones start inactive
Monitoring automations Back to Academy

Put the lesson into practice.

Book a guided session and our team will help you configure MatterFirst for your own practice.

Book a session Back to the Academy