Templates
A template is a saved transaction you can reuse with a single tap. If you make the same kind of transaction regularly, but it isn't on a fixed schedule, a template saves you from typing it all out every time.
TL;DR
A template is a transaction saved for reuse. It fills in everything except the date when you pick it, so repeat transactions take one tap instead of a full form. They're different from scheduled transactions: a template waits for you to use it, while a scheduled transaction posts itself on a schedule.
What's in a template
A template captures everything a transaction needs, except the date (and its own identity). When you use a template, CentBase fills in all of it for you:
- Type
- Amount
- Account (and transfer account, for transfers)
- Envelope(s), including splits
- Status
- Fee (amount, envelope, and account), see Transaction fees
- Tags
- Notes
- Location
- Color / icon
When to use a template
- You transfer the same amount into savings each month, but manually.
- You buy the same service occasionally.
- You want a consistent starting point for a recurring-but-irregular expense.
How to use one
- Open Templates from the More tab.
- Tap a template, CentBase opens the transaction form with everything pre-filled.
- Add the date (and tweak anything else if this time is different).
- Save. Done.
You can also create a template from the transaction form, save your current entry as a template so it's ready next time. If the transaction has a fee, the fee is saved as part of the template, see Transaction fees.
Templates vs scheduled transactions
Templates and schedules work together but are different tools:
| Templates | Scheduled transactions | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A saved, reusable transaction | A template with a repeating schedule |
| Who triggers it | You (one tap) | CentBase (automatic) |
| Date | You pick it each time | Set by the recurrence rule |
A scheduled transaction is essentially a template running on autopilot, see Scheduled transactions.
Summary
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A transaction saved for one-tap reuse |
| What's saved? | Everything except the date |
| Who triggers it? | You |
| Deleting a template | If it has a schedule, the schedule goes too, posted transactions stay |
Sample use cases
- Monthly savings deposit. You manually move $200 into Savings every month, one tap from your template and it's filled in.
- Occasional service. You top up the same laundry card every few weeks.
- Regular-but-irregular bill. A utility bill that varies in date, use a template instead of a schedule so you stay in control of when it posts.