# Default VFX Graph Templates window

Use the template window to create a VFX Graph asset with a predefined effect. You can use these templates as a starting point for your own effects.
Each template has a description and an image to describe its behavior.

![Template-Window](Images/templates-window.png)    

## Use a VFX Graph Template

![toolbar](Images/templates-window-toolbar.png)    
To open the VFX Graph Templates window:
1. Select the dropdown arrow next to the **Add** (**+**) icon in the Visual Effect graph toolbar.
2. Select one of the following options:
      * **Create from template** - Creates a new VFX Graph asset based on a VFX Graph template. 
      * **Insert template** - adds a VFX Graph template to the VFX Graph asset that is currently open.
3. In the Create new VFX Asset window, select a Default VFX Graph template. 
4. Double-click the Template asset, or select **Create**

The Add **[+]** button opens the templates window to insert a template in the current VFX (it will be placed at the center of the screen).    
You can also use the **Insert template** option from the context menu in the graph.

> [!TIP]
> If you hold the **CTRL** key while clicking on **[+]** button, the templates window will open to create a new VFX asset.

## Create a custom VFX Graph template

VFX Graph includes an API that you can use to create and manage your own VFX Graph templates. 

To create a new VFX Graph template, use the `VFXTemplateHelper.TrySetTemplate` method.    
Include the following in your script:
   - The path to the VFX asset.
   - A `VFXTemplateDescriptor` structure with following information:
     - Name: Name of the template.
     - Category: The category this template appears in.
     - Description: A description for the template to display in the template window details panel.
     - Icon: (optional) An image icon to show in the template window list of templates.
     - Thumbnail: (optional) An image to display in the template window details panel.  

The method returns `true` when the script creates a new template, otherwise it returns `false`.
Custom templates appear in the templates window in the Category you defined.

### Use an existing VFX Graph template in script

To get an existing template descriptor: 
1. Use the method `VFXTemplateHelper.TryGetTemplate`.   
2.Provide the path to the asset and a `VFXTemplateDescriptor` structure that will be filled if the asset is found and is a template.  

The method returns `true` when the script finds the template, otherwise it returns `false`.