Build a Video Template to Share

Create and share a video template to help video collaborators quickly build consistent and professional videos.

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In this tutorial:

Create a new project or update an existing project to save as a video template. Include common video enhancements such as:

AssetDescription
PlaceholdersPlaceholders guide video creators on the type of content to replace in the template. Placeholders preserve the canvas position, transitions, effects, audio points, and animations when possible.
IntrosAnimations to introduce a video or scene.
Motion BackgroundsVideo clips to use as a background or scene in a video.
Lower ThirdsOverlay animations and text to introduce the speaker or scene in a video.
EffectsShort clips with an alpha channel to accent media.
OutrosAnimations to end a video or scene.
Device FramesComputer or mobile device images to provide context around a screenshot or video clip.

To download assets and premade templates, see Download & Install TechSmith Assets.

Create a Video Template

  1. Select File > New Project.
  2. To add a placeholder, drag the cursor to the desired location on the timeline and select Edit > Add Placeholder or press P on the keyboard.
    Example of a placeholder on the timeline
  3. Camtasia adds the placeholder to the timeline. In the Properties panel, enter a title and a note to instruct video creators on the type of content or media specifications for replacing the clip.
    Example of placeholder note in properties panel
  4. Add other desired enhancements in the project on the timeline or canvas.
  5. To save the project as a template, select File > Save Project as Template.
  6. Enter a template name and click OK.

To share the the video template, see Share a Video Template.

Tip: Customize the template thumbnail.

To customize the thumbnail for the template shown in the Template Manager, place the playhead at the desired location on the timeline before saving or exporting.

Edit a Video Template

Ensure video creators maintain your video standards by updating your video templates with the latest branding, logos, and other video updates.

  1. Select File (Windows) or Camtasia 2022 (Mac) > Manage Templates.
  2. To select a template to edit in the Template Manager:
    • Click to select a template from the list and click New from Template.
    • Click the + to select a template file (.camtemplate) from your computer and click Open.
      Example of the template manager dialog
  3. After making the desired edits, select File > Save Project as Template.
  4. Enter a template name and click OK.

Tip: Strategies to save template changes.

  • To replace the current template, save with the same file name.
  • To designate a template version, add a number to the end of the file name.

Share a Video Template

Export as a single template (.camtemplate) or add templates, source files, and media to a Camtasia Package (.campackage) to share with others.

  1. Open a saved template in Camtasia Editor.
  2. Select File > Export > Template.
  3. Browse to a location and enter a file name.
  4. Click Save.

Camtasia exports a template (.camtemplate). To build a new video from this template, see How to Use a Template.