> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.aristotlemetadata.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.aristotlemetadata.com/administrator-tasks/custom-item-templates/creating-metadata-items-using-custom-item-templates.md).
# Creating metadata items using custom item templates
When a custom item template's 'Status' is saved as 'Active', it can be used to create templated metadata items of the type specified by the template's 'Base Metadata Type' field.
### How to create metadata items using custom item templates
1. Select 'Create Metadata' from the dashboard side panel, or 'See all' from the creation shortcut in the registry header.
2. Select 'Create' from the custom item template you wish to use
3. Populate the fields included in the item template, then select 'Create item' once satisfied. The item will be created in the format specified by the selected custom item template.
**Note:** The screenshot above represents an **example** custom item template's populatable fields only. These could differ template to template.
4. Once created, a templated item's views can be toggled via the links at the top of its item tab.
**Note:** Users can also switch between the templated and default item views (but **not** sub-pages) by selecting the 'Actions' dropdown, then 'Show default item view' or 'Show \[*template name*]' accordingly (below).
