# 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.

<figure><img src="/files/rJt9tPlac6MS17aC62Y5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Select 'Create' from the custom item template you wish to use

<figure><img src="/files/d2WPPxztGxyWCFSIAboy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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.

<figure><img src="/files/Vk47WtFmPYxexV9TroLy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**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.

<figure><img src="/files/o56ITujJsF3dAVfJH45L" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**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).

<figure><img src="/files/3oVSh1hsARQeGCBrKTAj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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