> 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/removing-or-applying-an-item-template-for-an-existing-metadata-item.md).
# Removing or applying an item template for an existing metadata item
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An item template can only be applied to an existing metadata item by a Stewardship Organisation or registry Administrator.
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Metadata items that were not created using a specific custom item template can still have that template applied to them after creation.
This includes items that were created using a different custom item template, and are therefore already templated. In this case, the original item template must first be unlinked from the item before a new one can be applied.
### How to remove or apply an item template for an existing metadata item
**Note:** This procedure includes instructions for removing/unlinking an item template from a metadata item.
1. Navigate to the desired metadata item, and select its 'Actions' dropdown.
2. **If your chosen metadata item is not already templated**, select 'Change item template, and proceed to step 5. **If your chosen metadata item is already templated**, select 'Unlink item template'.
3. Select 'Unlink'. **If you do not wish to apply a new item template to this metadata item**, procedure ends here.
4. Select the 'Actions' dropdown, then 'Change item template' (see steps 1-2).
5. Select the new template you wish to use via the 'Metadata Item Template' dropdown.
6. Select 'Apply Template'. The template will be applied to the relevant item.