How do I create a Master template?

This article explains how to save a rig as a master template for reuse. If you would like to know how to create an Action template for animation, see How do I create an Action template?

If you want to know about what a Master template is, see What is a Master template?

Step 1: Group the rig

Before you can template your rig, it is important to group it to keep all its elements and pegs in a neat package that won’t clutter the scenes it’s brought into. If your rig is already grouped, skip to Step 2.

1. In the Node view, select all the nodes in your rig, from the Master Peg, down to the rig composite. Leave out the Write and Display nodes.

2. Right click in the Node view and select one of the following options from the menu:
   • If your rig already has its own composite, choose Group > Group Selection.
   • If your rig does not have its own composite, choose Group > Group Selection with Composite.

3. Your rig will be grouped. Make sure to rename the new group.
4. An optional step is to add a peg to the group that can be used for repositioning. To add a peg to the group, select it and use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + P (Windows) or CMD + P (macOS).

Step 2: Save the Master template

1. In the Library view, locate or create the folder that you want to save the Master Template to.
2. If the folder is locked, right click on it and choose Right to Modify.  

3. Depending on how you want to save the rig, do one of the following:
   • In the Node view, select and copy the group and group peg with Ctrl/CMD + C. Select the Library view window and paste them with Ctrl/CMD + V.
   • Close the timeline and drag the group peg to the Library view window.
   • Select a section of the rig on the timeline and drag this to the Library view window. This is useful if you want to include turnaround or posing keyframes when importing the rig.
4. The Rename window will open: 

5. Name your Master template and click OK.
6. The Master template is now saved in the library. 

Q&A 

Question: 

I copied and pasted the group to the Library view, but nothing happened?

Answers: 

Make sure the library folder is unlocked by right clicking it and selecting Right to Modify.

Question: 

Why can’t I see the templates I’ve created in the Library view?

Answer: 

Sometimes the Library view needs to be refreshed before you can see all available templates. Do this by pressing F5 or right clicking in one of the Library view panes and selecting Refresh.