---
title: Parameterize a Template
slug: bhdm/parameterize-a-template
createdAt: 2022-09-28T20:15:09.000Z
---

:::hint{type="info"}
**Note**: This was previously an experimental feature before Belden Horizon Data Manager version 2.7.0.
:::

Templates allow you to preconfigure an edge device's associated devices. Parameterizing a template allows you to specify variables for selected attributes within the template, which can then be applied to specific devices.

You can convert an existing template to a parameterized template.

You can add variables and parameterize a template from the *Templates *pane.

You can preview the template and download the JSON to verify the variables on the template, and then upload the template.

# Before You Begin

- Upload at least one template. See *Load template from file *in [Templates](docId\:wmhk0kr5zdL5wO49y3i9_). 
- Determine which attributes in the selected template need a variable.

# Additional Details

You can do the following:

- Apply the parameterized template to an existing device.
- Apply the parameterized template to an existing device during activation.
- Parameterize **Company**, **Project**,** **or **Instance **templates.
- Select any attribute in a template to create a variable.

# Access Parameter Template UI

1. Log in to Belden Horizon Data Manager.
2. Select a company.
   The *Projects* pane appears.
3. From the Navigation panel, select **Templates**.
4. Click the **Actions** icon next to a template which has not been parameterized and select **Parameterize Template**.
   The *Template Details* pane opens displaying the *Variables *and *Parameterized Template* panels.

Refer to the following actions you can take on the *Templates Details* pane.

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\[1] **Show filter** / **Hide filter:** Search by *Name*, and *Description*

\[2] **Add variable**

\[3] **Reload**

\[4] **Action menu:**

- **Edit**
- **Delete**

\[5] **Edit variable**

\[6] **Expand Template Variables **

\[7] **Save parameterized template**

\[8] **Preview Template**

\[9] **Delete Parameterized template**

# More On Edit variable

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\[10] **Select Variable**

\[11] **Done**

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\[12] **Revert to the default value**