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Roster templates

Sean Wyse By Sean Wyse Updated 12 January 2026 3 min read
Permission level: All Users Device: Web Browser

Saving and uploading roster templates

Roster templates allow you to save and reuse specific roster setups, saving time and ensuring consistency. This guide explains how to create, save, and upload templates for your rosters, helping you streamline your workforce scheduling. Following these steps, you'll be able to apply templates to different rosters or layer templates for a flexible schedule setup across multiple sites and shifts.

1. Saving a roster template

Saving a roster template helps you reuse a specific schedule setup. This section covers how to set up and save templates, add shifts, and use naming conventions for easy identification. Once saved, these templates can be applied or layered onto rosters for quick scheduling.

1.1 Filtering the roster by site

Go to the weekly view of the roster.

Weekly view of the roster in RosterElf

Filter your roster to display a specific site.

Site filter dropdown showing specific site selection

1.2 Adding shifts to the roster

Add the required shifts to the roster.

Adding shifts to the roster

Include both draft and published shifts; all will load as drafts when reusing.

1.3 Saving the template

Click Save as Template at the bottom right of the screen.

Save as Template button location

Name the template following a common naming format (e.g., Site - Shift - Crew).

Confirm by clicking Save.

Template naming dialog with Save button

Example naming convention:

For a business with multiple sites and rotating crews:

  • Warehouse - Day Shift - Crew A
  • Warehouse - Night Shift - Crew B

2. Uploading a template

Uploading a saved template enables quick reuse of previous roster setups. This section guides you through applying templates to a new roster period, including options for replacing or layering shifts based on your needs.

2.1 Selecting a template for upload

Filter the roster to the desired site.

Go to the weekly view of the roster.

Select the week to add the template.

Click Upload Template and select the required template.

Upload Template button and template selection dialog

2.2 Replace or layer shifts

Choose Replace All Shifts to delete current shifts and apply a clean template.

Replace All Shifts option in template upload dialog

Choose Add to Existing Shifts to layer the template over existing shifts.

Add to Existing Shifts option in template upload dialog

Remember:

Only future shifts will update if you upload mid-period.

3. Layering templates

Layering templates allows you to stack multiple templates on a single roster for more complex scheduling needs. Use this section to combine templates, such as day and night shifts for multiple teams, into a single roster setup.

3.1 Loading multiple templates

Upload the first template using the steps in Section 2.

Click on Add to Existing Shifts to keep existing shifts on the roster.

Repeat the upload process for each additional template.

Example of Layering Schedule:

For a warehouse using cycles:

Week Day Shift Night Shift Off
1 Crew A Crew B Crew C
2 Crew C Crew A Crew B

Frequently asked questions

1. What is a roster template, and how does it help?

A roster template is a saved schedule setup that you can reuse, making scheduling faster and more consistent across different rosters and sites.

2. How do I save a roster template?

To save a roster template, go to the weekly roster view, set up the shifts you need, and click Save as Template at the bottom right. Use a clear naming format for easy identification.

3. How can I upload a roster template?

In the weekly roster view, select the desired site and week, then click Upload Template. Choose the template you wish to upload, and decide if you want to replace existing shifts or layer the template over them.

4. What is the difference between replacing and layering shifts?

Replace All Shifts removes current shifts and applies a fresh template. Add to Existing Shifts layers the template over the existing schedule, keeping the current shifts intact.

5. How can I layer multiple templates onto a roster?

To layer multiple templates, follow the upload steps, selecting Add to Existing Shifts each time to keep shifts from each template intact. This lets you build a comprehensive schedule by combining different templates.

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