What a Onelink template does and when to use one
A Onelink template is a saved set of link settings that you can reuse across multiple links without entering the same information each time. Instead of configuring destination URLs, tracking parameters, and redirect rules one link at a time, you build a template once and apply it to new links as you create them. This saves time when you manage many similar links or run campaigns with consistent tracking needs.
Templates work best when you have a repeatable pattern — for example, all links for a specific campaign that need the same UTM parameters, or a series of links that all redirect through the same tracking domain. If you find yourself entering identical settings across five or ten links, a template will cut that work significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Templates store your link settings once so you can apply them to multiple new links without re-entering the same information.
- You build a template by configuring a link's destination, parameters, and rules, then saving it as a reusable template instead of publishing it as a single link.
- When you create a new link from a template, all the saved settings populate automatically, and you only change what needs to be different.
- Templates are most useful for campaigns with consistent tracking or redirect patterns across many links.
How to create a template from scratch
Start by opening your link creation form as you normally would. Fill in all the settings you want to repeat across multiple links: the destination URL structure, any UTM parameters, custom domain preferences, and any redirect rules or conditions. Do not enter a specific final destination yet — instead, use a placeholder or variable that you will replace when you create individual links from the template.
Once all the repeating settings are in place, look for a "Save as template" option instead of the standard publish or create button. Name the template something specific that describes what it is for — for example, "Q4 Campaign UTM Template" or "Product Launch Redirect" — so you can find it quickly later. Save the template without publishing it as a live link.
The template now exists in your account and is ready to use. You can view your saved templates in a dedicated templates section, usually accessible from your main dashboard or link management area.
Applying a template to create new links
When you are ready to create a new link, start the link creation process and look for an option to select a template. Choose the template you want to use from your saved list. All the settings from that template — parameters, domains, rules, and any other configuration — will populate automatically into the new link form.
Review the populated settings to make sure they are correct for this particular link. Change only what is different for this specific link: typically the destination URL or any campaign-specific values. Leave all the repeating settings as they are. Once you have made your changes, publish the link as normal.
Each link you create from a template is independent, so changing one link's settings will not affect the template or other links created from it. The template remains unchanged and ready for the next link you create.
Editing and updating templates
If you need to change a template — for example, to add a new parameter or update a redirect rule — open the template from your templates section and edit it directly. Save the changes to the template itself. These changes will apply only to new links you create from that point forward; they will not change any links you have already published using the old version of the template.
If you want to update links you created earlier with the new template settings, you will need to edit those individual links manually. There is no automatic way to retroactively apply template changes to existing links, so plan your template settings carefully before you create many links from it.
Common template configurations for different campaigns
For a social media campaign, your template might include UTM parameters like utm_source=social and utm_medium=instagram, with the campaign name left blank so you can fill it in for each post. For an email campaign, you might set utm_source=email and utm_medium=newsletter, with a placeholder for the send date or segment name.
If you run affiliate or partner programs, a template can store your redirect domain and any required partner codes, leaving only the destination URL to change for each partner link. For A/B testing, you might create separate templates for variant A and variant B, each with different tracking parameters, so you can quickly spin up test links without mixing up which parameter set belongs to which variant.
The key is identifying what stays the same across your links and what changes. Everything that stays the same belongs in the template; everything that changes should be left as a placeholder or blank field.
Organizing templates so you can find them later
Name your templates descriptively and include the campaign, channel, or purpose in the name. "Template 1" or "Backup" will be useless when you have five templates and need to pick the right one quickly. Instead, use names like "Black Friday Email UTM", "Podcast Guest Appearance", or "Affiliate Partner Redirect".
If your platform allows it, organize templates into folders or categories — for example, by campaign type, by quarter, or by marketing channel. Review your templates periodically and delete ones you no longer use, so your template list stays manageable and you are not scrolling through old campaigns to find the one you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a template after I have already created links from it?
Yes, you can edit the template itself, but changes will only apply to new links you create from that point forward. Links you already published will keep their original settings. If you need to update those earlier links, you must edit them individually.
What happens if I delete a template?
Deleting a template does not affect any links you have already created from it. Those links remain live and functional. You simply lose the ability to create new links from that template. If you think you might need it again, consider renaming it or archiving it instead of deleting it.
Can I duplicate an existing link as a template?
Most platforms allow you to save an existing published link as a template, which copies all its settings into a new template. This is faster than building a template from scratch if you have a link that is already configured the way you want it.
Should I use templates for one-off links or special campaigns?
Templates are most useful when you will create at least three or four similar links. For a single link or a completely unique campaign, the time to set up a template may not be worth it. Use your judgment based on how many links you expect to create with the same settings.