Template

A template is a string of characters that is saved to your PC when you select the in-game option "Save Template", found in the skills window (default key is K). This will save your current skills and attribute points so that you can load them at a later date.

Templates can be very useful for those that like to share Builds. You also don't need to ever actually download anything in order to do this. Windows comes with all the tools you need to save a build that you have seen and want to try.

First, you'll need to know the string of characters for the build in question. You will also need to open Notepad. Copy the string of characters into Notepad and save that as a plain text .txt file into your Guild Wars directory labeled "Templates" (if it doesn't exist yet, don't worry. Just save whatever skills you're using in-game and it will create that directory). Once you've saved the new template, it will show up the next time you load Guild Wars. You will need to load the template onto a character that has the correct primary class, otherwise you will not be able to see the file. You will also need to have the skills that go along with the Builds. If you don't have those skills, they will simply show up as blank spaces on the skill bar.

Guild Wars also has integrated template-building support. At any time, simply hit "K," and click the Template button (disk image). Choose "Save Template," give your template a name, and save it. Your current skills and attributes will be saved. This also works with equipment. Hit "I," and click the Template button, choose "Save Template," name your template, and save it. Equipment templates record your current armor and active weapon set, but no other weapon sets.

Templates are saved locally so if using a new computer you would need to copy the files over to use them. The default locations are:
 * Windows XP: C:\Program Files\Guild Wars\Templates
 * Windows Vista/Windows 7: C:\Users\\Documents\Guild Wars\Templates

Tips
It is possible to organize your templates by creating folders (or directories). To create folders in game, merely include the folder name when saving a template (for instance \Warrior\template). Or, using Windows explorer, go to your Guild Wars install directory and find the Templates->Skills and create folders there.

If you use the Ctrl+C (for copy) and Ctrl+V (for paste) keystrokes you can paste them in

If you are using Vista/Windows 7 and want the Windows XP template folder location you can set GW.exe to Windows XP compatibility mode.