Where can I go to find a list of user templates? How do I install them?
I can’t find an answer in the “Templates and Showcase” topic, and a google query only says that user templates are available.
Specifically, I’m looking for a short story template, similar to the Novel template that comes standard.
I’m afraid you can’t download templates from anywhere currently. There is a feature request for a repository but it hasn’t been implemented yet. I was one of those who asked for such a repository as I believe it is a major weakness of AT3. I have developed a lot of my own templates for story structures and tracking scene metadata with properties. But a lot of users have no desire to build their own. Hence the need for a repository.
I don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to this forum currently. But what exactly were you looking for in a short story template?
I’m wondering if this has changed because one of the reasons I chose to buy the software was because there was mention of an ancient history template: Create an Ancient History Timeline | Aeon Timeline
Tracking world history is one of the timelines that I need for a project that I’m working on. I was stoked to notice there was a template for it without having to build it myself. Now I’m disappointed because I don’t see anywhere to download it even though it says “about the ancient history template.”
Any ideas or guidance here would be helpful
In the latest version you can access the templates (such as the Ancient History one in the linked example) when you create a new timeline.
Once you click on “New Timeline”, a list will appear on the left panel that says “Choose a Template”. This lists different categories such as General, Fiction etc. Clicking on these categories will then give you a list of different types of templates for that category.
For example, if you click on Historical, you will then get a list with “Ancient History”, “Classical Music”, “Political Timeline” etc. Clicking on the name of the template will load it, and then you can click the “Use this template” to begin using the template for your timeline.
In the latest version (3.4), you can save your own templates (using Save as Template), but the functionality is still a bit limited.
This means that the best way of sharing at present would be using standard timeline files (.aeon extensions). If you share this type of file, the recipient would then need to do a “Save as Template” on any computer they use.
I’m currently finalising a template for my family history. When it’s done, I’ll share it. 
That would be great. Been looking to add my family tree/history to a timeline so would like to see how you have gone about it.
Can you tell me where the hidden folder is? I searched User > App Data > Local and Documents without luck
I believe the built-in templates are not stored as separate aeonTpl files, but are embedded in the application and thus are not accessible in the file directory.
However, if you save a project as a template, AT3 will store the file separately in your file directory. In my case, the custom template files are stored at:
C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Local\Aeon Timeline\Templates
This might be a hidden application data folder, so if you can’t see it, you might need to enable “Show hidden files.” (I’m assuming you’re in Windows.)
Hope this helps.
I saw the comment about the difficulty in sharing templates due to the index.json file. Here is a suggested way to approach this.
Sharing Templates
Any custom templates are stored on windows computers at C:User >App data> Local >Aeon timeline >Templates
The templates files (extension .aeonTpl) are not readily shareable, as there is an index file alongside the templates, in the same hidden folder. If you added another template file manually, you would need also to manually tweak the index file. (index.json)
This Index file can be opened using windows notepad.
The format in the index file looks like below and correlates to the information you add when you create the template (see below-numbered in order of appearance in info below: (Note: id, label, and name use the information displayed in the name field below (#5)
Note the bracket placement as well. I have not tested this but adding an entry correlating to the shared template you added should work. You could share a notepad document with the index text for your shared template copied from the index file, which should be able to pasted into the current index file on your computer. (I would suggest making a copy in case there was an issue and placing it on the desktop to retrieve if neccessary.)
{
“category” : “custom”,
“creator” : “Lee”,
“description” : “”,
“icon” : “custom”,
“id” : “EG latest version 8_26_25”,
“label” : “EG latest version 8_26_25”,
“name” : “EG latest version 8_26_25”
}
The other settings are crucial too, but not in the json index file that can be edited in a notepad or similar program.
This looks to be a good way to share template files–I wondered if this would work, too, but never tried it.
The only downside is that not everyone will be comfortable making manual changes to the index file. (It’s not hard, but still, it’s a hack.) Maybe this is something that could be improved on in a later iteration of AT.
A while back I wanted to share my setup for tracking the Save the Cat beats. I copied my project, removed anything I didn’t want to share, then saved it. I shared the .aeon file, as suggested by Jeff:
Honestly, I prefer this method of sharing because I have more control over exactly what I’m sharing. Those who want to try the file can always save it as a template, if they wish.
Update: Here is a prior discussion where I share a link to download my Save the Cat “template” (really, a .aeon file): Save The Cat - #19 by SCN
All it should be is a copy and paste. Send me a template and the index file and I will try.
I guess my point is, why share a template file when you can just share a project file?
Got a point kinda of like scrivener where strip out story info and left with template
Steve would interested to try with a template as wouldn’t have to strip out as much info to make useful. Would you be willing to send me a template and the index.json file so I could experiment.
Sure. I’ve sent a link to the files via direct message.
I believe the relationships boxes need to be checked and including existing items for types like events and characters, save the cat and then I believe the info in the timeline will display when imported.
