Using a template

A template is a ready-made starting point, sized for a real print or digital format. Opening one drops a copy of its design onto a new Canvas in the editor — the original template is never touched, so you're always working on your own version.

What "using" a template does#

When you open a template, Popcorn Editor loads a fresh copy of its design into the editor. Nothing you do afterwards changes the template itself or affects anyone else who starts from it. Fonts, colors, sizes and layout come along with the copy, ready for you to make them your own.

Think of a template as a photocopy you can scribble on: take it, change everything, or start over — the original stays clean. (Templates here are whole-document starters from the gallery — not to be confused with page templates, the reusable page layouts you set up inside a document.)

The preview modal#

Click any card in the gallery to open its preview — a dialog that shows you what you're getting before you commit. On the left is a larger preview image; when a template ships several images, they play as a slideshow so you can see more than one view.

The right column gives you the details:

• The template title
• Metadata chips: its category, the dimensions, and the format label
• About this template — a short description of the design, when the template provides one
• Key highlights — a checklist of what's inside (the fonts, sections or extras it includes)

Not every template fills in a description or highlights, so those sections only appear when there's something to show.

Open in editor#

The primary action sits in the preview modal: the Open in editor button. Click it and the template loads into the editor as a new, untitled design. You'll see a brief loading state while the design state downloads — larger templates with lots of images take a moment longer.

Once it opens, you're in the full editor: the design on the Canvas, the Assistant on the left, and the Properties panel on the right. From here it's an ordinary design — select anything to edit it, swap the copy, recolor, resize, or hand it to the Assistant to restyle.

Tip: New to the editor layout? A tour of the workspace maps out the Canvas and every panel in a couple of minutes.

Make it yours#

The copy starts unsaved. Nothing is stored to your account until you save it, and the design is named "Untitled" until you rename it. This is deliberate — it means you can open a template, poke around, and close the tab without cluttering your account.

To keep the work, sign in and save. See Signing in, saving & My designs for how saving and your designs list work. Your changes live only in your copy; the template stays exactly as it was for the next person.

Locked (premium) templates#

Some templates are Premium and reserved for subscribers. You can still browse them and open the preview, but if you're not subscribed the Open in editor button is replaced by Upgrade to use, and the preview shows a lock instead of the design. A note explains it: "This is a premium template. Subscribe to open and edit it."

Clicking Upgrade to use takes you to the plans page. Once you're subscribed, the lock lifts and the button becomes Open in editor like any other template. Full details are in Premium templates.

Closing without opening#

Changed your mind? Click the X or click the backdrop outside the dialog to close the preview. Nothing loads and you're back in the gallery, right where you left off.

Where to go next#

• Not sure which template to start from? See Browsing & searching templates.
• Ready to keep your work? Head to Signing in, saving & My designs.