> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tribalfs.gitbook.io/accountant/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tribalfs.gitbook.io/accountant/transactions/templates-drafts-trash.md).

# Templates, drafts and Trash

Save time with templates, finish later with drafts, and undo deletions with Trash.

**What you'll learn:** how to reuse transactions with templates, keep unfinished ones as drafts, and get deleted ones back from Trash.

## Templates

A template saves the details of a transaction you record often, such as rent, a commute or a subscription, so you don't have to type them every time. Templates keep the type, accounts, person or business and labels. Amounts start at 0, because they usually change each time.

**Save a template**

* From one transaction: open it from **Transactions** and tap **⋮ › Save as template**.
* From several: in **Posted** or in search results, touch and hold to select them, then tap **Create template** (or **Create templates**). Check the **Template name** of each and tap **Create**. Transactions that can't become a template are listed under **Ignored**, with the reason: *Template exists*, *Same as another selected*, or *Not posted or scheduled*.

**Use a template**

1. Start a new transaction with the **+** button.
2. Tap the **Transaction templates** button (stack icon) in the toolbar.
3. Pick a template. The list is sorted by name, and the search box is at the bottom. Matches are highlighted, and the person or business is shown after the type when the name doesn't include it, for example *Payment · City transit*.
4. Enter the amounts, then tap **Save**. Loading a template keeps the date, memo, labels and attachments you already entered.

To manage templates in the list, swipe one right to **rename** it or left to **delete** it. The first few times you open the list, it shows you how.

**Template suggestions**

You don't have to remember which templates you have. On a new transaction, enter the **Person or business**. If a template of the same type has the same name (capitals and extra spaces don't matter), a bubble appears on that row:

* *"There's a template for this name"*: tap **Use** to load it.
* *"2 templates for this name"*: tap **Choose** to open the template list, already searched for that name.

Tap anywhere else to dismiss it. The bubble doesn't appear when you edit a saved transaction, or when the form was just loaded from that template. The toolbar's **Transaction templates** button still lists templates of every type.

## Drafts

A draft is a transaction you've started but aren't ready to post, for example while you wait for the final bill. Drafts don't affect your balances or reports.

* **Save a draft:** in the editor, tap **⋮ › Save as draft**.
* **Find your drafts:** **More › Drafts**, the drawer, or **Transactions › ⋮ › Drafts**. A dot (or a count in the drawer) shows when there are unread drafts. Tap one to open it. At the bottom, **Post** records it, **Update** saves your changes and keeps it as a draft, and **Discard** deletes it.
* **Select several:** touch and hold, then **Discard**, **Merge** or **Change memo**. See [Merge transactions](/accountant/transactions/recording-a-transaction.md#merge-transactions).
* **Search** your drafts with 🔍; matches are highlighted. Pull down on the list to sync.

Drafts also come from:

* [AI Accountant](/accountant/ai-accountant/using-ai-accountant.md), when it prepares a transaction in the chat
* [bank alerts](/accountant/transactions/bank-alerts.md). New drafts from bank alerts are marked unread.
* [credit cards](/accountant/planning/credit-cards.md): interest and late-fee drafts when a statement closes
* [schedules](/accountant/transactions/scheduled-and-recurring.md) set to save a draft when due

## Trash

With Trash on, deleted transactions are kept for 30 days before they're deleted for good. New ledgers start with Trash on.

* **Turn it on or off** in **Settings › Trash** (*"Keep deleted transactions for 30 days."*).
* **Undo right away:** when you delete from a list, *"Moved to Trash"* appears with **Undo** for a few seconds.
* **Restore later:** open **Transactions › ⋮ › Trash**, touch and hold the transaction, and tap **Restore**. **Delete permanently** removes it now.

With Trash off, deleting asks you to confirm, because it can't be undone.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Turning Trash off permanently deletes everything in it. This can't be undone.
{% endhint %}

## Copying

To record something similar again, open a transaction and tap **⋮ › Copy**. The copy opens as a new draft for you to check (*"Copied to a new draft"*). You can also select several in the list and tap **Copy**. Copies use today's date.