---
title: "Select a data template"
slug: "select-a-data-template"
abstract: "How to open the Template Manager or access a data template from the Content Editor."
---
# Select a data template
A [data template](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/105/sitecore-experience-manager/data-templates-1158191.html "Data templates") defines and organizes content using fields and field types in the same way that a class defines the properties of an object. It is the field types that determine the user interface used to enter the data. To make it easier for a content author, you can group fields into sections. A data template can be used to model anything from a page to a set of configuration options.
You create and edit data templates in the Template Manager or the Template Builder in the Content Editor, which provide the same functionality with the only difference being the root item of the content tree that is shown in the user interface.
- In the Template Manager, the root item of the content tree is */Sitecore/Templates*.
- In the Content Editor, the root item of the content tree is */Sitecore*.
> [!note]
> To see all elements that make up the *Templates* item, you must view hidden items. To view hidden items, in the Content Editor or Template Manager, on the View tab, select the Hidden Items check box. To show hidden items, you must be an Administrator or have a [Sitecore Client Developing or Sitecore Client Maintaining role](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/developers/104/platform-administration-and-architecture/the-security-roles.html).
Open the Template Manager
To open the Template Manager:
1. On the [Sitecore Launchpad](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/users/104/sitecore-experience-platform/overview-of-the-sitecore-launchpad.html), in the **Control Panel** section, click **Desktop**.
2. Click the Sitecore button and then click **Template Manager**.
3. In the content tree, select a template definition item.
The **Builder**, **Inheritance**, and **Content** tabs open.
> [!note]
> You can [identify the template that an item is based on](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/users/104/sitecore-experience-platform/identify-the-template-that-an-item-is-based-on.html) by looking at the Quick Info section on the Content tab. You can also [edit or change the template that an item is based on](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/users/104/sitecore-experience-platform/edit-or-change-the-template-that-an-item-is-based-on.html).
Open the Template Builder from the Content Editor
To open the Template Builder:
1. On the [Sitecore Launchpad](https://doc.sitecore.com/xp/en/users/104/sitecore-experience-platform/overview-of-the-sitecore-launchpad.html), in the **Content Editing** section, click **Content Editor**.
2. Go to */sitecore/Templates* and create or select a template definition item.
The **Builder**, **Inheritance**, and **Content** tabs open.
