---
title: Managing Node Templates
weight: 7010
---

When you provision a cluster [hosted by an infrastructure provider]({{< baseurl >}}/rancher/v2.x/en/cluster-provisioning/rke-clusters/node-pools), [node templates]({{< baseurl >}}/rancher/v2.x/en/cluster-provisioning/rke-clusters/node-pools/#node-templates) are used to provision the cluster nodes. These templates use Docker Machine configuration options to define an operating system image and settings/parameters for the node. You can create node templates in two contexts:

- While [provisioning a node pool cluster]({{< baseurl >}}/rancher/v2.x/en/cluster-provisioning/rke-clusters/node-pools).
- At any time, from your [user settings](#creating-a-node-template-from-user-settings).

When you create a node template, it is bound to your user profile. Node templates cannot be shared among users. You can delete stale node templates that you no longer user from your user settings.

## Creating a Node Template from User Settings

1. From your user settings, select **User Avatar > Node Templates**.
1. Click **Add Template**.
1. Select one of the cloud providers available. Then follow the instructions on screen to configure the template.

**Result:** The template is configured. You can use the template later when you [provision a node pool cluster]({{< baseurl >}}/rancher/v2.x/en/cluster-provisioning/rke-clusters/node-pools).

## Cloning Node Templates

When creating new node templates from your user settings, you can clone an existing template and quickly update its settings rather than creating a new one from scratch. Cloning templates saves you the hassle of re-entering access keys for the cloud provider.

1. From your user settings, select **User Avatar > Node Templates**.
1. Find the template you want to clone. Then select **Ellipsis > Clone**.
1. Complete the rest of the form.

**Result:** The template is cloned and configured. You can use the template later when you [provision a node pool cluster]({{< baseurl >}}/rancher/v2.x/en/cluster-provisioning/rke-clusters/node-pools).

## Deleting a Node Template

When you no longer use a node template, you can delete it from your user settings.

1. From your user settings, select **User Avatar > Node Templates**.
1. Select one or more template from the list. Then click **Delete**. Confirm the delete when prompted.