# Creating and editing templates

Content Assist uses templates to enable you to quickly make use of commonly used code segments.

To create a template:

1. Click Window > Preferences.
2. Expand C/C++, expand Editor and select Templates.
3. Click New.

4. Do the following: (if required)

   - In the Name field, type a template name.
   - In the Context drop down list, select the context type for the new template; either C/C++ or a Comment.
   - In the Description field, type a description for the new template.
   - In the Pattern field, type the code for this template.
   - Click Insert Variable to add a variable from the list to the code you have entered in the Pattern field.
5. Click OK.
   The new template displays in the Templates list.

To edit a template:

1. Click Window > Preferences.
2. Expand C/C++, expand Editor and select Templates.
3. Click Edit. The Edit Template dialog opens.

4. Do the following:

   - In the Name field, change the template name to create a new template based on the current template.
   - In the Context drop down list, select the context type for the new template; either C/C++ or a Comment.
   - In the Description field, change the description of the code template to reflect your changes.
   - In the Pattern field, edit the code.
   - Click Insert Variable to add a variable from the list to the code you edited in the Pattern field.
5. Click OK.

Content Assist

Using Content Assist
Importing and exporting templates

Templates page