> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.launchblitz.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create automation from template

> Start a Scrapist graph from a template and customize it.

Templates are prebuilt graphs (curated/admin-owned) that you can clone into your own account and then customize.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/launchblitz/plyPDhYaVaJYhCR0/images/scrapist/create-from-template-dialog.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=plyPDhYaVaJYhCR0&q=85&s=8d897960de914307037cffa2e8bf27dd" alt="Create From Template Dialog" width="1059" height="801" data-path="images/scrapist/create-from-template-dialog.png" />

## Picking a template

1. Go to `Secure → Automate` (Scrapist dashboard).
2. Click **New**.
3. Choose a template from the list.

Templates may be organized into folders/categories. Pick the closest match to what you want to automate, then refine it.

## Configuring variables

Templates can define **graph variables**. Some variables are marked **Instance exposed** (meaning they’re intended for configuration from the dashboard and in tests).

When creating from a template:

* You’ll be prompted to fill in **instance-exposed variables**.
* Those values become the initial defaults for your new graph version.

After creation, you can still adjust variable defaults from the dashboard:

1. Find the automation card.
2. Edit variable values.
3. Click **Save Changes**.

Tip: Variable editing is disabled while an instance is Active to avoid changing a live automation mid-run.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/launchblitz/plyPDhYaVaJYhCR0/images/scrapist/dashboard-instance-variables.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=plyPDhYaVaJYhCR0&q=85&s=7150ebe99ff686d9659b00d741cd339d" alt="Dashboard Instance Variables" width="772" height="460" data-path="images/scrapist/dashboard-instance-variables.png" />

## Activating/deactivating

An automation becomes live when its instance is **Active**.

From the dashboard card:

* Toggle the switch **On** to activate.
  * If no instance exists yet, Scrapist creates one automatically first.
* Toggle **Off** to deactivate.

If you want to archive an instance:

1. Deactivate it.
2. Archive it (so it moves into the archived list).

## Opening in expanded view

The dashboard is for quick configuration and instance control. For full editing:

1. Click the **open editor** icon on the automation card (or open the graph by ID).
2. This takes you to `/secure/automate/[graph_id]`, the full graph editor.

Next: [Create automation from scratch](/scrapist/create-from-scratch).