---
title: Use references to create consistent naming for drafted projects and documents
description: Learn more about the naming convention and a way of automating variable parts of your document's subjects
---

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3. [Working with References](https://help.precisely.se/en/automated-templates-documents?hsLang=en#working-with-references)

# Use references to create consistent naming for drafted projects and documents

## Learn how to use references to automatically populate dynamic values, such as names and dates, in project and document titles.

#### Overview

Workflow templates include two types of titles:

- **Template title** – the name shown when selecting a template during drafting
  
  ![](https://help.precisely.se/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-14%20at%2010-06-36-png.png?width=670&height=457&name=Screenshot%202026-04-14%20at%2010-06-36-png.png)
- **Drafted project name** – the name assigned to the project once it is created

![](https://help.precisely.se/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-13%20at%2009-01-02-png.png?width=670&height=110&name=Screenshot%202026-04-13%20at%2009-01-02-png.png)

#### Why use references to populate titles?

Including references in titles allows you to:

- Automatically insert dynamic values (e.g. counterparty name, dates)
- Avoid manual renaming after drafting
- Maintain consistent naming conventions across projects and documents
- Quickly distinguish between generated items

References can be used in:

- Project titles
- Template documents
- Template appendices

**Example: A project title can include the counterparty’s name, while a document title can include a start or end date.**

![](https://help.precisely.se/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-29-49-png.png?width=670&height=326&name=Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-29-49-png.png)

#### Best practices

For best results, establish a clear and consistent naming convention across all templates in your organization. Standardized formats make projects easier to manage and search.

#### Create a drafted project name

Before using a reference in a title, make sure it exists in the template (e.g. as a question).

To configure the drafted project name:

1. Click **Edit** in the template
2. Enter the title using references in square brackets (e.g. `[Counterparty_Name]`)
3. Click **Save**

**![](https://help.precisely.se/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-13%20at%2008-39-08-png.png?width=670&height=108&name=Screenshot%202026-04-13%20at%2008-39-08-png.png)**

![](https://help.precisely.se/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-39-16-png-1.png?width=670&height=127&name=Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-39-16-png-1.png)

#### Rename template documents and appendices

You can also use references when naming template documents and appendices.

#### To rename a document or appendix:

1. Click the **options menu (three dots)** next to the item
2. Select **Settings **or **Rename appendix**
3. Enter the title using references in square brackets

References work in titles for both PDF appendix files and editable appendices.

![](https://help.precisely.se/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-49-00-png.png?width=670&height=151&name=Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-49-00-png.png)

![](https://help.precisely.se/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-49-12-png.png?width=451&height=214&name=Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-49-12-png.png)

![](https://help.precisely.se/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-48-05-png.png?width=670&height=132&name=Screenshot%202026-04-10%20at%2016-48-05-png.png)

#### How to format references in titles

References are written inside square brackets:

\[reference\_name\]

 

There are two types of references you can use:

#### 1. Template references

These are references created within a specific template.

- They must exist in the template to work
- They are populated with actual values (e.g. names, dates) when the project is generated
- You can find the exact reference name in the settings of the reference
  
  ![](https://help.precisely.se/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-04-13%20at%2008-44-39-png.png?width=410&height=327&name=Screenshot%202026-04-13%20at%2008-44-39-png.png)
- [Formulas](https://help.precisely.se/en/articles/4227244-how-do-i-use-formulas-in-automated-templates?hsLang=en) can also be used to populate titles, simply insert the formula name within square brackets. 

**Note:** Long text and multiple clause references cannot be used to populate titles.

#### 2. System references

These are predefined and available in all templates:

- `[PROJECT_CREATION_DATE]`
- `[PROJECT_ID]`
- `[PROJECT_CREATOR_NAME]`
- `[ORGANIZATION_ID]`
- `[ORGANIZATION_NAME]`
- `[PROJECT_EXTERNAL_ID]`

**Note:** System references must be written in **capital letters**.

#### Is there any limit to the title length?

The titles can contain up to **255 characters**. If the title is longer than the limit, you won't be able to generate a document, and will get an error message instead.

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