> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bitsafe.finance/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bitsafe.finance/product-suite/decentralization-manager/custom-daml-templates.md).

# Custom DAML Templates

The Decentralization Manager can deploy governance contracts built from your own DAML templates, in addition to the built-in token-custody, utility, and vote plugins. This page covers authoring custom templates and deploying them through the manager.

## Authoring templates

Write your governance logic as DAML templates and compile them into DAR files using the DAML SDK. Templates should define the operator party and any fields the manager will populate when configuring a contract definition. Keep template parameters explicit so they can be mapped to the deployment form in the web UI.

## Deploying templates

Deploy your compiled DAR files from a party card in the web UI by clicking Deploy Contracts and uploading the files. The coordinator distributes the DARs to all participants, prepares the ledger submission, collects multi-party signatures, and executes deployment on the Canton ledger. Configured package IDs for a party can be reviewed through the manager once deployment completes.

## Best practices

Test templates against a local development network before deploying to testnet or mainnet, version your DAR files so deployments are reproducible, and confirm that the operator party and signing thresholds in your template match the decentralized party configuration in the manager.