# Decision record template

> An architecture decision record (ADR) template with the decision, status, context, consequences and revisit condition. Copy it, or start it in Kanso.

One page for one decision, so the next person knows why.

Web page: https://kansohq.app/templates/decision-record

Updated: 5 October 2026

## The template

### Decision

What we are doing, stated in the present tense.

### Status

Proposed · Accepted · Superseded

### Context

The forces at play — constraints, deadlines, what we know and do not.

### Consequences

#### What gets easier

-

#### What gets harder

-

### Revisit when

The condition that would make us reopen this.

In Kanso, add a page and pick this template, or type / in any doc.

## How to fill it in

1. State the decision in the present tense.
2. Set its status.
3. Note what gets easier, and what gets harder.
4. Say when to revisit it.

## Questions

### What is a decision record template?

A short outline for recording one decision: what was chosen, its status, the context, the consequences and when to revisit it.

### What is the difference between an ADR and a design doc?

A design doc explains a whole design and its alternatives. An ADR records a single decision from it, briefly, so the reasoning is easy to find later.

### Can I change a decision record?

Do not rewrite it. Write a new record that supersedes the old one, and link them.

## Keep reading

- [What is an architecture decision record (ADR)?](https://kansohq.app/guides/what-is-an-adr.md): An architecture decision record (ADR) is a short note on a decision, why it was made and what follows. Learn the format, when to write one and examples.
- [Technical design doc template for engineers | Kanso](https://kansohq.app/templates/technical-design.md): A technical design doc template with context, approach, data model, alternatives, trade-offs, rollout and open questions. Copy it, or start it in Kanso.
- [Meeting notes template: decisions and actions | Kanso](https://kansohq.app/templates/meeting-notes.md): A meeting notes template that puts decisions first, then actions with owners and dates, then discussion and parked topics. Copy it, or start it in Kanso.
- [PRD template: a free product spec to copy | Kanso](https://kansohq.app/templates/product-spec.md): A free PRD template for software teams: problem, solution, who it is for, scope, success measure and open questions. Copy it, or start it in Kanso.

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