A workflow template defines the set of steps through which the object in a workflow must pass.
When a copy of a workflow is attached to an object, the workflow template definition is copied and used to manage that item. The copied workflow template is referred to as the instantiated workflow. The instantiated workflow is used to record all the step completion dates, user comments, and so forth.
You can modify some of the details and recipients of steps that have not yet been started without changing the original template definition. The steps in the template workflow are selected from a library of step definitions to ensure a consistent look and feel to all workflows.
A workflow administrator creates workflow templates consisting of steps with defined recipients, which are users, roles, or matrices. These templates are conditionally made available to manage different classes of object. You can associate objects to a workflow and manage the item in that workflow.
For more information, see How to Configure the Workflow Model.