> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chkk.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Upgrade Templates > Reusable, agentic upgrade workflows for 100s of Cloud Native Projects and clusters. ## What are Chkk Upgrade Templates? Chkk Upgrade Templates are **agentic, reusable workflows** that serve as standardized blueprints for safely upgrading clusters, Cloud Native Projects, application services, and operators. They represent the foundation of Chkk's upgrade management system. ### Key Characteristics **1. Agentic Workflows** * Templates are generated using AI to create tested sequences of steps and stages * They incorporate best practices and proven upgrade methodologies * Each template is tailored to specific components (clusters, Projects, operators, etc.) **2. Reusable Blueprints** * Templates are environment-scoped rather than cluster-specific * A single template can be used to create multiple Upgrade Plans for different clusters * They provide consistent upgrade processes across multiple environments **3. Comprehensive Coverage** * **Cluster Upgrade Templates**: For upgrading entire clusters * **Project Upgrade Templates**: For upgrading specific Cloud Native Projects, application services, and operators * Support for both **In-Place** and **Blue-Green** upgrade strategies **4. Customizable and Reviewable** * Teams can review templates before approval * Custom steps can be added to align with organizational guidelines * Internal change-management standards can be applied * Teams can confirm which versions to upgrade now versus later ### Template Lifecycle 1. **Waiting for Template** → Template is being generated 2. **Available** → Template is ready for review and customization 3. **Approved** for Use → Template has been reviewed, customized, and officially approved 4. **Environment Upgraded** → Template has been used successfully ### Key Features **1. Approval Process** * Templates must be explicitly approved before use * Chkk logs who approved each template for team visibility * Approval includes the ability to add comments and custom steps **2. Standardization Benefits** * Reduces context switching between different upgrade processes * Preserves knowledge by codifying best practices * Promotes reuse of best practices across the organization * Enables consistent workflows organization-wide **3. Integration Support** * Templates work with various deployment methods (Helm, Kustomize, YAML manifests) * Support for private registries and custom images * Compatible with GitOps and CI/CD workflows ### How Templates Work * **Generation**: Templates are created either through direct requests or derived from Upgrade Assessments * **Review & Customization**: Teams review the template, add custom steps, and adjust to organizational needs * **Approval**: Templates are marked as "Approved for Use" with proper logging * **Instantiation**: Approved templates are used to create cluster-specific Upgrade Plans * **Reuse**: The same template can be instantiated multiple times for different clusters ### Benefits * **Faster Upgrades**: Pre-tested workflows eliminate guesswork * **Consistent Processes**: Standardized approaches across multiple clusters * **Reduced Risk**: Proven methodologies minimize upgrade failures * **Knowledge Preservation**: Best practices are captured and reused * **Team Collaboration**: Clear approval processes and delegation support Upgrade Templates essentially serve as the "recipes" that teams can customize and approve once, then use repeatedly to create specific "cooking instructions" ([Upgrade Plans](/product/upgrade-copilot/plans)) for individual clusters. ### Integration with Chkk Upgrade Copilot Upgrade Templates are one of the three complementary capabilities of Chkk Upgrade Copilot: 1. [Upgrade Assessments](/product/upgrade-copilot/assessments) → Map scope, impact, and dependencies 2. **Upgrade Templates** → Provide detailed, pre-verified workflows 3. [Upgrade Plans](/product/upgrade-copilot/plans) → Instantiate templates for specific cluster execution Upgrade Templates/Plans are preverified against a [Digital Twin](/resources/glossary/#digital-twin) of your running configuration and take longer to generate; use them closer to execution. This comprehensive approach ensures teams can scope effort and delegate work early, making upgrades faster, safer, and more predictable.