Managing projects with structure and clarity is one of the best ways to stay on track. PRINCE2 templates give project managers the tools they need to document, organize and communicate at every stage of the project lifecycle. From setting objectives to monitoring progress and closing out work, these templates save time while ensuring the project follows best practices.

By using free PRINCE2 templates in Excel and Word, teams can build consistent project documents without starting from scratch. Each template supports a specific aspect of project management, whether it is planning, reporting or evaluation. Together they provide a framework that improves collaboration, reduces mistakes and creates a clear record of project activities.

Why You Need PRINCE2 Templates

PRINCE2 templates provide structure and consistency across projects, making them essential for any organization that wants to improve project success. Instead of creating documents from scratch, project managers can rely on ready-made formats that align with best practices. These templates ensure that every step of the project lifecycle is documented clearly, from initiation to closure, reducing the risk of errors and improving communication with stakeholders.

Using PRINCE2 templates also saves valuable time and keeps teams focused on managing the project rather than formatting documents. Whether it is tracking issues, recording lessons learned or building a strong business case, each template gives project teams a proven framework to work from. By standardizing documentation, PRINCE2 templates help ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and with full accountability. They also create a valuable record that supports organizational learning and continuous improvement. For teams working with limited resources, PRINCE2 templates are a practical way to apply a recognized methodology without added complexity.

1. Project Initiation Document Template

The project initiation document, often called the PID, is one of the most important PRINCE2 templates. It captures the overall vision for the project and defines the scope, objectives and deliverables. By consolidating essential information into a single document, the PID ensures alignment among stakeholders before work begins. This template provides a structured way to record details such as project purpose, expected benefits, major risks and governance approach.

Using a project initiation document template in Word or Excel helps project managers save time and create consistency across projects. It ensures no critical detail is missed when starting new work and makes it easier to communicate plans with the team and stakeholders. Since PRINCE2 emphasizes clear roles and accountability, this template also defines responsibilities, making sure everyone understands their part in the project from day one.

While a PRINCE2 template for a project initiation document provides structure for outlining scope and objectives, it lacks the dynamic capabilities needed to manage a live project. A static document cannot show how tasks connect, where bottlenecks may appear or how changes affect the overall schedule.

ProjectManager’s Gantt charts go beyond documentation by linking all four types of task dependencies, making it easy to map realistic timelines and adjust plans instantly. You can filter for the critical path to focus on essential work, set a baseline to measure variance in real time and track whether the project is staying aligned with its original plan.

Additional features like drag-and-drop scheduling, workload visibility and automated progress tracking give project managers the control and flexibility that a template cannot provide, ensuring projects stay within the structured governance PRINCE2 requires while also delivering real-time insights and adaptability. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

2. Highlight Report Template

The highlight report is a PRINCE2 template that provides concise updates to stakeholders about project progress. Instead of overwhelming decision-makers with too much detail, this template focuses on high-level information such as milestones achieved, upcoming work and key risks or issues. It’s designed to be shared regularly so that project boards and sponsors can quickly assess project health and provide guidance when needed.

With a highlight report template in Word or Excel, project managers can present data in a clear, easy-to-understand format. The template ensures that reporting remains consistent and reliable across different projects. PRINCE2 templates like this also support better communication between teams and executives by highlighting the most important information without unnecessary complexity.

3. Project Brief Template

The project brief is a PRINCE2 template that summarizes the essential details of a project at its earliest stage. It explains why the project is needed, what the main objectives are and how the work will be approached. Unlike the more detailed project initiation document, the brief is intended as an overview that guides initial decision-making. It provides stakeholders with enough information to determine whether the project should proceed to the planning phase.

Using a project brief template in Word or Excel helps standardize this early documentation. PRINCE2 templates ensure that project teams consistently capture key details like objectives, scope, constraints and high-level risks. A well-prepared project frief prevents misunderstandings by clarifying the project’s purpose from the very beginning and supports faster approval from stakeholders who want a concise summary before committing resources.

4. Lessons Learned Template

The lessons learned template is a PRINCE2 tool for capturing insights gained during or after a project. This document helps teams record what went well, what challenges they faced and how processes could be improved in the future. It turns experience into actionable knowledge that can guide other projects, avoiding repeated mistakes and reinforcing successful practices.

With a lessons learned template in Excel or Word, project managers have a structured way to collect feedback from team members and stakeholders. PRINCE2 templates like this ensure that observations are not lost after a project closes but instead become part of the organization’s continuous improvement efforts. By maintaining a record of lessons, project teams build stronger practices and make future initiatives more efficient and effective.

5. Business Case Template

The business case is one of the most fundamental PRINCE2 templates because it explains why a project is worth doing. It outlines the expected benefits, costs, risks and overall justification for the investment. A strong business case ensures that projects are aligned with organizational strategy and that resources are committed only when value can be demonstrated.

By using a business case template in Word or Excel, project managers can clearly structure the rationale behind a project. This PRINCE2 template helps teams communicate financial and strategic reasoning to stakeholders, increasing the likelihood of project approval. It also serves as a reference point throughout the project to ensure that objectives remain aligned with the original justification, keeping the focus on delivering measurable benefits.

6. Project Closure Template

The project closure template is a PRINCE2 document that marks the official end of a project. It summarizes whether the project achieved its objectives, delivered the expected benefits and stayed within budget and schedule. Closure documentation also records outstanding issues, lessons learned and follow-up actions that may need attention after the project ends.

Using a project closure template in Excel or Word ensures that all essential details are captured in a consistent format. PRINCE2 templates like this provide accountability and transparency, showing stakeholders that the project has been completed properly. They also make it easier to review performance and highlight improvements that can be applied to future projects, supporting a culture of learning and efficiency.

7. Change Log Template

The change log template is a PRINCE2 tool used to record and manage all changes requested during a project. This includes modifications to scope, timeline or budget as well as the decisions made about whether those changes are approved or rejected. By keeping a detailed log, teams maintain transparency and avoid confusion over how changes were handled.

With a change log template in Excel or Word, project managers can track each request systematically. PRINCE2 templates ensure changes are documented in a standard format, reducing the risk of miscommunication. A well-maintained change log also helps stakeholders understand the impact of adjustments on the overall project, making it easier to control scope and manage expectations.

8. Issue Register Template

The issue register is a PRINCE2 template that tracks problems or concerns raised during a project. Issues may include risks that have materialized, unexpected challenges or disputes that require resolution. By recording them in an organized manner, the issue register ensures nothing is overlooked and that each problem has a clear owner and resolution plan.

Using an issue register template in Word or Excel provides project teams with a reliable way to log, prioritize and monitor issues as they arise. PRINCE2 templates like this create consistency in how problems are documented and addressed, giving stakeholders confidence that project risks are being managed effectively. This leads to better decision-making and stronger project outcomes.

ProjectManager Is Better Than PRINCE2 Templates

While PRINCE2 templates provide a helpful structure for documentation, they have limitations. They require manual updates, can quickly become outdated and offer little visibility into live project performance. ProjectManager takes project analysis further by combining multiple project management views with automation and collaboration tools. Teams can switch seamlessly between Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and calendars, ensuring that every team member works in the format that suits them best. This flexibility makes it easier to manage complex projects while still maintaining alignment with PRINCE2 principles.

Robust Resource Management and Cost Tracking Features

Unlike static PRINCE2 templates, ProjectManager gives you real-time resource management tools. Managers can assign tasks based on workload, balance team capacity and avoid burnout by seeing exactly who is available and when. The software also includes cost tracking features that monitor budgets, actual expenses and forecasts in one place.

This level of visibility ensures that projects remain financially viable and that resource allocation supports timely delivery. By replacing manual spreadsheets with live data, ProjectManager reduces errors, improves efficiency and helps teams make smarter decisions about resources and costs.

Real-time Project Dashboards and Reports

PRINCE2 templates can summarize information, but they require manual updates and often lag behind actual progress. ProjectManager solves this by offering real-time dashboards that automatically display key metrics like task completion, budget health and workload. Managers and stakeholders can access up-to-date insights instantly, without digging through static reports.

The platform also allows users to generate customizable reports with just a few clicks, providing tailored views for executives, clients or team members. This feature-rich approach ensures better communication, faster decision-making and continuous project visibility throughout the lifecycle.

Related PRINCE2 Content

PRINCE2 templates are helpful, but there’s more to the methodology than some workaround documents. For those who care to learn more, check out the links below. They explain PRINCE2 in relation to other project management methodologies, compare certifications and more.

• Top 15 Project Management Methodologies: An Overview
• What Is PRINCE2? Principles, Aspects, Roles & Processes
• PRINCE2 vs. PMP: Which Certification Is Right for You?
• Project Board in PRINCE2: Key Roles and Responsibilities

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.