> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.intuneassistant.cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.intuneassistant.cloud/extensions/assignments-manager/intune-assignments/create-assignment-templates.md). # Create Assignment Templates ## ExtensionsAssignments Manager ## Create Assignment Templates Learn how to create CSV templates for bulk assignment management - manually or by exporting from your reference tenant. Assignment Manager uses CSV files to define your desired assignment state. You can create these templates in two ways: manually from scratch or by exporting from an existing reference tenant. *** ### Method 1: Manual CSV Creation Create your own CSV file from scratch using any spreadsheet application or text editor. Download Blank Template Start with a ready-to-use template: #### When to use manual creation * **New standardization projects** - Building fresh assignment patterns * **Custom requirements** - Need specific assignment combinations * **Template-driven approach** - Creating reusable templates for multiple tenants * **Precise control** - Want to define exact assignment states #### Getting started {% stepper %} {% step %} Create a new CSV file with semicolon separators (or download here: ) {% endstep %} {% step %} Add the required column headers {% endstep %} {% step %} Define your desired assignment states row by row {% endstep %} {% step %} Save and upload to Assignment Manager {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} *** ### CSV File Format #### Required Columns | Column Name | Description | Required | Example | | --------------------- | ------------------------------------- | -------- | ------------------------------------------ | | `PolicyName` | Name of the Intune policy | Yes | "Windows Security Baseline" | | `GroupName` | Azure AD group name or special target | Yes | "All Users", "All Devices", "Finance Team" | | `AssignmentDirection` | Assignment direction | Yes | "Include", "Exclude" | | `AssignmentAction` | Action to perform | Yes | "Add", "Remove", "Replace", "NoAssignment" | | `Filter` | Name of assignment filter (optional) | No | "Windows 11 Devices" | | `Filter Type` | Filter direction (optional) | No | "Include", "Exclude" | #### CSV Example ``` PolicyName;GroupName;AssignmentDirection;AssignmentAction;Filter;Filter Type Windows Security Baseline;Finance Team;Include;Add;; Windows Security Baseline;All Users;Include;Replace;; Compliance Policy 1;Sales Team;Include;Add;Windows 11 Devices;Include Compliance Policy 1;Marketing Team;Include;Add;Test Devices;Exclude Old Policy;Finance Team;Include;Remove;; ``` *** ### Method 2: Export from Reference Tenant Use this method to create templates based on existing, properly configured tenants. #### Navigate to Assignment Overview {% stepper %} {% step %} Go to in your reference tenant {% endstep %} {% step %} Click **Load Assignments** to fetch current assignment data This loads all current policy assignments from your tenant, including assignment filters and exclusions. {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} #### Export to CSV {% stepper %} {% step %} Click the **Export** button {% endstep %} {% step %} Under "Export for Bulk Assignments", choose **Export to CSV** {% endstep %} {% step %} The file downloads with all current assignments in the correct format {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} The exported CSV includes: * All current policy assignments * Assignment filters (if any) * Proper column formatting * Ready-to-use structure #### Review and Modify If needed, edit the downloaded CSV to match your target requirements: Example: Change assignment actions: * Change `Add` to `NoAssignment` for cleanup assignments from a policy * Add `Remove` actions for policies you want to unassign Update target groups: * Replace specific groups with `All Users` or `All Devices` for standardization * Add or remove exclusion groups Adjust filters: * Update filter names to match your target tenant * Remove filter columns if not needed #### When to use export method * **Existing reference tenant** - You have a properly configured tenant to model * **Quick standardization** - Want to replicate current assignments across tenants * **Incremental changes** - Need to modify existing assignment patterns * **MSP workflows** - Deploying proven configurations to customer tenants *** ### Template Modification Examples #### Converting Export to Standardization Template Scenario: You exported assignments from a pilot tenant and want to create a standardized template for all customers. Original export (multiple specific groups): ``` PolicyName;GroupName;AssignmentDirection;AssignmentAction;Filter;Filter Type Security Baseline;IT Admins;Include;Add;; Security Baseline;Finance Team;Include;Add;; Security Baseline;Sales Team;Include;Add;; ``` Modified for standardization: This replaces all specific group assignments with a single assignment to All Users. ``` PolicyName;GroupName;AssignmentDirection;AssignmentAction;Filter;Filter Type Security Baseline;All Users;Include;Replace;; ``` #### Adding Safety Exclusions Scenario: Add test user exclusions to prevent policies from affecting test accounts. Original assignment: ``` PolicyName;GroupName;AssignmentDirection;AssignmentAction;Filter;Filter Type Compliance Policy;All Users;Include;Add;; ``` Modified with exclusions: ``` PolicyName;GroupName;AssignmentDirection;AssignmentAction;Filter;Filter Type Compliance Policy;Test Users;Exclude;Add;; ``` #### Removing Unwanted Assignments Scenario: Remove assignments from legacy policies during cleanup. Template for removing all assignments: ``` PolicyName;GroupName;AssignmentDirection;AssignmentAction;Filter;Filter Type Legacy Policy;;;NoAssignment;; Old Compliance Policy;;;NoAssignment;; ``` Scenario-specific examples Check out the Scenarios page for detailed CSV examples for common use cases: *** ### Best Practices #### For MSPs * **Create master templates** for each customer type or service tier * **Use Replace actions** to ensure consistent state across customer tenants * **Test templates** on a pilot customer before wide deployment * **Version control** your templates for change tracking #### For Enterprises * **Export from production** reference environments when possible * **Modify gradually** - don't change everything at once * **Document templates** with clear naming and versioning * **Test in development** before applying to production #### General Guidelines * **Start small** - test with 1-2 policies first * **Validate before upload** - check policy names, group names, and filters exist * **Keep templates organized** - use descriptive filenames * **Plan rollback** - know how to reverse changes if needed (see Backup and restore guide) *** ### Template Validation Before uploading your template, verify: * **Policy names** match exactly (case-sensitive) * **Group names** exist in the target tenant * **Filter names** exist and match the policy platform * **Actions and directions** use valid values * **No conflicting operations** in the same batch Validation happens during upload Assignment Manager validates your template during upload and shows you exactly what issues need fixing before proceeding. *** ### Next Steps Ready to upload? Once your template is ready, head to **Extensions → Assignment Manager** to upload and preview your changes. Related links: * How it works — * Common Scenarios — * Needed Permissions — * Workflow —