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##### 9.1.3.1 Template elements

Now lets look at the elements of a template definition. Each entry in `org-capture-templates` is a list with the following items:

keys
  The keys that will select the template, as a string, characters only, for example `"a"` for a template to be selected with a single key, or `"bt"` for selection with two keys. When using several keys, keys using the same prefix key must be sequential in the list and preceded by a 2-element entry explaining the prefix key, for example

                         ("b" "Templates for marking stuff to buy")

  If you do not define a template for the `C` key, this key will be used to open the customize buffer for this complex variable.

description
  A short string describing the template, which will be shown during selection.
type
  The type of entry, a symbol. Valid values are:
  `entry`
    An Org-mode node, with a headline. Will be filed as the child of the target entry or as a top-level entry. The target file should be an Org-mode file.
  `item`
    A plain list item, placed in the first plain list at the target location. Again the target file should be an Org file.
  `checkitem`
    A checkbox item. This only differs from the plain list item by the default template.
  `table-line`
    a new line in the first table at the target location. Where exactly the line will be inserted depends on the properties `:prepend` and `:table-line-pos` (see below).
  `plain`
    Text to be inserted as it is.
target
  Specification of where the captured item should be placed. In Org-mode files, targets usually define a node. Entries will become children of this node. Other types will be added to the table or list in the body of this node. Most target specifications contain a file name. If that file name is the empty string, it defaults to `org-default-notes-file`.

  Valid values are:

  `(file "path/to/file")`
    Text will be placed at the beginning or end of that file.
  `(id "id of existing org entry")`
    Filing as child of this entry, or in the body of the entry.
  `(file+headline "path/to/file" "node headline")`
    Fast configuration if the target heading is unique in the file.
  `(file+olp "path/to/file" "Level 1 heading" "Level 2" ...)`
    For non-unique headings, the full path is safer.
  `(file+regexp "path/to/file" "regexp to find location")`
    Use a regular expression to position the cursor.
  `(file+datetree "path/to/file")`
    Will create a heading in a date tree for today's date.
  `(file+datetree+prompt "path/to/file")`
    Will create a heading in a date tree, but will prompt for the date.
  `(file+function "path/to/file" function-finding-location)`
    A function to find the right location in the file.
  `(clock)`
    File to the entry that is currently being clocked.
  `(function function-finding-location)`
    Most general way, write your own function to find both file and location.
template
  The template for creating the capture item. If you leave this empty, an appropriate default template will be used. Otherwise this is a string with escape codes, which will be replaced depending on time and context of the capture call. The string with escapes may be loaded from a template file, using the special syntax `(file "path/to/template")`. See below for more details.
properties
  The rest of the entry is a property list of additional options. Recognized properties are:
  `:prepend`
    Normally new captured information will be appended at the target location (last child, last table line, last list item...). Setting this property will change that.
  `:immediate-finish`
    When set, do not offer to edit the information, just file it away immediately. This makes sense if the template only needs information that can be added automatically.
  `:empty-lines`
    Set this to the number of lines to insert before and after the new item. Default 0, only common other value is 1.
  `:clock-in`
    Start the clock in this item.
  `:clock-resume`
    If starting the capture interrupted a clock, restart that clock when finished with the capture.
  `:unnarrowed`
    Do not narrow the target buffer, simply show the full buffer. Default is to narrow it so that you only see the new material.
  `:kill-buffer`
    If the target file was not yet visited when capture was invoked, kill the buffer again after capture is completed.