Project Charter Template
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About Project Charter Template
A project charter is the document that starts a project on solid footing. It states the purpose, the scope, the goals, and the people involved, so sponsors and teams agree on direction before work begins.
Our project charter template covers objectives, scope, stakeholders, milestones, and budget, with space for your branding. Fill it in through the OnlyDoc editor and share a clear reference the whole team can return to.
Frequently asked questions
What is a project charter template?
A project charter is a document that formally authorizes a project and outlines its purpose, scope, and stakeholders. The template turns that into a reusable format with the headings and prompts already in place, which saves effort and keeps the wording consistent. You personalize the details and download the finished document.
When should you use a project charter template?
Use it at the start of a project, before detailed planning begins, to confirm goals and get sign-off from sponsors. Whether the project is small or complex, the template fits both. You open it, update the details for the occasion, and download a clean, finished version whenever you need it.
What should be included in a project charter template?
At minimum it covers the project purpose, scope, objectives, stakeholders, milestones, budget, and risks. Each part is laid out for you, so you focus on the content rather than the formatting, and the finished project charter stays clear and complete for everyone involved.
Who can use a project charter template?
Project managers, team leads, and business owners benefit most from it. Whether you create one occasionally or often, the template saves time and keeps the output consistent. Because it is easy to adapt, people with no experience can produce a polished project charter just as confidently as regular users.
What is the difference between a project charter and a project plan?
A project charter authorizes the project and defines its purpose, scope, and stakeholders at a high level, while a project plan details tasks, schedules, and resources for execution. The charter comes first and sets boundaries; the plan follows and guides day-to-day work within them.
Who approves a project charter?
Typically a sponsor, senior stakeholder, or steering committee approves a project charter before work begins. Their sign-off confirms the project has support, funding, and clear objectives. Our template includes a signature section, so approval is documented alongside the scope and goals from the start.
What formats can I download a project charter template in?
Once you have finished editing in the OnlyDoc editor, you can export your project charter as PDF, DOC, XLSX, PPTX, JPG, or PNG. That gives you a file to email, a printable copy, and an editable version you can update later if the details change.