ADR Markdown templates by format
Choose a format below for a copy-ready Markdown skeleton, section-by-section guidance, and a generator that produces the same shape. Your format choice is stored in the browser and can be set via ?format=… on the generator.
Last reviewed: .
Which ADR template should you use?
Nygard ADR template
Start here when a compact status, context, decision, and consequences record is enough. It is easy to introduce in a Git repository and quick to review.
MADR template
Choose MADR when you want explicit decision drivers, considered options, pros and cons, confirmation, and consistent metadata. Full and minimal variants are included.
Need a direct breakdown? Compare MADR and Nygard, or use the shorter Y-Statement and Outcome-First options listed below.
What every decision record needs
A decision record template is a repeatable structure for documenting important technical choices. In software architecture, this is usually called an Architecture Decision Record (ADR). The smallest useful template still names status, context, the decision, and consequences—enough that someone new can see what was agreed and what was not on the table.
The Nygard-style layout (status, context, decision, consequences) is the one many teams use first; see the full skeleton on the Nygard template page or a more structured list on MADR. If you are indexing many files, pair these with an architecture decision log in your repository.
Open the live ADR generator when you want to draft the same content with preview and download.
Nygard ADR
The classic “status / context / decision / consequences” record (Michael Nygard style). The default for many Git-based ADR sets.
MADR
MADR: YAML front matter, drivers, options, outcome with nested consequences/confirmation, per-option pros/cons, and more information—or use the minimal template from the generator.
Y-Statement
A single reviewable Y-style sentence, plus a field list for the same content—good for stand-ups and small decisions.
Outcome-First (extended layout)
Outcome, decision, and primary tradeoff visible before the reasoning chain—a low-ceremony format for async engineering teams that need quick alignment.
ISO 42010 Companion
An advanced companion structure—not a standard ADR format. Use when a decision needs to connect stakeholders, concerns, views, and traceability to the architecture description.
New to the vocabulary? Read what is an ADR or the ISO 42010 overview in ISO / IEEE 42010 and decisions.