# Default Document Types

On this page, you will find the default Document Types in Umbraco. If you want to use these Document Types, you can create them in the Settings section.

![Create Document Type](https://2050077833-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fb0WSXUuM7Qx5BfREagAI%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2ff143255d47ca5a591484791f41830cc7de2205%2FCreateDoctype.png?alt=media)

## Document Type

A Document Type defines the content structure and fields that can be used across different content items. When creating a Document Type without a template, you focus solely on structured content without tying it to a specific design or layout. This is ideal for content that doesn’t require direct front-end rendering, such as reusable blocks or items managed within a headless CMS setup.

Use a Document Type without a template for structured, reusable content like metadata schemas, settings, or components such as product details and author profiles.

## Document Type with Template

A Document Type with a Template combines the content structure with a predefined visual presentation. This approach links your structured content with a specific page design, ensuring a consistent and cohesive look and feel across your site. It allows you to manage content and its appearance separately, which makes updates more efficient.

Use a Document Type with a template for pages like blog posts, landing pages, or services that appear directly on the website.

## Element Type

An Element Type is a Document Type *without a template* designed for reusable and repeatable set of properties. These are primarily used in editors like the Block List Editor or Block Grid Editor to create structured, nested content.

Element Types are not part of the Content tree and cannot render directly on the front end. When created, the **Is an Element Type** flag in the **Permissions** tab is automatically set to **True**.

![Element type](https://2050077833-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fb0WSXUuM7Qx5BfREagAI%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e568ea61e176ebbbb6c1527b02ab9f843d1400af%2FElement-Type.png?alt=media)

Use an Element Type when defining building blocks for complex page layouts, such as grid blocks or call-to-action sections. They are an essential part of modular content design.

## Folder

The Folder in the Document Types section is used to organize and structure your Document Types within the Settings section. It serves purely as an organizational container, with no impact on the Content section or site functionality.

Use a Folder to create logical groupings, like a folder named **Compositions** to hold all your Composition Document Types. This makes it easier to navigate and manage your Document Types, especially in larger projects.

Folders are a powerful tool to keep your Document Types organized and your backoffice tidy.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.umbraco.com/umbraco-cms/fundamentals/data/defining-content/default-document-types.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
