Technical Decision Record (ADR) Template - Free Download & Example

An Architecture Decision Record (ADR) is a structured document that captures the context, motivation and consequences of a significant technical decision. This template helps teams maintain consistent, searchable decision logs so that future team members understand why certain choices were made. It includes sections for the problem statement, considered alternatives, the final decision and anticipated outcomes. By maintaining ADRs systematically you prevent the same discussions from recurring and build a knowledge base that evolves alongside your architecture.

Variations

How to use

Step 1: Copy the ADR template into your project repository under a /docs/adr directory and assign a sequential number, for example 0001-choose-database-engine.md. Step 2: Fill in the title and date, along with the status (proposed, accepted, superseded or rejected). Step 3: Describe the context and the problem driving this decision, including technical constraints, team capacity and business requirements. Step 4: Document at least two alternatives that were considered, with pros and cons for each option. Step 5: Record the final decision and explain why this alternative was chosen over the others. Step 6: Describe the expected consequences, both positive (improved scalability, better developer experience) and negative (higher costs, learning curve). Step 7: Have relevant team members review the ADR and incorporate their feedback. Step 8: Mark the status as accepted and add the ADR to your table of contents.