Architecture Decision Record (ADR) Template - Free Download & Guide

An Architecture Decision Record (ADR) captures the context, motivation and consequences of a significant technical decision. In every software project dozens of architecture choices are made, from selecting a framework to designing microservice boundaries, yet without documentation the reasoning disappears when the original decision-makers change teams or leave the project. This leads to unnecessary re-evaluation of previously weighed options and to refactoring efforts that ignore the original constraints. This template provides a standardised structure to document every architecture decision with the problem statement, alternatives considered, the decision taken and its expected consequences. The format is deliberately compact so that writing an ADR takes no more than thirty minutes and developers actually follow through. The template includes guidance for choosing the right scope: not every technical choice warrants an ADR, but decisions that are hard to reverse, affect multiple teams or carry significant costs deserve documentation. By storing ADRs in the repository alongside the code they relate to, they become part of version control and can be referenced during pull requests. The result is a searchable archive of technical decision-making that enables new team members to understand the architecture without revisiting every choice from scratch.

Variations

How to use

Step 1: Identify an architecture choice that warrants documentation. Focus on decisions that are hard to reverse, affect multiple components or teams, or carry significant cost or risk. Not every technical choice requires an ADR. Step 2: Create a new file in your ADR directory, for example docs/adr/0015-message-broker-selection.md. Use sequential numbering so the chronological order is clear. Step 3: Fill in the status section with the current status: Proposed, Accepted, Deprecated or Superseded. An ADR starts as Proposed and becomes Accepted after approval by the team or architect. Step 4: Describe the context and problem. Explain the situation that led to this decision, the forces and constraints at play and why the current situation is insufficient. Be specific about both technical and business context. Step 5: Document all alternatives considered. For each alternative describe how it works, its pros and cons and its suitability for your specific situation. Avoid a superficial list; provide enough depth so a reader understands why an alternative was discarded. Step 6: State the decision clearly and unambiguously. Use the form "We choose X because Y". Avoid vague wording and ensure the decision is directly actionable by the development team. Step 7: Describe the expected consequences, both positive and negative. What benefits does the choice deliver? What trade-offs does the team accept? What risks remain and how will they be mitigated? Step 8: Submit the ADR to your repository via a pull request. Have at least two team members review and provide feedback. Incorporate the feedback and mark the ADR as Accepted once consensus is reached. Step 9: Add the ADR to your ADR index or log file so the archive stays searchable and organised. Link related ADRs to each other when decisions build upon one another. Step 10: Periodically review existing ADRs during architecture review sessions. Mark outdated decisions as Deprecated and create a new Superseding ADR when a decision is revised. Step 11: Reference relevant ADRs in pull requests when code is implemented that stems from an architecture decision. This makes the link between decision-making and implementation explicit and helps reviewers understand the rationale behind the code. Step 12: Train new team members in reading and writing ADRs as part of their onboarding. A well-maintained ADR archive is one of the most valuable documentation sources for developers joining an existing project.

How MG Software can help

At MG Software we help development teams document architecture decisions in a structured way without turning it into a bureaucratic process. Our architects guide the setup of an ADR workflow that fits the size and culture of your team. We assist with writing the first ADRs as examples, set up the directory structure and naming conventions and integrate the ADR process into your pull request workflow. Additionally, we conduct architecture reviews where we evaluate existing decisions in light of new insights and technological developments. The result is a living archive of well-founded technical choices that enables the team to move faster with more confidence, because the rationale behind every decision is available to anyone who needs it.