{"id":67535,"date":"2023-07-20T15:49:38","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T20:49:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/?post_type=templates&p=67535"},"modified":"2026-04-20T15:11:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T20:11:25","slug":"project-initiation-document-template","status":"publish","type":"templates","link":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/templates\/project-initiation-document-template","title":{"rendered":"Project Initiation Document Template"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before you start a project, you need to define it in detail. That\u2019s what our free project initiation document template does. It breaks down all the components of a project initiation document to ensure that you\u2019ve covered all the bases. Download ProjectManager\u2019s free project initiation document template for Word and set yourself up for success.<\/p>\n

ProjectManager is award-winning project management software that gives managers the tools they need to plan, manage and track their projects in real time. Using our robust Gantt charts, project managers can organize tasks, link all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays and even filter for the critical path to identify essential tasks. Then by setting a baseline, they capture the schedule and can compare the plan to the actual progress to keep the project on track. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.<\/p>\n

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Turn your project initiation document into a project plan with ProjectManager\u2019s robust Gantt charts. Learn more<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Is a Project Initiation Document?<\/h2>\n

A project initiation document (PID) is used during the initiation phase of a project to define the project\u2019s scope, how it’ll be managed and what metrics will be used to measure whether it\u2019s successful. In fact, the project initiation document details every aspect of the project, including defining its timeline, budget, resources and more.<\/p>\n

By including information such as the project scope, time, roles and responsibilities, etc., it acts as a project management guide and shares many similarities with a project charter. The project initiation document is primarily found in projects derived from the PRINCE2<\/a> (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) methodology, a structured method that divides projects into manageable and controllable stages that are used primarily in the UK.<\/p>\n

A project manager is usually the professional tasked with creating the PID, and once the project has been approved, they will use that document to plan the project.<\/p>\n

\"Free<\/a>
ProjectManager’s free project initiation document template for Word.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why Use a Project Initiation Document Template?<\/h2>\n

While every aspect of a project is important, the project initiation process<\/a> might be the most critical phase. While execution, monitoring and controlling are important, those phases will go off more smoothly if you\u2019ve done your homework when setting up the project.<\/p>\n

The project initiation document acts as your project’s foundation. You\u2019re doing the groundwork necessary to deliver a successful project by building a solid base on which it\u2019ll stand. This is true across industries and whether you\u2019re managing a small or large and complex project. That doesn\u2019t mean the project initiation document is permanent. It\u2019s a living document and should be reviewed and revised throughout the project as things change. It can also serve as a quick reference to get a new team member on track so they can hit the ground running.<\/p>\n

When to Use This Project Initiation Document Template<\/h2>\n

As noted, the project initiation document template should be used when initiating a project. It’s the final part of the initiation stage after all the research and decision-making have been completed. Therefore, the project initiation document template should be filled out as the last step of the first phase of the project. Before you can compile all the information you need to fill out the project initiation document, you\u2019ll first have to establish the reason for the project, its business value and more.<\/p>\n

The project initiation document collects this data and organizes it in a way that secures buy-in from your key stakeholders. As noted, this is very similar to a project charter<\/a>. However, a project charter is less detailed.<\/p>\n

Who Is This Project Initiation Document Template For?<\/h2>\n

The project initiation document is used to define the project in detail. When you are filling out our free project initiation document template, you\u2019re doing so for the project board for them to understand how it’ll be performed.<\/p>\n

The project initiation document template provides the direction and scope of the project<\/a>, including the stages, and acts as the contract between the project manager and the project board. The project board will then agree or disagree about the project deliverables.<\/p>\n

If approved, the project board monitors the project team and ensures that it supports the project sponsor. Of course, a project initiation document template can also be used by the project manager to bring their team up to speed on the project.<\/p>\n

How to Use This Project Initiation Document Template<\/h2>\n

First, you\u2019ll want to download the free project initiation document template for Word. You\u2019ll find that it\u2019s broken down into sections, each with a brief description of what should be included. These will be long documents and should be attached to the project initiation document template, which can be used as an index to organize all the documentation.<\/p>\n

The template is fully customizable, and users can add their logo or add or subtract sections as needed. The following are the various sections that make up our free project initiation document template for Word with a brief description of each to make it clear to everyone what should be included.<\/p>\n