Release Notes Templates: Copy & Paste for Your Team

Stop reinventing the wheel every time you ship an update. These templates give you a proven structure—just fill in the details and publish.

Why Templates Matter

Consistency builds trust. When users know what to expect from your release notes, they're more likely to read them. When you have a template, you're more likely to write them.

These templates are battle-tested across hundreds of product releases. Pick the one that matches your update type, customize it, and ship.

Template 1: Major Feature Launch

Use when: Shipping a significant new capability that users have been asking for.

The Template

🎨 New: [Feature Name]

[One sentence describing what the feature does and who it's for]

Why this matters:
[2-3 bullet points explaining the user benefit or problem it solves]

How it works:
1. [First step to use the feature]
2. [Second step]
3. [Optional: Third step if needed]

[Screenshot or GIF showing the feature in action]

This was one of your most requested features. [Optional: Thank specific users or community]

Learn more: [Link to documentation or guide]
Try it now: [Link to the feature or sign up]

Real Example

🎨 New: Custom Dashboard Views

Create personalized dashboard layouts that fit your workflow.
Save multiple views and switch between them instantly.

Why this matters:
- Different roles need different data—now everyone can see what matters to them
- Stop recreating the same filters every time you log in
- Share your favorite views with teammates

How it works:
1. Arrange your dashboard widgets however you want
2. Click "Save View" and give it a name
3. Switch between views anytime from the dropdown menu

[Screenshot showing the saved views dropdown]

This was requested by over 200 users in the past six months. Thank you
for the feedback—we're listening.

Learn more: Dashboard Views Documentation →
Try it now: Go to your Dashboard →

Why It Works

• Opens with clear value proposition
• Explains the "why" before the "how"
• Includes visual proof
• Acknowledges user requests
• Provides next steps

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Template 2: Bug Fix Release

Use when: Fixing issues that users have reported or experienced.

The Template

🐛 Fixed: [Brief description of what was broken]

[One sentence explaining what users experienced]

What we fixed:
- [Specific issue #1]
- [Specific issue #2]
- [Specific issue #3]

[Optional: Technical detail for transparency]

Thanks to [user/team] for reporting this issue.

If you're still experiencing issues, contact support: [link]

Real Example

🐛 Fixed: Login timeout errors during peak hours

Some users were seeing "session expired" errors even though
they had just logged in, especially between 9-11am EST.

What we fixed:
- Authentication token refresh now happens 5 minutes before expiry (previously 30 seconds)
- Added retry logic for failed token refreshes
- Increased session storage capacity by 3x

Technical detail: We identified a race condition in our token refresh
mechanism that occurred under high load. The fix includes both
immediate retry logic and preventive capacity improvements.

Thanks to @sarah, @mike, and 47 other users who reported this.
Your detailed reports helped us identify the pattern.

If you're still experiencing login issues, contact support →

Why It Works

• Acknowledges the user pain directly
• Lists specific fixes (shows thoroughness)
• Optional technical transparency builds trust
• Thanks reporters (encourages more feedback)
• Provides escape hatch if issue persists

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Template 3: Performance Improvement

Use when: Making things faster, smaller, or more efficient.

The Template

⚡ Improved: [What got faster/better]

[Quantified improvement with specific numbers]

What you'll notice:
- [User-facing improvement #1]
- [User-facing improvement #2]
- [User-facing improvement #3]

[Optional: Technical details about how you did it]

This improvement affects [scope: all users / specific feature / etc.]

[Optional: Before/after comparison chart or video]

Real Example

⚡ Improved: Dashboard loading speed

Your dashboard now loads 3x faster, especially if you have
large datasets or many widgets.

What you'll notice:
- Initial page load under 2 seconds (previously 6-8 seconds)
- Smooth scrolling even with 1,000+ rows
- Widgets appear progressively instead of all at once
- Mobile performance improved by 5x

How we did it:
- Implemented virtual scrolling for large tables
- Lazy load widgets as they come into view
- Reduced initial data payload by 60%
- Optimized database queries

This improvement affects all users, with the biggest impact
for teams with datasets over 500 items.

[Before/after loading time comparison chart]

Why It Works

• Leads with the benefit
• Quantifies the improvement (3x, not just "faster")
• Separates user impact from technical details
• Specifies who benefits most
• Shows you measure and care about performance

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Template 4: API or Breaking Change

Use when: Making changes that might affect integrations or workflows. Learn more about API versioning best practices.

The Template

⚠️ [Breaking Change / API Update]: [What's changing]

[Date when change takes effect]

What's changing:
- [Specific change #1]
- [Specific change #2]
- [What's deprecated]

Why we're making this change:
[Brief explanation of the benefit or reason]

Action required:
[Clear steps users need to take, or "None" if backward compatible]

Migration guide: [Link to detailed documentation]
Support: [How to get help with migration]

Timeline:
- [Date]: Announcement (today)
- [Date]: Deprecation warning starts
- [Date]: Old version removed

Real Example

⚠️ Breaking Change: Authentication API v1 Deprecation

Effective March 1, 2025, API v1 authentication endpoints will be removed.
Please migrate to v2 by February 15, 2025.

What's changing:
- POST /v1/auth/login → POST /v2/auth/login
- Token format changes from [JWT](https://jwt.io/introduction) to opaque tokens
- Refresh token flow now required for long-lived sessions
- [Rate limits](https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/bots/what-is-rate-limiting/) increase from 100/min to 1000/min

Why we're making this change:
v2 provides better security (opaque tokens), improved performance
(10x rate limits), and easier key rotation. It's been in production
for 18 months with 94% of API users already migrated.

Action required:
1. Update your API endpoint URLs from /v1/ to /v2/
2. Update token storage (opaque tokens instead of JWT)
3. Implement refresh token flow for sessions >1 hour
4. Test in our sandbox environment

Migration guide: API v2 Migration Documentation →
Support: Email api-support@yourcompany.com or join #api-migration in our Slack community

Timeline:
- December 22, 2024: Announcement (today)
- January 15, 2025: v1 endpoints return deprecation warnings
- February 15, 2025: Recommended migration deadline
- March 1, 2025: v1 endpoints removed

Why It Works

• Impossible to miss the warning (⚠️ and "Breaking Change")
• Specific dates and timeline
• Explains the "why" (benefits of migrating)
• Clear action items with step-by-step guidance
• Multiple support channels
• Generous timeline with milestones

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Template 5: Small Improvements & Fixes

Use when: Shipping a batch of minor updates that don't warrant individual announcements.

The Template

🔧 Updates & Improvements

A collection of small updates based on your feedback:

New:
- [Small new thing #1]
- [Small new thing #2]

Improved:
- [Enhancement #1]
- [Enhancement #2]
- [Enhancement #3]

Fixed:
- [Bug fix #1]
- [Bug fix #2]
- [Bug fix #3]

[Optional: Callout one or two items worth highlighting]

Keep the feedback coming: [Link to feedback form or community]

Real Example

🔧 Updates & Improvements

A collection of small updates based on your feedback:

New:
- Export buttons now show file format before you click
- Keyboard shortcut (⌘+/) to open command palette

Improved:
- Search now includes archived items (toggle with filter)
- Team member avatars load 50% faster
- Drag-and-drop file upload now shows progress percentage
- Timezone selector now shows current local time

Fixed:
- Calendar view no longer shows duplicate events
- Mobile menu closes when you select an item
- Email notifications respect "do not disturb" hours
- Copy-paste now preserves formatting in comments

Worth highlighting: The new command palette (⌘+/) is a game-changer
for keyboard users. Press it anywhere in the app to quickly jump to
any page, filter, or action.

Keep the feedback coming: feedback@yourcompany.com

Why It Works

• Groups related changes for easy scanning
• Shows consistent improvement cadence
• Calls out the most important item
• Demonstrates you're listening to feedback
• Easy to write and maintain weekly

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Template 6: Maintenance & Infrastructure

Use when: Doing behind-the-scenes work that users should know about but won't directly see.

The Template

🛠️ Maintenance: [What you're improving]

[One sentence explaining what's happening behind the scenes]

What this means for you:
- [User benefit #1]
- [User benefit #2]
- [What won't change]

[Optional: When maintenance will happen, if downtime expected]

Technical details:
[Brief explanation for curious users, but not required reading]

Questions? [Support contact]

Real Example

🛠️ Maintenance: Database infrastructure upgrade

This weekend (Dec 23-24), we're upgrading our database infrastructure
to improve reliability and prepare for 2025 growth.

What this means for you:
- Improved uptime and reliability
- Faster query performance (especially for large datasets)
- Better handling of traffic spikes
- Your data, settings, and workflows remain exactly the same

Scheduled maintenance window:
- Saturday, December 23, 2:00 AM - 6:00 AM EST
- Expected downtime: 15-30 minutes
- Status updates: status.yourcompany.com

Technical details:
We're migrating from [PostgreSQL](https://www.postgresql.org/) 13 to 15, moving to a new cluster
with 3x storage capacity and upgraded connection pooling. This also
enables us to implement read replicas in Q1 2025 for even better
performance.

Questions? Email support@yourcompany.com or check our status page.

Why It Works

• Transparent about what's happening
• Leads with user benefits, not technical details
• Specific timing if downtime is expected
• Separates "need to know" from "nice to know"
• Provides status page for real-time updates

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Template 7: Sunset/Deprecation

Use when: Removing a feature or announcing end of life.

The Template

📢 Important: [Feature] is being sunset

After [date], [feature name] will no longer be available.

Why we're making this change:
[Honest explanation of the reason]

What happens to your data:
[Clear explanation of data handling]

Recommended alternatives:
1. [Alternative option #1] - [When to use this]
2. [Alternative option #2] - [When to use this]
3. [External option] - [If applicable]

Timeline:
- [Date]: Announcement (today)
- [Date]: Feature enters read-only mode
- [Date]: Feature removed, data exported and available
- [Date]: Data permanently deleted (if applicable)

Need help migrating? [Support resources]

Real Example

📢 Important: Legacy Reports feature is being sunset

After March 31, 2025, the Legacy Reports section will be removed.
All functionality has been replaced by our new Analytics dashboard.

Why we're making this change:
Legacy Reports was built in 2019 and hasn't kept pace with our product
growth. The new Analytics dashboard is faster (3x), more flexible, and
actively maintained. Maintaining both systems was slowing down
development of features you've been requesting.

What happens to your data:
- All saved reports will be automatically migrated to Analytics
- Custom report configurations will be converted to Analytics filters
- Historical data remains accessible (nothing is deleted)

Recommended alternatives:
1. Analytics Dashboard (built-in) - Replaces all Legacy Reports functionality with better performance
2. Data Export API - For custom analysis in external tools
3. Scheduled Reports - Automated email delivery of key metrics

Timeline:
- December 22, 2024: Announcement (today)
- January 31, 2025: Legacy Reports enter read-only mode (no new reports)
- March 1, 2025: Automatic migration of saved reports begins
- March 31, 2025: Legacy Reports removed (Analytics fully ready)

Need help migrating?
- Migration guide: [Link to docs]
- Support: support@yourcompany.com
- Office hours: Fridays 2-4pm EST in #analytics-migration (Slack)

Why It Works

• Can't be missed (clear subject, important tag)
• Honest about reasoning
• Addresses data concerns upfront
• Provides clear alternatives with guidance
• Generous timeline with multiple milestones
• Offers support resources and office hours

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How to Use These Templates

1. Pick the right template

Match your update type to the template. Mixed updates? Use Template 5 and group by category.

2. Fill in the brackets

Replace [Feature Name], [User benefit], etc. with your specific details.

3. Customize the tone

Adjust formality based on your brand. More formal? Remove emojis. More casual? Add personality.

4. Add visuals

Screenshots, GIFs, or charts make everything more engaging. Not required, but recommended for major features.

5. Link to details

Release note = overview. Always link to full documentation, guides, or support.

6. Publish consistently

Pick a day (we recommend Fridays) and ship every week, even if it's just Template 5 with small updates.

Template Customization Tips

Adjust for your audience

Developer-focused product:

• Include code snippets
• Link to API docs
• Mention specific endpoints or methods

Non-technical product:

• Remove technical details section
• Focus entirely on user benefits
• Use more screenshots, fewer words

Match your brand voice

Professional/Enterprise:

Improvement: Enhanced dashboard performance

Dashboard load times have been reduced by 60% through
query optimization and caching improvements.

Casual/Startup:

⚡ Your dashboard just got stupid fast

We made some behind-the-scenes magic happen and now
your dashboard loads 60% faster. You're welcome. 😎

Scale based on update size

Major release: Use full template with all sections

Medium update: Skip optional sections

Minor update: Just the first paragraph + bullet points

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping the "why"

• Template shows benefit, not just feature
• Always answer "why should users care?"

❌ Too much text

• Templates are maximums, not minimums
• Shorter is usually better

❌ Inconsistent structure

• Pick templates and stick with them
• Consistency builds trust

❌ Missing visuals for UI changes

• If it changed visually, show it
• GIF > screenshot > nothing

❌ Vague language

• "Improved performance" → "3x faster loading"
• "Better search" → "Search now includes archived items"

Making This Sustainable

The hard part isn't writing one good release note. It's doing it every single week.

Tips for consistency:

1. Set a recurring calendar event - "Write release notes" every Thursday at 3pm
2. Gather updates throughout the week - Don't reconstruct from memory
3. Use the same template - Don't reinvent the structure each time
4. Keep a swipe file - Save examples of great notes from other companies
5. Get feedback - Ask users which format they prefer

Or use ReleaseNotes.pm to:

• Capture scattered updates in Slack all week
• Auto-apply these templates based on update type
• Maintain consistent formatting automatically
• Publish everywhere with one click

Join the waitlist

Bonus: Multi-Channel Adaptation

Use these templates as your master version, then adapt for each channel:

Email version

• Add personal greeting
• Include "read more" link
• Shorter descriptions

In-app notification

• Just the headline + one benefit
• Link to full release notes

Social media

• Pull out the most interesting update
• Add relevant hashtags
• Include visual

Blog post (major releases)

• Expand with use cases and examples
• Add customer quotes
• Include video demos

Your Turn

Pick one template. Ship a release note this week.

You don't need perfect. You need consistent.

These templates give you the structure. Your product gives you the content. Now just hit publish.

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Which template will you try first? We'd love to see what you ship.