Simple templates that do not contain copies of data, only layout and map layer styling

[ErikBreedon]

Create a new template option that does not package data.  In ArcMap, I saved an MXD to the AppData folder on my C drive that contained templates.  That MXD referenced a geodatabase, but contained all the layer styling and page layout I wanted.  In Pro, it appears that creating a template works a little like a Map Package did in ArcMap.  I wish to have the option to only create a file that a new project can be created on, retaining layout and map styling but not duplicating data.

[KoryKramer]

@ErikBreedon When you're creating your template, are you leaving Share outside of organization unchecked?

Also, how have you connected to the data in the project? Letter drives or UNC paths? See the Create a template to use on multiple computers section of  https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/projects/create-your-own-project-template.htm 

[AdamMesser1]

I cannot create a template using letter drives pointing to data from a gdb, it always copies the data. I do not have share outside organization, or preserve toolboxes or history checked and am using Pro 3.0.2.  @KoryKramer the "Create a template to use on multiple computers" instructions say "it's recommended that you add network folder connections as UNC paths". They do not say required, in fact it says "the connection is stored in the template with the drive letter". Thus the article makes it seem that using letter drives, without copying data, is possible. @JDSF_PeterRowland  posted  on this issue as well (ArcPro Project Templates-whats the deal? - Esri Community). UNC path templates do work without data copying. However, I have users scattered across the state accessing data from a suite of servers, but every user accesses our GIS data from a single common letter drive regardless of the server name. I cannot make a single agency template to reference the letter drive. To make UNC templates work, I would have to create a new template for each different server. Is there a way to get letter drive templates to work without a data copy? If not, please correct your online help to accurately represent capabilities.

[ErikBreedon]

Looking back months later, I've found this workflow accomplishes what I needed. I have a master project that I use as a template, and found that saving the layout is the best way for me to make a template that can reference geodatabases on a user's hard drive, like my own, without duplicating data.:
1. Save the template layout as a layout file.
2. Start a new project.
3. Import the layout file into the new project.
4. Save the new project.