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What is the difference between layout.js and template.js in Next.js?

Q: What is the difference between layout.js and template.js in Next.js?

**TL;DR.** A layout **persists** across navigations and keeps state/DOM. A template **re-mounts a new instance** on every navigation, **resetting** state and re-running effects — useful for enter/exit animations, per-navigation logging, or resetting a form between routes. layout stays mounted state preserved template new instance / nav <text class='d-sub' x='34

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Persistent shared UI vs a fresh instance per navigation.

nextjslayouttemplaterouting

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A template that resets per navigation

// app/template.tsx — re-created on every navigation
'use client';
import { useEffect } from 'react';
export default function Template({ children }) {
  useEffect(() => { trackPageView(); }, []);   // fires on EVERY navigation
  return <div className="fade-in">{children}</div>;
}

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