Free SOP Templates
I wrote twelve SOP templates for processes that most businesses run. Each one has a purpose, scope, roles, prerequisites, numbered steps and a revision table. Pick one, download it as Word or Markdown, and edit it to fit your team.
Restaurant Opening SOP
A free restaurant opening SOP template for Word and Markdown: security check, temperatures, prep, cash float, line check and doors open.
Employee Onboarding SOP
A free employee onboarding SOP template for Word and Markdown, from signed offer to the 90-day review, with owners and deadlines for every step.
IT Incident Response SOP
A free IT incident response SOP template for Word and Markdown: detect, triage, contain, communicate, resolve and review, with clear roles.
Warehouse Receiving SOP
A free warehouse receiving SOP template for Word and Markdown: dock check, count, inspect, discrepancy report, put-away and system update.
Office Cleaning SOP
A free office cleaning SOP template for Word and Markdown: daily, weekly and deep-clean tasks, chemicals, order of work, checks and sign-off.
Laboratory Sample Handling SOP
A free laboratory sample handling SOP template for Word and Markdown: receipt, identification, storage, chain of custody, disposal and records.
HACCP Food Safety Check SOP
A free HACCP food safety check SOP template for Word and Markdown: critical control point checks, temperature records, corrective action and verification.
Customer Support Escalation SOP
A free customer support escalation SOP template for Word and Markdown: tiers, triggers, handover notes, timers and follow-up with the customer.
Payroll Processing SOP
A free payroll processing SOP template for Word and Markdown: input cut-off, calculation, review, approval, payment, filing and record keeping.
Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection SOP
A free vehicle pre-trip inspection SOP template for Word and Markdown: walk-round, fluids, tyres, lights, brakes, cab checks and defect reporting.
Retail Cash Handling SOP
A free retail cash handling SOP template for Word and Markdown: float, till use, counterfeit checks, cash drops, end-of-day count and banking.
Data Backup and Restore SOP
A free data backup SOP template for Word and Markdown: what to back up, schedule, offsite copy, encryption, monitoring and a restore test.
How it works, and what stays on your device
Every template is a page you can read in full before you download it. The downloads are built in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.
The steps are written as a working draft with example limits and times. Replace them with the ones that apply to your site, and check anything that touches safety, law or regulation against the rules you work under.
Frequently asked questions
What is a standard operating procedure?
A standard operating procedure, or SOP, is a written set of steps for a task that has to be done the same way every time. It says why the task exists, who does what, what is needed first and the steps in order.
Are the templates really free?
Yes. You can download, edit and use them inside your own business with no sign-up and no attribution. They are a starting point, so check them against how your team really works and the rules that apply to you.
Can I open the downloads in Word?
Yes. The Word files are standard .docx documents that open in Microsoft Word, LibreOffice and Google Docs. The Markdown files open in any text editor.
Does my data leave my device?
No. The files are built in your browser. Nothing you download or copy is sent to my server.