Free RAID Log Template for Project Managers
Track risks, actions, issues, and decisions in one structured format—then move beyond static spreadsheets when your project needs more control.
This free RAID log template helps project managers track the signals that matter most during delivery: risks, actions, issues, and decisions. It is a useful starting point for lightweight projects—and a clear stepping stone to a more structured system when spreadsheets start to break down.
What is a RAID log?
A RAID log is a structured project management tracker used to record risks, actions, issues, and decisions throughout the life of a project.
It helps project managers keep critical delivery signals visible instead of letting them disappear into meetings, inboxes, or memory.
What a good RAID log template should include
A strong RAID template should make it easy to track:
- what the item is
- how serious it is
- who owns it
- what status it is in
- what needs to happen next
For risks, actions, issues, and decisions, that usually means fields for description, owner, status, due or review dates, and any relevant mitigation, rationale, or resolution notes.
Download a free RAID log template
Use this template to start tracking project risks, actions, issues, and decisions in a consistent format.
It is a strong option if you need a lightweight RAID tracker quickly, are starting a new project, or want a simple structure before moving into a dedicated PM workspace.
How to use this RAID log template
Create one row per item
Track each risk, action, issue, or decision as its own record.
Assign ownership
Every item should have a named owner to support accountability.
Update status consistently
Keep the log current so it reflects what is still open and what needs attention.
Review it regularly
Use the log during weekly status meetings, steering prep, and risk reviews.
Preserve decision history
Record not only what was decided, but why and by whom.
Common RAID log mistakes to avoid
Treating it like a passive spreadsheet
If it is not reviewed regularly, it stops being useful as a management tool.
Mixing risks and issues
Keep future threats separate from current problems.
Leaving ownership vague
Every item should have a clear owner.
Recording decisions without rationale
Future reviewers need more than the final answer.
Letting actions live elsewhere
When follow-through is split across tools, accountability weakens.
When a RAID spreadsheet starts to break down
A spreadsheet can be a useful starting point. But many project managers eventually run into the same limits:
- RAID becomes disconnected from notes
- actions are tracked somewhere else
- stakeholder context is missing
- status reviews require manual reconstruction
- multiple versions of the log start circulating
- handoffs depend too much on memory
That is usually the point when a template is no longer enough.
Beyond the template
Why PMHub is a better long-term way to manage RAID
PMHub gives project managers more than a downloadable template. It gives them a structured RAID workspace connected to the rest of project delivery.
Instead of managing RAID in isolation, you can connect it with stakeholder management, project notes, timelines and planning, task follow-through, and dashboard-level delivery visibility.
More delivery control
See open risks, overdue actions, issues, and decisions in one workspace.
Better accountability
Keep ownership, status, and follow-through visible.
More connected context
Link RAID to the plan, notes, and stakeholder picture.
Easier reviews and handoffs
Use one shared system of record instead of spreadsheet drift.
FAQ
- What does RAID stand for in project management?
- RAID stands for Risks, Actions, Issues, and Decisions.
- Is a RAID log the same as a risk register?
- No. A risk register tracks risks only. A RAID log includes risks, actions, issues, and decisions in one place.
- Should actions be tracked in a RAID log?
- In PMHub, Actions are one of the four RAID types alongside Risks, Issues, and Decisions—so follow-ups and mitigations can live in the same log. If you also use a separate task list, keep ownership and status visible so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Can I use Excel or Google Sheets for a RAID log?
- Yes. Spreadsheets are a common starting point for RAID tracking, especially on smaller projects.
- When should I move from a RAID spreadsheet to a PM tool?
- Usually when RAID becomes disconnected from project notes, stakeholder context, tasks, or reporting—and the spreadsheet starts becoming harder to maintain than the project itself.
Start with the template. Move to PMHub when the project needs more control.
Download the RAID log template now, or see how PMHub helps project managers manage RAID in a more connected workspace.
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