# Virtual desktop templates

Virtual desktop templates are the essential part of the Parallels RAS VDI. They are used to create hosts for publishing of desktops, applications, documents, etc. The guest OS support is the same as for RAS Guest Agent (which must be installed in a VM). See [**Software requirements**](https://docs.parallels.com/parallels-ras-administrators-guide-21/parallels-ras-21-administrators-guide/installing-parallels-ras/system-requirements/software-requirements).

Hosts created from a Virtual desktop template normally serve a single user. They are managed entirely from within the RAS VDI, which includes such features as creating persistent VMs, managing VDI sessions, publishing resources from a specific Virtual desktop template, and others.
