In project management, staying ahead means staying organized—and nothing keeps a project manager more in control than a well-maintained RAID log. It’s the unsung hero of project governance: capturing and managing the risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies that can make or break project success.
To help you manage this crucial aspect with ease, we’ve compiled 30+ free RAID log templates in Excel and Word formats. Whether you’re running Agile sprints or leading enterprise programs, these planners and trackers will help you drive clarity, reduce risk, and deliver outcomes confidently.
✔️ What Is a RAID Log?
A RAID log is a project management tool used to identify, document, and track:
- Risks – Potential events that could impact the project
- Assumptions – Factors believed to be true without proof
- Issues – Current problems that need to be resolved
- Dependencies – Tasks or events that rely on other tasks
Together, these four elements offer a holistic view of what could go wrong—and what needs to go right.
RAID logs are essential for project kick-offs, status reporting, stakeholder updates, and risk governance.
✔️ When and Why You Need a RAID Log Template
You’ll benefit from using a RAID log if:
- Your project involves multiple teams, phases, or systems
- Stakeholders ask for transparency and regular reporting
- You manage external vendors or cross-functional dependencies
- You want to document and track project risks from start to finish
- You need to align your team on critical blockers and assumptions
Using a RAID log template keeps your projects focused, informed, and proactive—not reactive.
✔️ What Makes These 30+ Templates Worth Downloading
✅ Excel & Word Formats – Choose your preferred way to log, edit, and share
✅ Editable & Printable – Use digitally or print for meetings
✅ Tracker Versions – Includes sortable columns, dropdowns, and progress statuses
✅ One-Pager RAID Summaries – Great for executive updates
✅ Planners with Conditional Formatting – Auto-highlight overdue or critical items
✅ Color-Coded Sections – Clearly separate R, A, I, and D for better readability
✅ Customizable for PMOs or Agile Teams – Adapt for Jira, SharePoint, or manual tracking
These templates are designed with clarity and utility in mind—perfect for seasoned PMs and new managers alike.
✔️ What’s Included in the Template Collection?
This curated bundle features:
- Basic RAID logs with labeled tabs for each section
- Project startup RAID forms for kick-off meetings
- Ongoing RAID trackers with status, owner, and resolution fields
- Executive-level summary logs for dashboards
- RAID log templates with priority ratings and escalation levels
- Integrated templates that link RAID items to project deliverables
- Agile RAID planners for sprint retrospectives and daily stand-ups
- Templates with automatic risk scoring
From short-term sprints to long-term programs, these tools help you track everything that matters.
✔️ How to Use a RAID Log Template Effectively
Follow these best practices for results:
- Define each category clearly (Risk, Assumption, Issue, Dependency)
- Record new items regularly – during meetings, updates, or retrospectives
- Assign an owner for each item and a due date for resolution
- Use ratings – like severity, probability, or impact
- Update statuses – Open, In Progress, Resolved, or Escalated
- Review logs in every project meeting to drive action
Pro tip: Add a RAID log review to your weekly agenda—it keeps surprises at bay.
✔️ Customization Tips for Maximum Impact
☑️ Rename column headers to match your company’s terminology
☑️ Add conditional formatting for urgent or overdue items
☑️ Use filters or dropdowns to organize large logs
☑️ Include links to related documents or task trackers
☑️ Color-code based on item type, owner, or urgency
☑️ Merge with risk registers or compliance tools for governance tracking
These templates are flexible and can evolve with your project’s needs.
✔️ Who Should Use These RAID Log Templates?
These templates are ideal for:
☑️ Project Managers who need to maintain control and reduce surprises
☑️ Program Managers coordinating across multiple projects
☑️ Scrum Masters tracking sprint blockers and team assumptions
☑️ PMOs standardizing project risk documentation
☑️ Consultants presenting clean RAID reports to clients
☑️ IT and construction teams managing complex technical or logistical dependencies
Whether you’re building software or a skyscraper, these templates help you track the details that drive project success.
➡️ Download and Take Control of Project Complexity
Projects rarely fail because of what’s known—they fail because of what’s ignored.
👉 Download 30+ free RAID log templates in Excel and Word today.
Track what matters. Anticipate roadblocks. Deliver confidently.
With the right RAID log in hand, you’ll turn risk into readiness—and move from chaos to clarity.

