A system, method, and computer program product for automated development of templates for knowledge capture for use in computer aided design and manufacturing. A method includes receiving a user selection of one of a plurality of parts to be developed into a product template. The method also includes receiving data about the selected part, the data including a plurality of part components. The method further includes displaying parametric data relating to the part components and connections between the part components. The method still further includes receiving customizations to the parametric data from the user. The method also includes developing program code based on the customizations to the parametric data. The method also includes publishing the program code and the customized parametric data as the product template.