Template systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for use in conjunction with corresponding spinal fusion plates. Preferred templates are slotted to allow for use with distractor pins and a distractor. Additionally preferred templates include windows to allow the operating surgeon to have more visibility of the intervertebral area, including the graft. After the appropriate sized template has been placed against the targeted vertebrae, holding pins can be placed into the vertebral bodies to help guide the fusion plate and to compress the intervertebral space.