The Architectural Decision document is composed of four parts. The outline of the document is:

1. Architectural Decision

Describe the Architectural Decision (AD).  

2 . Impacts and Implications

Document any implications of the decision, such as technology choice, cost, and support implications. 

3. Problem & Constraints 

3.1 Problem
3.2 Context
3.3 Scope
3.4 Constraints
3.5 Assumptions  

4. Solution Analysis

4.1. Solution Architecture 
4.2. Solutions Comparative Analysis 
4.3. Rationale

Various formats are provided below: Microsoft Word (.dotx and .dot), PDF (.pdf) and Open XML Paper Specification (.xps).