Abstract: A template for installing tile on a vertical or horizontal surface that includes a substrate having a plurality of lines printed on said substrate wherein said lines are configured to substantially replicate the actual size of at least two tiles and a width of grout adjacent said tiles. The template may be a stand-alone layout guide, or may also be configured to be applied to the horizontal or vertical surface using grout or mastic so that a user can replicate a pattern by applying the tile directly to the layout guide. A method for installing tile using the template including applying a first layer of adhesive upon a surface, applying the template over the first layer of adhesive, applying a second layer of adhesive directly to a tile; and applying the buttered tile directly its corresponding location on the template.