diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/create_json_crew.py b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/create_json_crew.py
index f1e1336377..61a29b874b 100644
--- a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/create_json_crew.py
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/create_json_crew.py
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
     enable_prompt_line_editing,
     is_dmn_mode_enabled,
     load_env_vars,
+    render_template,
     write_env_file,
 )
 from crewai_cli.version import get_crewai_tools_dependency
@@ -79,61 +80,7 @@
     ],
 }
 
-
-# ── Static project files ───────────────────────────────────────
-
-_PYPROJECT_TOML = """\
-[project]
-name = "{folder_name}"
-version = "0.1.0"
-description = "{name} using crewAI"
-authors = [{{ name = "Your Name", email = "you@example.com" }}]
-requires-python = ">=3.10,<3.14"
-dependencies = [
-    "{crewai_tools_dependency}"
-]
-
-[build-system]
-requires = ["hatchling"]
-build-backend = "hatchling.build"
-
-[tool.hatch.build.targets.wheel]
-only-include = ["agents", "crew.jsonc", "tools", "knowledge", "skills"]
-
-[tool.crewai]
-type = "crew"
-definition = "crew.jsonc"
-"""
-
-_GITIGNORE = """\
-.env
-__pycache__/
-.DS_Store
-report.md
-"""
-
-_README = """\
-# {name}
-
-A crewAI project using JSON-first configuration.
-
-## Running
-
-```bash
-crewai run
-```
-
-## Project Structure
-
-- `agents/` - Agent definitions (JSONC)
-- `crew.jsonc` - Crew definition with tasks and configuration
-- `tools/` - Custom tools (Python)
-- `knowledge/` - Knowledge files for agents
-
-> **Note:** `custom:<name>` tool references execute `tools/<name>.py` as local
-> Python code when the crew loads. Only run crew projects from sources you
-> trust.
-"""
+_TEMPLATES_DIR = Path(__file__).parent / "templates" / "json_crew"
 
 
 # ── Common tools for picker ────────────────────────────────────
@@ -694,187 +641,64 @@ def _default_agents_and_tasks(
 def _agent_to_jsonc(agent: dict[str, Any]) -> str:
     """Convert agent wizard data to JSONC string with comments."""
     has_planning = agent["planning"]
-    delegation_val = "true" if agent["allow_delegation"] else "false"
-    delegation_comma = "," if has_planning else ""
-
-    settings_lines = []
-    settings_lines.append("    // Show detailed execution logs")
-    settings_lines.append('    "verbose": false,')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append(
-        "    // Allow this agent to delegate tasks to other agents in the crew"
-    )
-    settings_lines.append(f'    "allow_delegation": {delegation_val}{delegation_comma}')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append(
-        "    // Maximum reasoning iterations per task (prevents infinite loops)"
+    settings_block = _render_json_crew_template(
+        "agent_settings.jsonc",
+        {
+            "allow_delegation": "true" if agent["allow_delegation"] else "false",
+            "delegation_comma": "," if has_planning else "",
+            "planning_line": '"planning": true'
+            if has_planning
+            else '// "planning": false',
+        },
     )
-    settings_lines.append('    // "max_iter": 25,')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append("    // Maximum tokens for agent's response generation")
-    settings_lines.append('    // "max_tokens": null,')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append("    // Maximum execution time in seconds")
-    settings_lines.append('    // "max_execution_time": null,')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append("    // Maximum LLM requests per minute (rate limiting)")
-    settings_lines.append('    // "max_rpm": null,')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append("    // Enable agent-level memory (persists across tasks)")
-    settings_lines.append('    // "memory": false,')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append("    // Cache tool results to avoid duplicate calls")
-    settings_lines.append('    // "cache": true,')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append(
-        "    // Auto-summarize context when it exceeds the LLM's context window"
+
+    return _render_json_crew_template(
+        "agent.jsonc",
+        {
+            "role_json": json.dumps(agent["role"]),
+            "goal_json": json.dumps(agent["goal"]),
+            "backstory_json": json.dumps(agent["backstory"]),
+            "llm_json": json.dumps(agent["llm"]),
+            "tools_json": json.dumps(agent["tools"]),
+            "settings_block": settings_block,
+        },
     )
-    settings_lines.append('    // "respect_context_window": true,')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append("    // Maximum retries on execution errors")
-    settings_lines.append('    // "max_retry_limit": 2,')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append("    // Enable step-by-step planning before task execution")
-    if has_planning:
-        settings_lines.append('    "planning": true')
-    else:
-        settings_lines.append('    // "planning": false')
-    settings_lines.append("")
-    settings_lines.append("    // Include system prompt in LLM calls")
-    settings_lines.append('    // "use_system_prompt": true')
-
-    settings_block = "\n".join(settings_lines)
-
-    return f"""\
-{{
-  // Agent's role title — appears in prompts and logs.
-  // You can use {{placeholder}} inputs in role, goal, or backstory.
-  // Example: "role": "Senior {{industry}} Researcher"
-  "role": {json.dumps(agent["role"])},
-
-  // Optional custom Agent subclass
-  // "type": {{"python": "my_project.agents.CustomAgent"}},
-
-  // The agent's primary objective
-  "goal": {json.dumps(agent["goal"])},
-
-  // Background story that shapes the agent's personality and approach
-  "backstory": {json.dumps(agent["backstory"])},
-
-  // LLM model in provider/model format
-  // Examples: "openai/gpt-4o", "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6", "ollama/llama3.3"
-  // For custom endpoints or deployment-based providers, replace with:
-  // "llm": {{"model": "llama3", "provider": "ollama", "base_url": "http://localhost:11434"}},
-  // "llm": {{"deployment_name": "my-deployment", "provider": "azure", "api_version": "2024-10-21"}},
-  "llm": {json.dumps(agent["llm"])},
-
-  // Override LLM used specifically for tool/function calling
-  // "function_calling_llm": "openai/gpt-5.4-mini",
-
-  // Tools available to this agent
-  // Built-in: "SerperDevTool", "ScrapeWebsiteTool", "FileReadTool", etc.
-  // Custom: "custom:my_tool" loads from tools/my_tool.py
-  "tools": {json.dumps(agent["tools"])},
-
-  // Optional agent-level guardrail — validates this agent's final output.
-  // String guardrails are checked by an LLM and can reject/retry output.
-  // Python refs must point to module-level functions/classes in trusted code.
-  // "guardrail": "Only answer with information supported by retrieved evidence.",
-  // "step_callback": {{"python": "my_project.callbacks.on_agent_step"}},
-  // "guardrail_max_retries": 2,
-
-  // Advanced agent options:
-  // Docs: https://docs.crewai.com/concepts/agents
-  // "reasoning": true,
-  // "max_reasoning_attempts": 3,
-  // "planning_config": {{
-  //   "reasoning_effort": "medium",
-  //   "llm": {{"model": "deepseek-chat", "provider": "deepseek"}}
-  // }},
-  // "multimodal": false,
-  // "allow_code_execution": false,
-  // "code_execution_mode": "safe",
-  // "knowledge_sources": [],
-  // "knowledge_config": {{}},
-  // "inject_date": true,
-  // "date_format": "%Y-%m-%d",
-  // "security_config": {{}},
-
-  // Agent behavior settings
-  "settings": {{
-{settings_block}
-  }}
-}}
-"""
 
 
 def _task_to_json_fragment(task: dict[str, Any]) -> str:
     """Convert task wizard data to a JSON-like fragment for embedding in crew JSONC."""
-    lines = []
-    lines.append("    {")
-    lines.append("      // Task identifier")
-    lines.append(f'      "name": {json.dumps(task["name"])},')
-    lines.append("")
-    lines.append("      // What the task should accomplish")
-    lines.append(
-        "      // Use {placeholder} inputs here; crewai run prompts for missing values"
-    )
-    lines.append(f'      "description": {json.dumps(task["description"])},')
-    lines.append("")
-    lines.append("      // Clear definition of what the output should look like")
-    lines.append(f'      "expected_output": {json.dumps(task["expected_output"])},')
-    lines.append("")
-    lines.append(
-        "      // Optional task guardrail(s) validate output before completion"
-    )
-    lines.append('      // Use "guardrail" for one rule or "guardrails" for many')
-    lines.append("      // Failed guardrails retry up to guardrail_max_retries times")
-    lines.append('      // "guardrail": "Every factual claim needs context support.",')
-    lines.append('      // "guardrails": [')
-    lines.append('      //   "Every factual claim must be supported by context.",')
-    lines.append('      //   "The answer must match the expected output format."')
-    lines.append("      // ],")
-    lines.append('      // "guardrail_max_retries": 2,')
-    lines.append("")
-    lines.append("      // Advanced task options:")
-    lines.append("      // Docs: https://docs.crewai.com/concepts/tasks")
-    lines.append('      // "type": "ConditionalTask",')
-    lines.append(
-        '      // "condition": { "python": "my_project.conditions.should_run" },'
-    )
-    lines.append(
-        '      // "output_json": { "python": "my_project.models.ReportOutput" },'
-    )
-    lines.append('      // "output_pydantic": null,')
-    lines.append('      // "response_model": null,')
-    lines.append(
-        '      // "converter_cls": { "python": "my_project.converters.CustomConverter" },'
+    has_context = bool(task.get("context"))
+    has_output_file = bool(task.get("output_file"))
+    context_block = ""
+    output_file_block = ""
+
+    if has_context:
+        context_block = (
+            "\n\n"
+            "      // Task outputs used as context\n"
+            f'      "context": {json.dumps(task["context"])}'
+            f"{',' if has_output_file else ''}"
+        )
+
+    if has_output_file:
+        output_file_block = (
+            "\n\n"
+            "      // Save output to a file\n"
+            f'      "output_file": {json.dumps(task["output_file"])}'
+        )
+
+    return _render_json_crew_template(
+        "task.jsonc",
+        {
+            "name_json": json.dumps(task["name"]),
+            "description_json": json.dumps(task["description"]),
+            "expected_output_json": json.dumps(task["expected_output"]),
+            "agent_json": json.dumps(task["agent"]),
+            "agent_comma": "," if has_context or has_output_file else "",
+            "context_block": context_block,
+            "output_file_block": output_file_block,
+        },
     )
-    lines.append('      // "markdown": false,')
-    lines.append('      // "input_files": { "brief": "data/brief.txt" },')
-    lines.append('      // "security_config": {},')
-    lines.append("")
-    lines.append("      // Which agent handles this task")
-    lines.append(f'      "agent": {json.dumps(task["agent"])}')
-
-    if task.get("context"):
-        lines[-1] += ","  # add comma to agent line
-        lines.append("")
-        lines.append("      // Task outputs used as context")
-        lines.append(f'      "context": {json.dumps(task["context"])}')
-
-    if task.get("output_file"):
-        lines[-1] += ","
-        lines.append("")
-        lines.append("      // Save output to a file")
-        lines.append(f'      "output_file": {json.dumps(task["output_file"])}')
-
-    lines.append("")
-    lines.append('      // "tools": [],')
-    lines.append('      // "human_input": false,')
-    lines.append('      // "async_execution": false')
-    lines.append("    }")
-    return "\n".join(lines)
 
 
 def _crew_to_jsonc(
@@ -894,69 +718,20 @@ def _crew_to_jsonc(
             inputs_lines[0] + "\n" + "\n".join("  " + line for line in inputs_lines[1:])
         )
 
-    process = settings.get("process", "sequential")
     memory = "true" if settings.get("memory") else "false"
 
-    return f"""\
-{{
-  // Display name for this crew
-  "name": {json.dumps(name)},
-
-  // Agents to include — each must have a matching agents/<name>.jsonc file
-  "agents": {agent_names_json},
-
-  // Task definitions — executed in order for sequential process
-  "tasks": [
-{tasks_fragments}
-  ],
-
-  // Execution process
-  // "sequential" — tasks run in order, each receiving prior task outputs
-  // "hierarchical" — a manager agent delegates tasks (requires manager_llm)
-  "process": "{process}",
-
-  // Enable verbose logging during execution
-  "verbose": true,
-
-  // Enable crew memory — persists context and learnings across tasks
-  "memory": {memory},
-
-  // Automatically plan the execution strategy before running tasks
-  // "planning": false,
-
-  // LLM for the planning step (used when planning is true)
-  // "planning_llm": "openai/gpt-4o",
-
-  // LLM for the manager agent (required when process is "hierarchical")
-  // "manager_llm": "openai/gpt-4o",
-
-  // Crew-level LLM fields also accept object form for custom endpoints
-  // "chat_llm": {{"model": "llama3", "provider": "ollama", "base_url": "http://localhost:11434"}},
-
-  // Advanced crew options:
-  // Docs: https://docs.crewai.com/concepts/crews
-  // For hierarchical crews, manager_agent can reference an agents/<name>.jsonc file
-  // that is not included in the "agents" list.
-  // "manager_agent": "{agents[0]["name"]}",
-  // "before_kickoff_callbacks": [{{"python": "my_project.callbacks.before_kickoff"}}],
-  // "after_kickoff_callbacks": [{{"python": "my_project.callbacks.after_kickoff"}}],
-  // "function_calling_llm": "openai/gpt-4o-mini",
-  // "max_rpm": null,
-  // "cache": true,
-  // "knowledge_sources": [],
-  // "embedder": {{}},
-  // "output_log_file": "crew.log",
-  // "stream": false,
-  // "tracing": false,
-  // "security_config": {{}},
-
-  // Optional runtime input defaults.
-  // Use {{placeholder}} in agent or task text, for example:
-  // "description": "Research {{topic}} and write a brief"
-  // `crewai run` prompts for any placeholders missing from this object.
-  "inputs": {inputs_json}
-}}
-"""
+    return _render_json_crew_template(
+        "crew.jsonc",
+        {
+            "name_json": json.dumps(name),
+            "agent_names_json": agent_names_json,
+            "tasks_fragments": tasks_fragments,
+            "process_json": json.dumps(settings.get("process", "sequential")),
+            "memory": memory,
+            "manager_agent_name": agents[0]["name"],
+            "inputs_json": inputs_json,
+        },
+    )
 
 
 # ── Model selection ─────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -1031,6 +806,12 @@ def _default_model_for_provider(provider: str | None) -> str | None:
 # ── Helpers ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 
+def _render_json_crew_template(
+    template_name: str, replacements: dict[str, str] | None = None
+) -> str:
+    return render_template(_TEMPLATES_DIR / template_name, replacements or {})
+
+
 def _write_jsonc(path: Path, content: str) -> None:
     path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
     path.write_text(content, encoding="utf-8")
@@ -1136,26 +917,32 @@ def create_json_crew(
 
     # Write pyproject.toml
     (folder_path / "pyproject.toml").write_text(
-        _PYPROJECT_TOML.format(
-            folder_name=folder_name,
-            name=name,
-            crewai_tools_dependency=get_crewai_tools_dependency(),
+        _render_json_crew_template(
+            "pyproject.toml",
+            {
+                "folder_name": folder_name,
+                "name": name,
+                "crewai_tools_dependency": get_crewai_tools_dependency(),
+            },
         ),
         encoding="utf-8",
     )
 
     # Write .gitignore
-    (folder_path / ".gitignore").write_text(_GITIGNORE, encoding="utf-8")
+    (folder_path / ".gitignore").write_text(
+        _render_json_crew_template(".gitignore"),
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
 
     # Write README
     (folder_path / "README.md").write_text(
-        _README.format(name=name),
+        _render_json_crew_template("README.md", {"name": name}),
         encoding="utf-8",
     )
 
     # Write knowledge placeholder
     (folder_path / "knowledge" / "user_preference.txt").write_text(
-        "# Add your knowledge files here\n",
+        _render_json_crew_template("knowledge/user_preference.txt"),
         encoding="utf-8",
     )
 
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/run_crew.py b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/run_crew.py
index 7601e2d76b..8fde69ee82 100644
--- a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/run_crew.py
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/run_crew.py
@@ -10,12 +10,6 @@
 
 import click
 from crewai_core.constants import CREWAI_TRAINED_AGENTS_FILE_ENV
-from crewai_core.project import (
-    ProjectDefinitionError,
-    configured_project_definition,
-    get_crewai_project_type,
-    read_toml,
-)
 from packaging import version
 
 from crewai_cli.utils import (
@@ -102,11 +96,28 @@ def _full_crewai_install_error() -> click.ClickException:
     return click.ClickException(_FULL_CREWAI_INSTALL_MESSAGE)
 
 
+def read_toml(*args: Any, **kwargs: Any) -> dict[str, Any]:
+    from crewai_core.project import read_toml as _read_toml
+
+    return _read_toml(*args, **kwargs)
+
+
+def get_crewai_project_type(pyproject_data: dict[str, Any]) -> str | None:
+    from crewai_core.project import get_crewai_project_type as _get_crewai_project_type
+
+    return _get_crewai_project_type(pyproject_data)
+
+
 def configured_project_json_crew(
     pyproject_data: dict[str, Any] | None = None,
     project_root: Path | None = None,
 ) -> Path | None:
     """Return the configured JSON crew definition for crew projects."""
+    from crewai_core.project import (
+        ProjectDefinitionError,
+        configured_project_definition,
+    )
+
     root = project_root or Path.cwd()
     if pyproject_data is None and not (root / "pyproject.toml").is_file():
         return None
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/.gitignore b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..012e444894
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+.env
+__pycache__/
+.DS_Store
+report.md
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/README.md b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..1208b2a403
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+# {{name}}
+
+A crewAI project using JSON-first configuration.
+
+## Running
+
+```bash
+crewai run
+```
+
+## Project Structure
+
+- `agents/` - Agent definitions (JSONC)
+- `crew.jsonc` - Crew definition with tasks and configuration
+- `tools/` - Custom tools (Python)
+- `knowledge/` - Knowledge files for agents
+
+> **Note:** `custom:<name>` tool references execute `tools/<name>.py` as local
+> Python code when the crew loads. Only run crew projects from sources you
+> trust.
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/agent.jsonc b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/agent.jsonc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..d89e59c1cb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/agent.jsonc
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+{
+  // Agent's role title — appears in prompts and logs.
+  // You can use {placeholder} inputs in role, goal, or backstory.
+  // Example: "role": "Senior {industry} Researcher"
+  "role": {{role_json}},
+
+  // Optional custom Agent subclass
+  // "type": {"python": "my_project.agents.CustomAgent"},
+
+  // The agent's primary objective
+  "goal": {{goal_json}},
+
+  // Background story that shapes the agent's personality and approach
+  "backstory": {{backstory_json}},
+
+  // LLM model in provider/model format
+  // Examples: "openai/gpt-4o", "anthropic/claude-sonnet-4-6", "ollama/llama3.3"
+  // For custom endpoints or deployment-based providers, replace with:
+  // "llm": {"model": "llama3", "provider": "ollama", "base_url": "http://localhost:11434"},
+  // "llm": {"deployment_name": "my-deployment", "provider": "azure", "api_version": "2024-10-21"},
+  "llm": {{llm_json}},
+
+  // Override LLM used specifically for tool/function calling
+  // "function_calling_llm": "openai/gpt-5.4-mini",
+
+  // Tools available to this agent
+  // Built-in: "SerperDevTool", "ScrapeWebsiteTool", "FileReadTool", etc.
+  // Custom: "custom:my_tool" loads from tools/my_tool.py
+  "tools": {{tools_json}},
+
+  // Optional agent-level guardrail — validates this agent's final output.
+  // String guardrails are checked by an LLM and can reject/retry output.
+  // Python refs must point to module-level functions/classes in trusted code.
+  // "guardrail": "Only answer with information supported by retrieved evidence.",
+  // "step_callback": {"python": "my_project.callbacks.on_agent_step"},
+  // "guardrail_max_retries": 2,
+
+  // Advanced agent options:
+  // Docs: https://docs.crewai.com/concepts/agents
+  // "reasoning": true,
+  // "max_reasoning_attempts": 3,
+  // "planning_config": {
+  //   "reasoning_effort": "medium",
+  //   "llm": {"model": "deepseek-chat", "provider": "deepseek"}
+  // },
+  // "multimodal": false,
+  // "allow_code_execution": false,
+  // "code_execution_mode": "safe",
+  // "knowledge_sources": [],
+  // "knowledge_config": {},
+  // "inject_date": true,
+  // "date_format": "%Y-%m-%d",
+  // "security_config": {},
+
+  // Agent behavior settings
+  "settings": {
+{{settings_block}}
+  }
+}
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/agent_settings.jsonc b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/agent_settings.jsonc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..331af82ac7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/agent_settings.jsonc
@@ -0,0 +1,35 @@
+    // Show detailed execution logs
+    "verbose": false,
+
+    // Allow this agent to delegate tasks to other agents in the crew
+    "allow_delegation": {{allow_delegation}}{{delegation_comma}}
+
+    // Maximum reasoning iterations per task (prevents infinite loops)
+    // "max_iter": 25,
+
+    // Maximum tokens for agent's response generation
+    // "max_tokens": null,
+
+    // Maximum execution time in seconds
+    // "max_execution_time": null,
+
+    // Maximum LLM requests per minute (rate limiting)
+    // "max_rpm": null,
+
+    // Enable agent-level memory (persists across tasks)
+    // "memory": false,
+
+    // Cache tool results to avoid duplicate calls
+    // "cache": true,
+
+    // Auto-summarize context when it exceeds the LLM's context window
+    // "respect_context_window": true,
+
+    // Maximum retries on execution errors
+    // "max_retry_limit": 2,
+
+    // Enable step-by-step planning before task execution
+    {{planning_line}}
+
+    // Include system prompt in LLM calls
+    // "use_system_prompt": true
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/crew.jsonc b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/crew.jsonc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b4a936b05d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/crew.jsonc
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+{
+  // Display name for this crew
+  "name": {{name_json}},
+
+  // Agents to include — each must have a matching agents/<name>.jsonc file
+  "agents": {{agent_names_json}},
+
+  // Task definitions — executed in order for sequential process
+  "tasks": [
+{{tasks_fragments}}
+  ],
+
+  // Execution process
+  // "sequential" — tasks run in order, each receiving prior task outputs
+  // "hierarchical" — a manager agent delegates tasks (requires manager_llm)
+  "process": {{process_json}},
+
+  // Enable verbose logging during execution
+  "verbose": true,
+
+  // Enable crew memory — persists context and learnings across tasks
+  "memory": {{memory}},
+
+  // Automatically plan the execution strategy before running tasks
+  // "planning": false,
+
+  // LLM for the planning step (used when planning is true)
+  // "planning_llm": "openai/gpt-4o",
+
+  // LLM for the manager agent (required when process is "hierarchical")
+  // "manager_llm": "openai/gpt-4o",
+
+  // Crew-level LLM fields also accept object form for custom endpoints
+  // "chat_llm": {"model": "llama3", "provider": "ollama", "base_url": "http://localhost:11434"},
+
+  // Advanced crew options:
+  // Docs: https://docs.crewai.com/concepts/crews
+  // For hierarchical crews, manager_agent can reference an agents/<name>.jsonc file
+  // that is not included in the "agents" list.
+  // "manager_agent": "{{manager_agent_name}}",
+  // "before_kickoff_callbacks": [{"python": "my_project.callbacks.before_kickoff"}],
+  // "after_kickoff_callbacks": [{"python": "my_project.callbacks.after_kickoff"}],
+  // "function_calling_llm": "openai/gpt-4o-mini",
+  // "max_rpm": null,
+  // "cache": true,
+  // "knowledge_sources": [],
+  // "embedder": {},
+  // "output_log_file": "crew.log",
+  // "stream": false,
+  // "tracing": false,
+  // "security_config": {},
+
+  // Optional runtime input defaults.
+  // Use {placeholder} in agent or task text, for example:
+  // "description": "Research {topic} and write a brief"
+  // `crewai run` prompts for any placeholders missing from this object.
+  "inputs": {{inputs_json}}
+}
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/knowledge/user_preference.txt b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/knowledge/user_preference.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ae0f1e7a72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/knowledge/user_preference.txt
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+# Add your knowledge files here
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/pyproject.toml b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/pyproject.toml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..5cc3da30a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/pyproject.toml
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+[project]
+name = "{{folder_name}}"
+version = "0.1.0"
+description = "{{name}} using crewAI"
+authors = [{ name = "Your Name", email = "you@example.com" }]
+requires-python = ">=3.10,<3.14"
+dependencies = [
+    "{{crewai_tools_dependency}}"
+]
+
+[build-system]
+requires = ["hatchling"]
+build-backend = "hatchling.build"
+
+[tool.hatch.build.targets.wheel]
+only-include = ["agents", "crew.jsonc", "tools", "knowledge", "skills"]
+
+[tool.crewai]
+type = "crew"
+definition = "crew.jsonc"
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/task.jsonc b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/task.jsonc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..796a746e94
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/templates/json_crew/task.jsonc
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+    {
+      // Task identifier
+      "name": {{name_json}},
+
+      // What the task should accomplish
+      // Use {placeholder} inputs here; crewai run prompts for missing values
+      "description": {{description_json}},
+
+      // Clear definition of what the output should look like
+      "expected_output": {{expected_output_json}},
+
+      // Optional task guardrail(s) validate output before completion
+      // Use "guardrail" for one rule or "guardrails" for many
+      // Failed guardrails retry up to guardrail_max_retries times
+      // "guardrail": "Every factual claim needs context support.",
+      // "guardrails": [
+      //   "Every factual claim must be supported by context.",
+      //   "The answer must match the expected output format."
+      // ],
+      // "guardrail_max_retries": 2,
+
+      // Advanced task options:
+      // Docs: https://docs.crewai.com/concepts/tasks
+      // "type": "ConditionalTask",
+      // "condition": { "python": "my_project.conditions.should_run" },
+      // "output_json": { "python": "my_project.models.ReportOutput" },
+      // "output_pydantic": null,
+      // "response_model": null,
+      // "converter_cls": { "python": "my_project.converters.CustomConverter" },
+      // "markdown": false,
+      // "input_files": { "brief": "data/brief.txt" },
+      // "security_config": {},
+
+      // Which agent handles this task
+      "agent": {{agent_json}}{{agent_comma}}{{context_block}}{{output_file_block}}
+
+      // "tools": [],
+      // "human_input": false,
+      // "async_execution": false
+    }
diff --git a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/utils.py b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/utils.py
index ee3a255a96..e20bcfea17 100644
--- a/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/utils.py
+++ b/lib/cli/src/crewai_cli/utils.py
@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 from __future__ import annotations
 
+from collections.abc import Mapping
 import os
 from pathlib import Path
+import re
 import shutil
 from typing import Any
 
@@ -35,6 +37,7 @@
     "load_env_vars",
     "parse_toml",
     "read_toml",
+    "render_template",
     "tree_copy",
     "tree_find_and_replace",
     "write_env_file",
@@ -42,6 +45,7 @@
 
 
 console = Console()
+_TEMPLATE_TOKEN_RE = re.compile(r"{{([a-zA-Z_][a-zA-Z0-9_]*)}}")
 
 
 def is_dmn_mode_enabled() -> bool:
@@ -69,14 +73,14 @@ def copy_template(
     src: Path, dst: Path, name: str, class_name: str, folder_name: str
 ) -> None:
     """Copy a file from src to dst."""
-    with open(src, "r") as file:
-        content = file.read()
-
-    content = content.replace("{{name}}", name)
-    content = content.replace("{{crew_name}}", class_name)
-    content = content.replace("{{folder_name}}", folder_name)
-    content = content.replace(
-        "{{crewai_tools_dependency}}", get_crewai_tools_dependency()
+    content = render_template(
+        src,
+        {
+            "name": name,
+            "crew_name": class_name,
+            "folder_name": folder_name,
+            "crewai_tools_dependency": get_crewai_tools_dependency(),
+        },
     )
 
     with open(dst, "w") as file:
@@ -85,6 +89,15 @@ def copy_template(
     click.secho(f"  - Created {dst}", fg="green")
 
 
+def render_template(src: Path, replacements: Mapping[str, str]) -> str:
+    """Render a template file using ``{{placeholder}}`` replacements."""
+    content = src.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    return _TEMPLATE_TOKEN_RE.sub(
+        lambda match: replacements.get(match.group(1), match.group(0)),
+        content,
+    )
+
+
 def fetch_and_json_env_file(env_file_path: str = ".env") -> dict[str, Any]:
     """Fetch the environment variables from a .env file and return them as a dictionary."""
     try:
diff --git a/lib/cli/tests/test_create_crew.py b/lib/cli/tests/test_create_crew.py
index 61311ef4d5..d9ed7a24bc 100644
--- a/lib/cli/tests/test_create_crew.py
+++ b/lib/cli/tests/test_create_crew.py
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@
 import crewai_cli.create_json_crew as json_crew
 import crewai_cli.tui_picker as tui_picker
 from crewai_cli.create_crew import create_crew, create_folder_structure
+from crewai_cli.utils import render_template
+from crewai_cli.version import get_crewai_tools_dependency
 
 
 @pytest.fixture
@@ -735,7 +737,7 @@ def test_json_create_provider_preselects_default_model(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
 
     pyproject = tomli.loads((tmp_path / "json_crew" / "pyproject.toml").read_text())
     dependency = pyproject["project"]["dependencies"][0]
-    assert dependency == "crewai[tools]>=1.15.0,<2.0.0"
+    assert dependency == get_crewai_tools_dependency()
     assert Version("1.15.0") in Requirement(dependency).specifier
     assert Version("2.0.0") not in Requirement(dependency).specifier
     assert pyproject["tool"]["hatch"]["build"]["targets"]["wheel"][
@@ -816,6 +818,37 @@ def test_json_create_provider_preselects_default_model(tmp_path, monkeypatch):
     assert '"knowledge_sources": []' in agent_template
 
 
+def test_json_crew_uses_template_files():
+    template_names = {
+        "pyproject.toml",
+        "README.md",
+        ".gitignore",
+        "agent.jsonc",
+        "agent_settings.jsonc",
+        "task.jsonc",
+        "crew.jsonc",
+        "knowledge/user_preference.txt",
+    }
+
+    for template_name in template_names:
+        assert (json_crew._TEMPLATES_DIR / template_name).is_file()
+
+
+def test_render_template_does_not_replace_tokens_inside_replacement_values(tmp_path):
+    template = tmp_path / "template.txt"
+    template.write_text("{{first}} {{second}}", encoding="utf-8")
+
+    rendered = render_template(
+        template,
+        {
+            "first": "{{second}}",
+            "second": "done",
+        },
+    )
+
+    assert rendered == "{{second}} done"
+
+
 def test_json_provider_default_model_helper():
     assert json_crew._default_model_for_provider("openai") == "openai/gpt-5.5"
     assert json_crew._default_model_for_provider("anthropic/claude-custom") == (
diff --git a/lib/cli/tests/test_run_crew.py b/lib/cli/tests/test_run_crew.py
index 2d0a23a6de..a1b4c73bc1 100644
--- a/lib/cli/tests/test_run_crew.py
+++ b/lib/cli/tests/test_run_crew.py
@@ -227,6 +227,80 @@ def test_json_runner_code_loads_current_cli_package_over_project_env(tmp_path: P
     assert marker.read_text() == "current:trained.pkl"
 
 
+def test_json_runner_imports_with_older_project_env_crewai_core(tmp_path: Path):
+    old_parent = tmp_path / "old_env"
+    old_crewai_core = old_parent / "crewai_core"
+    old_crewai_core.mkdir(parents=True)
+    (old_crewai_core / "__init__.py").write_text("")
+    (old_crewai_core / "constants.py").write_text(
+        "CREWAI_TRAINED_AGENTS_FILE_ENV = 'CREWAI_TRAINED_AGENTS_FILE'\n"
+    )
+    (old_crewai_core / "project.py").write_text(
+        "def read_toml(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return {}\n"
+        "def parse_toml(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return {}\n"
+        "def get_project_description(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return None\n"
+        "def get_project_name(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return None\n"
+        "def get_project_version(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return None\n"
+    )
+    (old_crewai_core / "tool_credentials.py").write_text(
+        "def build_env_with_all_tool_credentials(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return {}\n"
+        "def build_env_with_tool_repository_credentials(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return {}\n"
+    )
+    (old_crewai_core / "version.py").write_text(
+        "def check_version(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return None\n"
+        "def get_crewai_version(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return '1.0.0'\n"
+        "def get_latest_version_from_pypi(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return None\n"
+        "def is_current_version_yanked(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return False\n"
+        "def is_newer_version_available(*args, **kwargs):\n"
+        "    return False\n"
+    )
+
+    marker = tmp_path / "marker.txt"
+    old_crewai_project = old_parent / "crewai" / "project"
+    old_crewai_project.mkdir(parents=True)
+    (old_parent / "crewai" / "__init__.py").write_text("")
+    (old_crewai_project / "__init__.py").write_text("")
+    (old_crewai_project / "crew_loader.py").write_text(
+        "from pathlib import Path\n"
+        "class Crew:\n"
+        "    agents = []\n"
+        "    tasks = []\n"
+        "    def kickoff(self, inputs):\n"
+        f"        Path({str(marker)!r}).write_text('ran')\n"
+        "        return 'done'\n"
+        "def load_crew(path):\n"
+        "    return Crew(), {}\n"
+    )
+
+    env = os.environ.copy()
+    env["PYTHONPATH"] = str(old_parent)
+    env["CREWAI_DMN"] = "true"
+    env[run_crew_module._CREWAI_CLI_RUNNER_PACKAGE_DIR_ENV] = str(
+        Path(run_crew_module.__file__).resolve().parent
+    )
+    env[run_crew_module._CREWAI_JSON_CREW_DEFINITION_ENV] = "crew.jsonc"
+
+    subprocess.run(
+        [sys.executable, "-c", run_crew_module._JSON_CREW_RUNNER_CODE],
+        check=True,
+        env=env,
+        cwd=tmp_path,
+    )
+
+    assert marker.read_text() == "ran"
+
+
 def test_json_run_without_pyproject_runs_in_process(monkeypatch, tmp_path: Path):
     monkeypatch.chdir(tmp_path)
     called: dict = {}