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The first pages of the Database Operations Runbook template

Database Operations Runbook

Document template for Google Docs and Word

Make a copy in Google Docs
Type
Document
Price
Free
Pages
7 · US Letter
Style
Minimal
Difficulty
Beginner
Updated
October 30, 2026

Every page (7)

Overview

A database runbook fails when it assumes context: which cluster, which zone, what the output should look like. This template gives every procedure the same shape, with the exact command, a parameters table, the expected output and a stop condition. It covers topology, failover, restore, scaling and routine maintenance on separate pages.

The sample follows a fictional cluster, prod-orders, at Bramblewood Labs, with a 45 minute recovery time, a 5 minute recovery point and a 99.9% availability target. Replace the cluster details, run each command in staging, paste the real output, and update the contacts and review date before you share it with the rota.

Useful for

  • A database team writing the first runbook for a production cluster before an on-call rota starts
  • A new on-call engineer reading the whole document before their first week of shifts
  • An engineering manager checking restore, scaling and patching rules ahead of a service review

What's included

  • Topology page with a command panel, parameters table and the output to expect
  • Failover page with a layered architecture diagram and the request flow while the standby is promoted
  • Restore page for point-in-time recovery with a dry-run step
  • Scaling page with stacked steps, timings, a stop-condition callout and a short glossary
  • Maintenance pages with a four-step patch process, a rollback flow and a weekly checks table
  • A make-it-yours guide with five steps for swapping in your own cluster, commands and contacts

How to use it

  1. 1

    Click Make a copy in Google Docs, then confirm on the Google page. The copy is saved to your own Google Drive.

  2. 2

    Replace the cluster name, zones, owner team and on-call channel with your own on the topology and failover pages.

  3. 3

    Run each command in staging, paste the real output and keep the check that confirms success.

  4. 4

    Update recovery targets, thresholds, contacts and the next review date.

  5. 5

    Delete the guide page, then share the runbook with your rota and link it from every alert.

What you need

Requirements

  • A Google account with access to Google Drive

Works with

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Word (download the .docx)

Questions

Is this database runbook template free?

Yes. Make a copy in Google Docs at no cost and edit every command, table and diagram label in your own Drive.

Are the company, people and figures real?

No. Bramblewood Labs, its cluster, its people and every figure are fictional sample content. Replace them with your own details before sharing.

Does it only work for one database engine?

No. The commands use a generic dbctl tool so the structure stays neutral. Swap in your own commands, flags and expected output for whichever engine you run.

  • #runbook
  • #database-runbook
  • #on-call
  • #sre
  • #failover
  • #disaster-recovery
  • #google-docs-template

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