diff --git a/.github/pull_request_template.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE/normal.md
similarity index 96%
rename from .github/pull_request_template.md
rename to .github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE/normal.md
index 3574c3599..f43d39706 100644
--- a/.github/pull_request_template.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE/normal.md
@@ -1,18 +1,18 @@
-## :bookmark_tabs: Summary
-
-Brief description about the content of your PR.
-
-Resolves #<your issue id here>
-
-## :straight_ruler: Design Decisions
-
-Describe the way your implementation works or what design decisions you made if applicable.
-
-### :clipboard: Tasks
-
-Make sure you
-
-- [ ] :book: have read the [contribution guidelines](https://github.com/mermaid-js/mermaid/blob/develop/CONTRIBUTING.md)
-- [ ] :computer: have added unit/e2e tests (if appropriate)
-- [ ] :notebook: have added documentation (if appropriate)
-- [ ] :bookmark: targeted `develop` branch
+## :bookmark_tabs: Summary
+
+Brief description about the content of your PR.
+
+Resolves #<your issue id here>
+
+## :straight_ruler: Design Decisions
+
+Describe the way your implementation works or what design decisions you made if applicable.
+
+### :clipboard: Tasks
+
+Make sure you
+
+- [ ] :book: have read the [contribution guidelines](https://github.com/mermaid-js/mermaid/blob/develop/CONTRIBUTING.md)
+- [ ] :computer: have added unit/e2e tests (if appropriate)
+- [ ] :notebook: have added documentation (if appropriate)
+- [ ] :bookmark: targeted `develop` branch
diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE/release.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE/release.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..737a9677c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE/release.md
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+# Release vX.X.X
+
+## Release checklist
+
+    - [ ] Forked from `develop` branch
+    - [ ] Draft PR created, targeting `master` branch
+    - [ ] Ready for review
+    - [ ] Ready for testing
+    - [ ] Tested by -
+    - [ ] Ready for merge
+
+## Release process
+
+- The PR is marked as `Ready for review` by the author
+- The PR is reviewed by at least one other person
+- The PR is marked as `Ready for testing` by the reviewer once the review and necessary changes are complete
+- The PR is tested by the someone other than the author
+- The PR is marked as `Tested by - @testerName` by the tester once the testing is complete
+- The PR is marked as `Ready for merge` by the author once the testing is complete and CI is green.