Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate whether vertebral templates can effectively comple-ment augmented reality (AR) to improve the safety and accuracy of pedicle screw placement during spinal surgery. Methods: Three candidates were assigned to the Freehand group and three to the AR-Guided group. A total of 36 pedicle screws were placed. The AR group had reconstructed 3D models and preoperative planned trajectories from computed tomography (CT) data of the L1-L3 lumbar vertebrae, superimposed upon them on the real vertebrae models using Hololens2 (R) to identify the vertebral templates, and then surgeons followed the trajectories to place the screws. The deviation of the screws from the preoperative planned trajectories was measured by Micron Tracker and the pedicle screws were evaluated by Gertzbein-Robbins Classification. Results: The mean linear deviation was 1.1 & PLUSMN;0.2 mm and 2.2 & PLUSMN;0.4 mm for the AR-Guide and Freehand groups, with the mean angular deviation of 1.8 & PLUSMN;0.3 & DEG; and 2.6 & PLUSMN;0.7 & DEG;, respectively. Both deviations were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001). The ac-curacy ratio of screws in the AR-Guide group was 100%, compared to 72.2% in the Freehand group. Conclusion: The vertebral templates accompanied by AR technology to guide pedicel screw placement is an innovative technique that can significantly improve the safety and accuracy of the surgery.