A nanoimprint lithography template, method of fabrication, and method of manufacturing an article using the same. The template includes a body having first and second opposed sides, the second side having a mesa extending therefrom, with the mesa having sidewalls and a surface. A recessed shelf extends around a perimeter of the mesa surface, with a light-blocking material positioned on at least the recessed shelf and at a thickness such that the light-blocking material does not extend beyond a plane defined by the mesa surface.