How to Create Templates

Steps for creating a template. 

1. Must be in excel format
2. Any cells where the output data is to be defined by DocBoss, must have applicable variable entered
3. You must set your print area (remember to include the last column)
   

Convert to Excel

DocBoss Support will convert Word (.docx) to Excel (.xlsx) for you on request. If preferred to do this yourself, the easiest way is to save as a PDF and convert the PDF to Excel (.xlsx). Another option is to build the template from scratch (see article: Template Troubleshooting, Tips and Tricks).

Excel Format

1. Do NOT save the file using compatibility view.
2. If file is xls, you must edit/save in Excel 2003 OR
3. If you edit in a newer version, please save as xlsx file.
4. Always define your print area. This is one of the features affected by compatibility view, and it is critical for cover pages.
   1. If the template has more than one page (i.e., multiple sheets), make sure to define the print area on each sheet that should be included in the output (see note).

Adding Variables

To begin filling in your template with variables, first download the instructions sheet. Navigate to System Menu > Template Mgmt > Output Templates and click the "Instructions" button to download.

You will find the different variable sets on the different SHEETS of the workbook (look at the bottom of the excel file to see the sheet "tabs").

• The "Intro" sheet contains basic steps and instructions on using the variables. 
• The "General Variables" sheet provides variables which can be used on any template type. 
• The "TYPE=Cover Page (Reg+Comp),Stamp" sheet provides variables which can be used on Document Cover Page, Compilation Cover Page, and Stamp templates.
• The "TYPE=Transmittal" sheet provides variables which can be used on Transmittal templates.
• The "TYPE=Index" sheet provides variables which can be used on Document Index templates.
• Etc...

The last sheet in the workbook ("Parameters") is where you will find a list of parameters that can be used to trim, filter, format, or otherwise modify the output of variables. The parameters that are supported with any given variable are listed beside the variable in the "Available Parameters" column.

Here is an example of an excel template with variables:

Here is the output after being used on a project. Note - the result of the variable will be specific to the information entered on each specific project.

Note: you can use most variables in Header/Footers on your excel template.

For more information on working with Templates please check out our video: Templates

PDF Templates Manual

For reference, you can download the following templates manual: DocBoss Templates Manual.pdf

Next steps:

Upload Templates into Docboss

Select Cover Page and Transmittal Templates on Project

Add an SDI Report to your project