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Creating document templates

You can save a document as a template and pattern new documents based on it. Any new document made using this template will contain the same underlying datasets, fields, formatting, and layout as the template document. After the new document is created, you can customize the new document as you want.

A document template allows you to start with a predefined structure when you create a new document. A document becomes a template when it is saved in the Object Templates/Documents folder. It is then available as a choice in the New Document dialog box when you create a new document.

The Object Templates folder is a hidden folder. To see it, you must have hidden objects displayed, as described in the Prerequisite section below. Follow the procedure in Creating an object template.

MicroStrategy provides predefined document templates, including the Blank Document template and the Blank Dashboard template.

Other predefined RS dashboard templates provide a structure for RS dashboards, such as four evenly-spaced panel stacks to place contents in, one panel stack on the left side of the RS dashboard and two smaller ones on the right, or a text field across the top of the RS dashboard for a title bar with a panel stack below it.

You can create new document templates from scratch, and you can import and export documents between projects to use as document templates. For instructions, see Steps to create a document template below and Importing and exporting document templates.

Do not confuse document templates and Autostyles. Autostyles contain formatting information only, while document templates contain datasets, controls, and layout as well. Layout templates, available only in the Document Wizard, affect only the position and placement of controls on the document.

Prerequisite

You must save the document template in the Object Templates folder, which is hidden by default. To display it, follow the steps below:

  1. From the Tools menu in MicroStrategy Developer, select DeveloperPreferences.

  2. Expand the Developer folder, and click Browsing Options.

  3. At the bottom of the dialog box on the right, select the Display Hidden Objects check box.

  4. Click OK. You should now see the Object Templates folder in your project list.

To create a document template

  1. Create or open the document to be used as a template. How?

  2. Select Save As from the File menu.

  3. Save the document in the Object Templates\Documents folder.

The next time you create a new document, this new template is displayed in the New Document dialog box. If the New Document dialog box is not displayed, see Steps to use object templates.

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