How to Customize a Template
There are three main keys to work in MS Word when custom templates:
- Mergefields – these are links back to your Studio Designer Database.
- Groupings – tell Studio Designer how to organize the Mergefields listed in your templates.
- Tables in MS word – this allows for precise placement of fields and data within the Docx templates.
Note: #1 and #2 above, require both configurations in the Specify Data tab of the custom report and edits in the word document.
Basic example:
Add a new column to the body of 1040 01 Invoice – Custom.
For instance, you want to add a column for "Sales Code" next to each item on an invoice.
Step 1. Go Reports from the Main Menu
Step 2. Find and click on 1040 01 Invoice – Custom
Step 3. Click on the Edit button
Step 4. Go to the UPLOAD TEMPLATE tab
Step 5. Click on the blue Download Button
Step 6. Open up the newly downloaded Template
Step 7. In MS Word
a. Show formatting Marking
b. View Gridlines
Step 8. Decide on where you want the new column to be placed, and either insert a new column into the body table or split an existing cell into two columns.
Step 9. Return to Studio Designer, and go to Specify Data.
a. Add the Sales Code field to your body (link back to specify data page)
b. Use the Copy icon to copy the database field name “e.g. sales_code.name”, then return to your MS Word Template.
Step 10. Insert a new mergefield.
a. From the Insert Ribbon, click Field, (located above Date & Time)
b. In the Field Name section, find MERGEFIELD
Pro Tip: To access the Insert Ribbon and Toolbar, click the three dots at the top left of the application, then click More Commands. From here, you can add the Insert a Field button to your Quick Access toolbar.
Step 11. Then, in field name box, paste the copied database field name. Click OK.
Step 12. Save your newly updated Docx file.
Step 13. Return to Studio Designer, and go to the Upload Template tab of the custom report.
Step 14. Use the Select Docx file button, and browse for your saved custom Docx template.
Step 15. Click the Save New button in the lower righthand corner of the Custom Report, and change the name of the Report.
Step 16. Search for your newly customized in the Custom Report Tab.
Step 17. Click on the Report name to generate a preview. You change what you see by using the filters on this screen.
To watch our previously recorded webinar regarding custom forms, click here