Creating a Text Template Based on an Existing Template

You can create a new text template based on the contents of a text template already in the library. When you create a new template based on another template or document, HotDocs copies the text of the existing template (including components) into the new template (and component) file and then applies the styles in that the existing template to the text of the new template.

Do not create your templates in the tutorial library that installs with HotDocs. If you ever reinstall HotDocs, the library will be overwritten and you will have to add your templates to the library again. Instead, create a new library for your tem­plates.

To create a new template based on an existing one

1. At the HotDocs library, select the existing template you want to use from the template list.
2. Click New Template.
3. In the File name field type a file name for the new template. If you decide to store the template somewhere other than the default template folder (as seen in the Target folder field), you can also Browse to the new destination. HotDocs adds the correct extension to the file name based on the type of text template you selected. HotDocs displays the full path of the currently selected template location in the Target folder field.   
4. Click in the Title field and either accept the suggested title or replace it with your own. You can also add an optional template Description.

Do not change the existing template’s file path and name in the Other file field.

5. Click OK. HotDocs opens a new template file and copies the text and variables from the Other file into it. It also creates a new component file and copies the existing components into it.

You can also create a new template and copy that template to a new location by using the Copy Templates command. Once you have copied the template and component file, rename the files using Template Manager.