At a Glance: The New Template Dialog Box

To automate document generation using HotDocs, you first need to create a template, the base file from which HotDocs generates all future documents.

You can create a new template by clicking the New Template button on the HotDocs Library toolbar. This opens the New Template window.

Using the Type drop-down list A you can select the type of template you want to create, including text templates, form templates, interview templates, and clause libraries. When you select one of these options, HotDocs attaches the correct file extension to the file name.

In the File name text field B you can 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 type the full path for the new destination. Alternatively you can use the Browse button to select a file name and destination for your new template. When you do this, the Target folder C shows the full path for the new template location.

The first time you type a file name for the template, when you click into the Title text field D, HotDocs copies the file name as the template title; however, you can edit the title if you want. After, the title appears in the HotDocs library.

In the Description field E, you can enter an optional description of the template. Descriptions appear when you select the library item and view its properties.

When using several related templates that share multiple components, it is best practice to share component files to save time. Sharing component files minimizes the chance of user error when editing multiple templates. You can add an existing component file to the new template by selecting one from the Shared component file drop-down list F. The component file you choose gets shared between the new template and any other templates you previously shared it with.

Using the Initial contents option buttons G you can choose the initial contents of the new template:

Empty: Creates a new, empty template. Once HotDocs has created the template, you can add text, variables, and other template components.
Current open file: Copies the current, open word processor file into the new template. You must have a word processor file open before you select this option.
Other file: Creates a new template based on the contents of an existing template or document. The text field shows the folder path and file name of the file whose contents you want to copy into the new template. Either type in the full path or click the Browse button to locate and select the template or document whose contents provide the basis of the template you are creating. Selecting an existing template here disables the Shared Component file option as the new template shares the same component file as the source template.

To learn more about creating new templates follow the links below: