Convert Multiple Templates to Work with HotDocs 11

Any time you make major changes to templates, component files, or other HotDocs files, it is a good idea to back the files up before making the change. This is especially true when converting component files to work with HotDocs 11.

HotDocs 11 uses a file format for component files that is different from pre-2009 versions of HotDocs. This means that all component files created in these earlier versions must be converted to HotDocs 11 format in order for them to work. Failure to convert the files may result in errors when you attempt to assemble documents using them.

You can either convert component files individually (see Convert a Single Template to a New File Format), or you can convert several at once using Template Manager. When you convert using Template Manager, Template Manager can convert all component files referred to in the template or templates you are converting. For example, if Template A contains an INSERT instruction, when you convert Template A, any templates (and component files) referred to in the instruction will also be converted.

To convert templates to HotDocs 11 format

1. Back up the templates you want to convert by copying them to a different location.
2. Open the library containing the templates you want to convert. (See Create a Library and Add Templates and Other Files to a Library.)
3. Click the top folder in the library and launch Template Manager. (See Open and Close Template Manager.) The Template Manager window appears.
4. In the file list, select the templates you want convert. (To select all, press Ctrl+A.)
5. Click the Convert Files button. The Convert Files dialog box appears.
6. The Convert component files to work with HotDocs 11 option is always selected by default. (This is correct.)
   • Optionally, select one of the options to convert the Word or WordPerfect templates to DOCX. (See Convert Templates and Clauses to Microsoft DOCX for details about this kind of conversion.)
7. Click OK. HotDocs converts all the selected files (and any dependent files referenced by the templates) to HotDocs 11 format.