Understand Parts of Template Manager Window

When you first start Template Manager, it creates a database of all of the templates and components found in the current library. However, only the templates and components for those files you selected in the library appear in the Template Manager window, which is divided into two panes—the file list and the component list.

Together, the file list and component list show relationships between files and components. For example, when you select a file, Template Manager displays a red marker next to the components used in the selected file. Likewise, when you select a component, HotDocs displays a red marker next to the file or files that use that component either directly or indirectly (for example, you may have an inserted template that uses that component).

As you examine templates and components in Template Manager, you can customize your view of the window. See Template Manager Toolbar for details.

Viewing the File List

The file list shows all of the files you selected at the template library. You can expand each file to see all of the files associated with it. (You can expand the file list to show corresponding component files and inserted templates by clicking the Expand button. (Click the Collapse button to once again minimize the list.) For example, if you expand a template file, you will see the template's component file, as well as any other files that may be referenced in the template. This can include a clause library (and all of its clauses) and any templates referenced in INSERT or ASSEMBLE instructions (which are denoted by the icon.)

Where there are problems with a specific file, such as the file is referenced either in the library or a template, but doesn't actually exist on disk, Template Manager overlays a warning on the file icon. (Click here for an explanation of the different template status icons used.)

You can choose to view either file titles or file names. Right-click anywhere in the file list and choose your preference. Additionally, you can copy information about the files you're exploring to another program, such as Notepad or the word processor by choosing Copy as Text from the shortcut menu.

While viewing the file list, you can:

• Convert multiple earlier versions of HotDocs templates to HotDocs 11 format
• Convert multiple templates to Microsoft DOCX
• Rename templates using Template Manager
• Modify component file properties across multiple files

Viewing the Component List

The component list shows all the components associated with the files in the file list. This can include components like variables and dialogs, but it can also include supplemental components, such as example formats, merge text, and patterns. Template Manager shows information about the component, such as whether it's used in a template, or whether it's referred to in a template but doesn't exist in the component file. (Click here for an explanation of the different component status icons used.)

You can control what types of components and other information is displayed in the component list. See Set Template Manager Options for details. Additionally, in the component list, you may see multiple listings of the same component. This means that while each component shares the same component name, there is at least one property of the component that is different, such as a prompt. You can right-click the component and select View from the shortcut menu to view the properties of the component; however, to edit the component's properties, you must use Component Manager, which you can access by right-clicking the corresponding file and selecting Component Manager from the shortcut menu.

While viewing the component list, you can:

• Copy and paste components across multiple component files.
• Rename components across multiple component files.
• Delete components from multiple component files.
• Modify component file properties across multiple files.

To access the Template Manager toolbar using the keyboard, press F10.