Create a New Library by Exporting Part of an Existing Library

You can create smaller libraries by exporting some of the folders and files of a larger, existing library. Creating a library this way eliminates the need to manually create a new library and then add each folder, template, or clause library to it.

When you export part of a library, HotDocs asks you for the file name and title of the new library. Then it creates the library, and finally creates the library references in it. During the process, you can choose to have HotDocs copy the files in the library you are exporting to the new location, or you can choose to have the library reference the original files.

Exporting will only export the files you select at the library. This means that if a template you are exporting contains references to other templates or files not listed in the library, those items will not be exported and you may receive errors when you attempt to use the template for assembly.

To export part of an existing library

  1. At the HotDocs library window, select the library items you want to export. (If you select a folder, all the items in the folder will be exported.)
  2. Choose File > Export Library To > HotDocs Library File. The Export HotDocs Library File dialog box appears.
  3. At the File name field, click Browse, select a location for the new library, and enter a library name in the File name field. (Click OK when you are finished.)
  4. At the Export HotDocs Library File dialog box, enter a name for the new library in the Title field, or accept the suggestion HotDocs makes. This title will appear in the Properties tab of the HotDocs library window.
  5. Optionally, in the Description field, type a description of the library. (The description appears in the Properties tab when a library (or folder) is selected.)
  6. Click OK. HotDocs asks if you want to export the selected files:
    • Click Yes to copy the selected files to the same folder as the new library.
    • Click No to have the new library refer to the files in their current location.

After exporting the items, the original library items are still available. (HotDocs does not delete the references from the original library—templates can be referenced in multiple libraries.) If you want the old references deleted, select the library items and click Remove Item.

HotDocs does not automatically display the new library. To open it, click Open and select the file name for the new library. (See Open a Library.)