Using the Template Designer
All templates used on Thread must be coded correctly using the Thread Template Designer add-in for Word. For instructions on downloading the add-in, see Installing Thread Add-ins.
You can use an existing template or create a new Word document and code it by using the Template Designer. When you open the add-in, you will see a list of fields depending on the matter category you are creating a template for.
Contact = Primary Client (+ other contact types depending on matter category)
Contact Custom = Custom fields added to the contact section.
Matter = Matter related fields.
Matter Custom = Custom Fields specific to a matter category.
Global = Custom fields available on all matters; also includes Today’s date.
Bill = Financial information.
Click the + or – on the field to open or close the drop-down menu.
You will see different fields depending on the matter category you are in, for example with Litigation matters you will see extra fields such as barrister, solicitor, judge, etc.
For Conveyance matters you will see fields such as Estate Agent, Engineer, etc.
See here how to edit a matter category to show relevant fields.
To start coding your template:
1. Select the settings tab
on the bottom left of your navigation menu.
2. Select Template Desk to expand it.
3. Click Create & Edit.
4. Click +Add.
5. Fill in the Add a Document Template pop-up window fields. All mandatory fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
6. Add a Title for your template.
7. Select a Category for your template.
8. Click Create, and when the document opens in Word, click the Thread Template Designer on the top pane.
9. Click Sign in.
10. Copy and paste an existing template or type a document to be used as a template.
11. In fields where client and matter information should go (e.g. Dear ___), place your cursor and left-click.
12. Go to the Template Designer on the right pane and choose the correct field. Click on the field for it to appear where you have selected on the document.
If you wish to rearrange how the coded fields show on the document, you can add or remove space/line, just make sure to always keep the two brackets before and after the coding:
Today's date is located in Global fields.
13. Continue with the above steps until your document is fully coded. If you can’t find a certain field, you can cross-reference with the matter category on Thread. For example, if you want to add a particular field on the template, e.g. ‘Property address’, but don’t see it in the Template Designer, go to the matter Category and add the custom field. See also Custom Fields - Admin and Matter Category - Admin for more details.
If you generate a template/precedent on a matter and don’t see a field populated, you can cross-reference with the matter on Thread. For example, e.g. ‘Property Address’ did not pull through on the generated template, locate it in the Overview or Custom Fields tab of the matter, enter the relevant information and generate the template again.
Once finished editing your document, make sure to save it and you can now start Generating Documents from Templates in a matter.
To find out more about templates, go to Templates/Precedents - Overview. Related Articles
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