Creating merge templates

Merge templates are the basis of all documents produced and stored in Document Management. They can contain both static and dynamic data, coded by developers. Templates can be used to produce letters (or other types, e.g. statements, wills, etc.) in Word, spreadsheets in Excel or email messages in Outlook. Once created they are stored in Document Management until requested to generate a document. Merge templates can also be created using Laserforms or Oyez, but these are not created in the Forms application, they are created using the Forms Maintenance facility in Legal Enterprise.

The process of creating merge templates involves typing the static content of the document, setting the merge object (i.e. the type of associated database record), inserting merge variables, formatting the template, and then compiling the template.

To create a template:

1. In the appropriate application, create a new document, spreadsheet or e-mail and then add the static content, i.e. the parts of the template which are fixed.

• To create a merge template based on a Laserform or an Oyez Form, use the Forms Maintenance facility.

2. Click the Set Merge Context button , select the type of database record to which the template will be associated and click OK. You can choose from:

3. Use the Insert Merge Code button to insert the variables, as required. You can also use document commands when inserting variables to, for example, control the way they work.

4. (Word only) Use the Syntax Colouring and Level Colouring buttons to colour code the template.

5. (Word only) Use the Spellcheck button to check the spelling in the template.

6. Finally, compile the template. The merge template is now ready for use. However, you may wish to add document details to identify it once it in Document Management. This is optional, but useful when searching.

Related topics:

• Inserting variables
• Using document commands
• Compiling templates
• Adding document details