Using Binder Templates

If you frequently create a particular type of binder, you can save time by preparing a Binder template that contains all the basic elements of this binder. You could then get a head start in creating a similar new binder by basing it on the template. The new binder would acquire all the elements contained in the template— the sections, as well as the boilerplate text, graphics, or other content in each section. You could then modify the basic content and add additional text or graphics. You can create a new Binder template as follows:

1. Use any of the methods for creating a new binder that were discussed earlier in the chapter under "Creating a Binder."
2. Add documents and data to the binder so that it will serve as a good starting point for the type of binders that you want to create.
3. Choose Save Binder As from the File menu to display the Save Binder As dialog box.
4. In the Files Of Type list box, select the Binder Templates item to save your work as a binder template rather than as a binder document. As soon as you make this selection, the Save Binder As dialog box switches to the folder (usually named \Templates) that's currently designated as your User Templates folder.
5. Specify a name and location for the template, and click the Save button. Be sure to save the template within your current User Templates folder— otherwise, the New dialog box won't display it. You can save the template directly within your User Templates folder; in this case, the template will be displayed on the General tab of the New dialog box. Alternatively, you can place it within a subfolder of your User Templates folder (an existing subfolder or a new one that you create); in this case, the template will be displayed in the New dialog box on a tab that's labeled with the name of the subfolder. (Take note of where you save the file, so you can modify it later if you want.)

SEE ALSO

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For more information on the User Templates folder and how to use Word to change its location, see "Creating New Templates."

NOTE

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A Binder template normally has the .obt file extension. You won't see the extensions, however, if you have chosen to hide MS-DOS file extensions in Windows.

To create a new binder based on a template you have created, first open the New dialog box using either of these methods:

• If Binder is running, choose New Binder from the File menu or press Ctrl+N. In this case, the dialog box will be titled New Binder and it will show only Binder templates.
• Choose New Office Document from the Start menu in Windows, or click the New Office Document button on the Office Shortcut Bar. In this case, the dialog box will be titled New Office Document and it will show templates for all Office applications.

Then click the tab that displays your template and double-click the template's icon.

If you want to modify a binder template you've created, you can open the template file by choosing Open Binder from the File menu in the Binder program and selecting the Binder Templates item in the Files Of Type list box. Then navigate to the folder where you saved the template and select the filename.