Using Templates

A template is a custom form you save in your Windows file system, instead of publishing it to an Outlook folder. A template can be used for everything that a form is used for. Create a custom form, and then choose File, Save As, Outlook Template instead of publishing it to a folder.

You can also create a template without entering Design mode by choosing F ile, Save A s, Outlook Template (*.oft) from any form. Use this method when you're creating a template with fields filled in or a message that contains boilerplate text.

A good use of a custom template is explained at http://www.slipstick.com/dev/olforms/skedrpt.htm. Follow the instructions to send a message to the same group of people on a schedule.

Many users find templates easier to work with than forms for several reasons. You can copy templates to a folder in Outlook and double-click to use them. When you no longer need a template, it's easy to delete it. You can create toolbar buttons hyperlinked to templates or add templates to the Navigation bar's Shortcut bar.

When you use scripting in your form, you'll have to publish the form to avoid Outlook's security features or use ClickYes (http://www.express-soft.com/mailmate/clickyes.html) to avoid the security prompts.

You must use Outlook as your email editor to design email forms or templates.