Using PageMaker Templates

A template is a document with preset formatting and settings. For example, if you were creating a newsletter, you could set the margins, columns, and guides where they need to be and use the same file to create all your issues. This maintains consistency throughout the issues.

If none of the existing PageMaker templates fit your needs, you can create and modify your own template. The same template can be used over and over again without making changes to the original.

Creating a Template

If you create a publication design that you will be using repeatedly, you can save the design format as a template.

1. Create a new PageMaker document
   For more information, refer to PageMaker Basics

2. Design the document
   (i.e., set ruler and column guides, place graphics, define styles)

3. From the File menu, select Save As...
   The Save As... dialog box appears.
   

4. Under File Name, type a name for the template

5. From the Save as type pull-down menu, select Template

6. Click SAVE

Using the Template

You can use a template again and again for different publications. Each time you open the template, PageMaker will open a copy of the document and not the original. Any changes made to the copy of the template will need to be saved under a different name.

1. From the File menu, select Open...
   The Open Publication dialog box appears.

2. In the Files of Type pull-down list, select All Files

3. Maneuver to the proper folder and select a template

4. Click OK

5. Develop your document

6. To save the changes to the document, from the File menu, select Save As...

7. Under File Name, type a name for the document

8. Under Save as Type, select Publication

9. Click SAVE

Modifying the Template

If you find that you need to make a few changes to your existing template, you can make changes to the original document without having to create a new one.

1. From the File menu, select Open...
   The Open Publication dialog box appears.

2. In the Files of Type pull-down list, select All Files

3. Maneuver to the proper folder and select a template

4. Click OK

5. Under Open As, select Original

6. Click OPEN

7. Make the necessary changes to the document

8. From the File menu, select Save As...
   The Save As... dialog box appears.

9. Under Save as Type, select Template
   You do not have to rename the file.

10. Click SAVE
    A dialog box will appear asking if you want to replace the existing file.

11. Click YES

Using a Standard Template

PageMaker comes with an assortment of templates, from brochures to newsletter designs. You can work with these templates or modify them to meet your needs.

1. From the Window menu, select Plug-in Palettes » Show Scripts
   The Scripts list box appears.
   

2. Scroll down the Scripts listing and click TEMPLATE

3. From the Template sub-listing, double click the desired template
   NOTE: If you do not have the template fonts installed on your computer, you will be prompted to specify substitute fonts.

4. To save the template as a document, from the File menu, select Save As...
   The Save As... dialog box appears.

5. Under File Name, type a name for the document

6. Under Save as Type, select Publication

7. Click SAVE