Where to store Project Import File?

[aneedell]

I am setting up a Parent project that will contain the stylesheet, skins, etc. for our other (child) projects. But it isn't clear to me how to create one (or more) re-usable Project Import files. Our basic workflow when creating child projects will be (1) create an Empty project, (2) import from Parent using previously-defined Import files. Any suggestions as to how to create, and where to store, those Project Import files? Thanks in advance for your help.

[Nita Beck]

Each of your child projects will need its own import file pointing to the global project. (And a child project might also have other import files that point to other Flare projects, such as to another child project.) By default, Flare stores import files in the Project Organizer in the Imports folder. I suggest that you keep your import files there. There's no need to put them elsewhere.

If you find that the import file pointing to the global project will be more or less the same for each child project, then I suggest that, after you define the import file in one project, you save that import file as a custom template. That way, whenever anyone creates an empty project that will become a child project, that person can create a new import file but choose the custom template instead of Flare's factory import file template. You can learn more about templates here: http://webhelp.madcapsoftware.com/flare ... plates.htm.

BTW, you can also turn an entire project into a template. You might consider that in lieu of the factory "Empty" template for your child projects.

HTH

[aneedell]

Thank you, Nina, this is helpful. Yes, the imports will be standard for each child project (two import files, most likely). What I may do is create a project template that has only the import files (that I will create for my initial imports, as you suggest). I appreciate the suggestions and advice.

[aneedell]

Hello, Nina.
I ended up creating a new folder to house the new project template file; and that project template file contains one Project Import file (plus some other stuff).
But I have a related question for you. You noted that I could save the Import File as a custom template, but I cannot see how to do that. When I open a Project Import file, I cannot see any options to save that selected file as a template. How is it done?
Thank you once again,
Albert Needell

[Nita Beck]

Hi Albert. (It's Nita, not Nina, BTW )

Sorry that I was at a client's all day today. I will try to look at your question tomorrow and give you some directions about saving something as a template.

[DocuWil]

Maybe the following link can also be a help to you.
http://forums.madcapsoftware.com/viewto ... 13&t=12331

[Nita Beck]

Albert, on your behalf, I've tried to save an import file as a template, using Flare 10. I was able to do it, but had to overcome an apparent oversight in the Flare UI (which I'll report to MadCap).

First, following the advice in the Flare 10 Help system, I opened an import file and then attempted to save it as a template, using File > Save > Save as Template. But, hmmm, the Save as Template option was grayed out (not available, and that's the oversight, I think).

Then I went looking for another way (also documented in the Flare 10 Help system), and that involved using the Manage Template feature. This way worked.

Specifically, these are the steps:

1. Click Tools > Manage Templates, which opens the Template Manager. Notice that, by default, there is already a folder called My Templates. (I keep life simple and use that folder.)
2. In the Template Manager, click the Add Template File button on the toolbar. This opens the Open window.
3. Navigate to the import file from which you want to create a template. Select it and click Open. This opens the Save As Template window.
4. Enter the name of the template and, if desired, a description of the template, and then click OK. You'll then get a confirmation message that the template was successfully created.
5. Close the Template Manager window.

That's it! I hope this helps.

[aneedell]

Hello, Nita (sorry! ),
Yes, that worked! I never would have discovered that procedure on my own -- it is rather round-about; but it works, and I now have the Project Import File template that I need.
Thanks so much for your help!
albert