Creating a Template

Some users like to have a "project template" (with their chosen colours, terminology etc), and then to start all new files from this template. This can be very helpful when, for example, all outputs need to comply with branding guidelines, and where therefore it is easier to make the right colour and font selections once, rather than doing it for each file.

To create a customised template in Swiftlight, follow the steps below:

• Open a new Swiftlight file;
• Using the Tools Options Dialogue, make all your desired changes to terminology, colours, font, icons, logo and the PowerPoint template to which outputs from the file will be exported;
• Save the file as, for example, "CompanyTemplate" in a convenient, easy-to-find folder.

To use this template:

• When you start work on a new project, find and open the "CompanyTemplate" file;
• Using "Save As", save the file with a new name and get started.

Note: to ensure that the dates ranges in your new file are current and reflect the desired date range of your project you should:

• Update the date range of the Timeline, using the short cut buttons or the Date Range tab of the Page Body Format Dialogue. (NB The template file will likely have dates that are in the past, depending on when and how it was saved).
• Update the date range of the Action List over Time to align it with the Timeline. Go to the Action List over Time view and use the Import Button on the Date Range tab of its Page Body Format Dialogue.