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Community Expert
December 22, 2020
Question

How do I make a template selectable through Explore Standard templates?

  • December 22, 2020
  • 3 replies
  • 405 views

There are two entries to new documents in FrameMaker 2020. The "Welcome Screen" and "Explore Standard Templates". I sometimes create templates and would like them to be easily accessible through the either the "Welcome Screen" or "Explore Standard Templates" or preferrably both. While I can figure out how to modify the HTML in the Welcome Screen it is quite bothersome to add links to, it and they are not dynamically updated. I am not able figure out how "Explore Standard Templates" work. It looks like its an exe file, but perhaps not? 

Question: Is there a way to make new directories with my own templates and have them dynamically added to the template selection process?

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    3 replies

    frameexpert
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    December 23, 2020

    These Explore Templates files are actually view-only FrameMaker documents that have been saved as palettes using special MIF syntax. You can find them in this folder: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe FrameMaker 2020\fminit\maker

     

    At one time, I made a custom page of templates for a client that was accessible through Standard Templates document. But I don't remember how I was able to unlock the palette so I could edit it. I will see if I can find the details somewhere.

    Community Expert
    December 23, 2020

    Okay - so it might actually not be too difficult to update it. That would be neat!

    Bjørn Smalbro - FrameMaker.dk
    Jeff_Coatsworth
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    December 23, 2020

    IIRC, you can add a TemplateDir=path line to your maker.ini (or adjust what's already there - I found mine in the c:\program files location) to point to your custom template location as the default.

    Bob_Niland
    Community Expert
    Community Expert
    December 23, 2020

    Have you tried just adding them to:
    C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe FrameMaker 20xx\Templates\{subdirname}\

    I just tried it, and it requires Admin privs to copy the file(s) in, but they are visible under the New File From Template button.

    Community Expert
    December 23, 2020

    Yes, that will work. Thank you!

    I guess I want something like the feature of Explore Standard Templates, which will allow you to open a sample AND open a template. The Welcome Screen merely allows me to explore a write protected directory.  And I realise now, that I actually can do more to help my users by sorting the "stuff" I give them in folders. 

    Merry christmas to you! I always enjoy your good answers in this forum!

    Bjørn Smalbro - FrameMaker.dk