3.1 Template tools

3.1.1 Overview
BauText manages templates for frequently recurring tasks. The time gained by consistent use of such templates is enormous as the documents can be compiled based on the modular principle.The templates can contain calculations and/or texts.

BauText currently contains more than 1,300 templates. The overviews for the libraries are supplied and installed in PDF format (see START - programs BauText). All PDF catalogs can also be found on the CD or under www.bautext.com (in the Template folder).

In Chapter 3.1 we explain the tools that make it possible to:
work with ready-made templates,

to insert texts and calculations from reference projects,

to copy texts and calculations within the project and
to use macros and phrase templates for recurrent texts and comments.

Note: No special tools are required to write and insert text as there is a text editing program at the core of Bautext.

We refrain from explaining basic Windows functions. We assume a basic knowledge of Windows text processing, of tabs and the marking and formatting of texts, using the clipboard, etc.

All text processing functions correspond to the Windows standard. Instructions on the design of documents can be found in Chapter 4.


3.1.2 Inserting templates with the Templates Explorer

BauText manages templates for frequently recurring tasks. The time gained by the consistent use of such templates is enormous as the documents can be compiled based on the modular principle.

Self-created templates can be completed via file-template manager.
Texts and calculations can be inserted in the document with the Template-Explorer. A more detailed description can be found below.
Important: All files in the Templates Library begin with "_" . If necessary, use a different name for your own or modified templates. In this way you can differentiate these from your own templates and also you can be sure that changes are not overwritten during a reinstallation.

Call: Button: Hotkey: ALT+F2 Menu: Insert - Template-Explorer


3.1.3 Inserting from a reference project
BauText supports taking one or more reference projects as a template for the current project.

Whether from lack of time or even intentionally, not every structural analysis is copied to the template library. The Insert File - from project function enables you to transfer file fragments from another project.

This option saves an enormous amount of time in practice because many solutions can be reused. Many details are similar or identical even if the projects differ in scope or geometry.

The document structure is displayed on the left. Prerequisite is that information has been entered in the table of contents (see Chapter 4.2).

Call: Button: Hotkey: - Menu: Insert-from project


3.1.4 Copying within the project
BauText allows the current document to be displayed in a second window. This allows texts, structural analyses, complete positions or loads to be transferred from preceding text passages without having to scroll through the document. This is very useful if similar structural analyses are used several times.

The update takes place automatically at a time interval specified by the user and/or by activating the window. The setting depends on the current task and use. The user is responsible for selecting the setting here so that the requisite data are updated as often as required.

Call: Button: Hotkey: - Menu: Extras - Backview window on / off


3.1.5 Important functions of the above-mentioned tools

Searching for solutions
The modules file from project and backview window can be searched for solutions to a task in existing documents.
This feature allows the engineer and/or workgroup to use such calculations over and over. This BauText capability is a basic prerequisite for a functioning knowledge management system in the engineering office. Errors and the customary frictional losses in the office routine are also prevented or reduced.

Displays and buttons
Template-Explorer, backview window and file from project contain various configuration options (see right).

Inserting a marked area
Individual chapters can be transferred from a reference project. In the backview window it is possible to copy items within the project by clicking on the heading. Procedure: Click on the chapter heading and transfer the contents by clicking on the left button.
The Template-Explorer also manages the template files. To do this, please press the right mouse key and the corresponding context menu will appear (figure on the right).


3.1.6 Macros and phrase templates

Frequently-used formulations and formula symbols are stored and called up under Insert - Macros.

Macros normally contain formula symbols. Phrase templates are intended for longer formulations. A collection of formulas can even be created in this way. AutoText contains 100 terms that can be inserted via the menu or the toolbox. The formulations "from...", etc. can also be called up here.

Example:
Context menu (right mouse key)

We already supply numerous macros and Autotext entries with BauText. BauText also includes simple address administration for written correspondence. The addresses can be assigned to different groups. Telephone and fax numbers as well as comments can also be specified. When inserting the address these details are not transferred.



Example:
Inserting AutoText
via the toolbox.

Call: Hotkey: F7 or: CTRL+F7 Menu: Insert

Settings: Menu: Insert - Settings