Creating a document using a template

You can save a document as a template and pattern new documents based on it. Any new document made using this template will contain the same underlying datasets, fields, formatting, and layout as the template document. After the new document is created, you can customize the document as you want.

MicroStrategy also comes with several predefined document templates. Use the Blank Document template to create a traditional document, with multiple sections. The Blank Dashboard template displays only one section, the Details Header, allowing you to easily design a dashboard using the whole screen. For an introduction to dashboards, see Designing dynamic enterprise dashboards.

A document template is a standard MicroStrategy object template. A document becomes a template when it is saved in the Object Templates\Documents folder in MicroStrategy Desktop. By default, the Object Templates folder is hidden. For steps to view the Object Templates folder see the Desktop help.

The template saved in the Object Templates\Documents folder is available as a choice in the New Document dialog box when you create a new document. For steps to save a document as a template, see the MicroStrategy Report Services Document Creation Guide.

Prerequisite

•  

• You must have document designer privileges.

To create a document using a template

•  

1. Click Create Document at the top of the page. The Create Document page is displayed.

2. If you have the appropriate privileges, the View document in Design Mode check box is selected by default. Clear the check box if you want to open the document in the default mode specified by the template's designer.

3. Document templates are listed on the Create Document page. Select a document template. The document opens in the Document Editor, displaying the datasets, controls, formatting, and layout of the template.

4. Add objects such as Grid/Graphs, shapes, text fields, panel stacks, and widgets to the document. For examples and steps, see the following:

• Adding and removing a dataset

• Designing dynamic enterprise dashboards

• Adding lines to documents

• Adding rectangles to documents

• Adding data fields to a document

• Adding text and data to documents

• Inserting a panel stack into a document

• Inserting a widget into a document

5. Format the document and controls by applying colors, effects, borders, drop shadows, gradients, and more. For steps, see the following:

• Applying 3D effects to controls

• Applying color banding to a report

• Applying drop shadows

• Applying gradient colors

• Applying a transparent backstyle

6. Group and sort the data, as required:

• For information on grouping, see Grouping records in a document.

• For information sorting, see Sorting data in a document.

7. Add totals, if required.

8. Select Save As from the Home menu to save the document.

9. Type a name for the document and click OK.

Related topics

•  

• Creating a document from scratch

• Designing dynamic enterprise dashboards