* Generate an exportable list of Source Templates

[fhtess65]

I would like to export a list of my Source Templates as sorted by Update date. I know how to view the list, but can't figure out how to export it - is there a way?

Why would I like to do this? Because I find it frustrating when adding a new source that the list of templates doesn't appear in update order, so if I have something to refer to outside of FH, I'll know which one to use. I don't dare delete those I'm no longer using as some will still have citations attached and I don't currently have time to go through and fix all that.

Thanks!

[ColeValleyGirl]

Try creating a custom Source Template Query.

Use =LastUpdated() for the Updated column.

[t4ms]

Why would I like to do this? Because I find it frustrating when adding a new source that the list of templates doesn't appear in update order, so if I have something to refer to outside of FH, I'll know which one to use. I don't dare delete those I'm no longer using as some will still have citations attached and I don't currently have time to go through and fix all that.

Thanks!

I might have misunderstood you completely so please ignore this if I have.

As you know, I've been playing around with source templates since FH7 was introduced and I've also had this problem.

I copy all of my 'settled' source templates into a separate collection with a different name. When you import (I presume that's what you're doing?) into a new project your old templates will appear but not in the source template definitions via the tool box (unless they have exactly the same name) when you are using your settled source templates. Your source template list can be sorted via collection and I leave them be until I'm ready to deal with them.

Having a settled source template list also prevents me from using a template I no longer want to use.

I hope this makes sense!

Tamara

[tatewise]

Teresa, some techniques avoid you needing a separate list.

1. If you sort the Source Template records in the Records Window the way you want them then that is the order they will be presented when you want to select a Source Template.
2. In the Select Source Template Record dialogue you can use the Updated column to sort into your preferred order. Move the Updated column further left so it is visible in the dialogue without scrolling.

Any Source Template with Links = 0 is not used so can be safely deleted.

[fhtess65]

Thanks, Helen - I tried, but couldn't figure out how to do it. Thought I had it, but could only select one template at a time...

Queries remind me of math and my brain freezes.

Try creating a custom Source Template Query.

Use =LastUpdated() for the Updated column.

[fhtess65]

Thanks, Mike - that did seem to work, though oddly, I was sure that's how I had them sorted before...Either way, at least now I know for the future

Teresa, some techniques avoid you needing a separate list.

1. If you sort the Source Template records in the Records Window the way you want them then that is the order they will be presented when you want to select a Source Template.
2. In the Select Source Template Record dialogue you can use the Updated column to sort into your preferred order. Move the Updated column further left so it is visible in the dialogue without scrolling.

Any Source Template with Links = 0 is not used so can be safely deleted.

[fhtess65]

Good idea to copy into a separate collection. Thanks for the suggestion!

But, no, not importing to a new project, though I may end up creating a new one after cleaning up my templates.

<SNIP>

I copy all of my 'settled' source templates into a separate collection with a different name. When you import (I presume that's what you're doing?) into a new project your old templates will appear but not in the source template definitions via the tool box (unless they have exactly the same name) when you are using your settled source templates. Your source template list can be sorted via collection and I leave them be until I'm ready to deal with them.
<SNIP>
Tamara

[t4ms]

Good idea to copy into a separate collection. Thanks for the suggestion!

But, no, not importing to a new project, though I may end up creating a new one after cleaning up my templates.

Ah! Gotcha.

I'd definitely create a custom collection for your source templates. If you're going through stages of source templates I highly recommend creating a custom collection for the year or whatever.

For example, my 2022 custom template collection was superseded by my 2023 custom template collection which was superseded by my Tamara custom template collection (which I'm now happy with).

It's a good way to keep track of things and, even better, if you've only made minor tweaks you can always merge templates.

Have, um, 'fun'???!!!!

Tamara