Document Templates

Introduction

People often think of a template as an electronic form that is filled in on-line. And from a particular point of view, that is correct. However, document templates are different.

There are two types: unstructured (the most common) and structured.

Unstructured Documents

With unstructured documents formatting (structure) and writing occur simultaneously. Typically, the author formats the document as they write. Formatting with most authoring applications can be done in a number of ways. Therefore, there is no "standard" method. For one-off documents, this is not a problem. The challenge occurs when content from one unstructured document is inserted in another unstructured document.

For example, consulting companies prepare large number of proposals. Different departments may contribute different content to the proposal document. If each department has its own way of formatting their content, the final proposal becomes a formatting nightmare. Many long hours are spent re-formatting the proposal so all the content has the "same look and feel".

TWF designs document templates to meet this challenge.

Structured Documents

In a structured document, format (structure) is separated from content. When structuring a document, consider some of the following: the document's audience, its purpose, its objective, the authoring technology, dissemination mode(s), stability/volatility, etc. This approach uses document templates to set a document's structure.

The content quality is dependent on the author's writing ability.

TWF's Technical Writers and KM associates understand the value of a well-crafted document template. We will build templates that save you time and money. We will teach your people how to use them so they are more productive. We will eliminate those long overtime-hours spent reformatting documents.

Your Next Step

Contact The Writing Factory Inc. to discuss how a well-designed document template can make your employees more efficient and more productive.