Client template uses styles based on Normal -- Is this bad?

[Lisa Mc]

I'm starting a project in which the principal document is based on a template
developed by a client. This template has several styles (including numbered
and bulleted lists) that are based on Normal. We have been careful to turn
off the option to "Automatically update document styles," but I'm wondering
whether the Normal style behaves differently, and whether we will have
problems with these styles when different users open the documents on their
machines.

Technically (if I understand correctly), the document isn't supposed to go
back and refresh styles from the template if the update option is turned off,
but does Word always look up Normal whenever the document is opened?

I am a big fan of never basing any style on Normal, but it's difficult when
working with other people's templates. Lists present enough problems without
the Normal style issue. Will we be saving ourselves a big headache by
breaking the links to Normal, or is it an issue if "Automatically update
document styles" is turned off?

 

[Shauna Kelly]

Hi Lisa

First, I don't think you need worry about your concerns about what
happens when users open the document. For a full explanation, see

What happens when I send my document to someone else? Will Word mess up
my formatting?

http://www.ShaunaKelly.com/word/sharing/WillMyFormatChange.html



Second, there are mixed views on whether styles should be based on
Normal style or on no style or on some other, custom, base style. For
what it's worth, I now take the defaults that Word gives me when I
choose to create a new template. So that means that most styles do
descend from Normal style. But I create specific hierarchies so that,
eg, List Bullet 3 is based on List Bullet 2 and List Bullet 2 is based
on List Bullet. And Heading 9 will be based on Heading 8, based on
Heading 7 and so on. I think the only real advantage this gives you is
that it's easier to maintain. So that when the client says "well can we
make all the headings green Arial", you only need change one thing.



Hope this helps.



Shauna Kelly. Microsoft MVP.
http://www.shaunakelly.com/word

 

[Lisa Mc]

Shauna:

Thank you so much. Your website is truly a wonderful resource! I had
actually read this page before (and printed it, and highlighted it, and
passed it to all my friends), but I found myself with lingering doubts about
whether the Normal style and the Normal.dot template were somehow different
and would be searched for and updated every time someone opened the file,
even if the fateful "Automatically update document styles" box was
deselected. You have set my mind at rest!

I will definitely take your advice about basing styles on other styles
within a given hierarchy (list, heading, etc.). I have done this to some
extent in the past, but it was always difficult for me to know what style(s)
to use as my base. Your hierarchical approach is much more organized. Now I
know where to start.

Thanks again.

Lisa McChesney