I want to use my document as a work sheetwithout effecting the original text.

[JoeA]

Version: 2004
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: intel

I created a document using MS Word for Mac. I am now trying to use the document as a template, however when I type new info into the template it messes up the spacing,formatting etc... of the original text. Im basically trying to use this document/template as a work sheet for service calls, entering new info for each new service call. Is there a way to lock down the original text on a template so when I enter new info it wont adjust everything. Please help!

 

[John McGhie]

Hi Joe:

Look up "Tables" in the Word Help.

Don't get led astray: Tables do not have to have VISIBLE columns and rows.
By default, the borders are visible, but you can turn that off.

A table is the simplest and easiest way to do what you want.

There are other ways, but they are much more complex and require you to know
a lot more about desktop publishing and Word.

Cheers

Version: 2004
Operating System: Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
Processor: intel

I created a document using MS Word for Mac. I am now trying to use the
document as a template, however when I type new info into the template it
messes up the spacing,formatting etc... of the original text. Im basically
trying to use this document/template as a work sheet for service calls,
entering new info for each new service call. Is there a way to lock down the
original text on a template so when I enter new info it wont adjust
everything. Please help!

--
Don't wait for your answer, click here: http://www.word.mvps.org/

Please reply in the group. Please do NOT email me unless I ask you to.

John McGhie, Microsoft MVP, Word and Word:Mac
Sydney, Australia. mailto:[email protected]

 

[CyberTaz]

Hi Joe -

I'd suggest that you first search the Mactopia/Microsoft sites for available
templates that might serve your purpose. Some may require a bit of
modification, but that may be a better approach than building your own from
the ground up - or at least provide some suggestions & guidelines.

Also, based on how I interpret your description, you might consider using
Excel rather than Word for this type of form. It's easier to control
positioning in a file structure designed on that principle than trying to
nail things down in a file that's designed to accommodate a continuous flow
& reflow of text. Not that it can't be done, but you need to learn &
understand a good deal about Word well beyond the "basics"

If you do intend to use Word you'll need to become very familiar with the
use of Tables as well as the features & tools on the Forms toolbar. Should
you decide to go this route there is plenty of information available, so
post back if you need to be directed to it.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[JoeA]

Hi Bob,
Please point me in the right direction using word. I put a lot of time into creating this document and don't want to have to try and redo it in excel. Thanks!

 

[CyberTaz]

Well, that's exactly why I suggested that you might want to consider another
base to build on - you're essentially going to have to start over anyway...
It's just a matter of what you'll be pasting to and how well it "behaves" as
you do There is no magic button which will turn what you've already done
into a usable template, I'm afraid.

As John & I both mentioned, the first thing you need to do is become
reasonably well informed on the use of Word Tables & their features - Excel
worksheets basically *are* tables to begin with, so you don't have to create
the structure, you just have to adjust it. And that's not all that needs to
be learned.

For some ideas go to File> Project Gallery (in either program) & have a look
at the templates available there. I'm not saying you'll see one you can use
but if my "minds eye" is accurately envisioning what you want I think you'll
find that the ones which most closely approximate the layout you want are
Excel, rather than Word, templates.

We'll try to help as much as we can either way, but do yourself a big favor
& at least have a look first Honestly, learning form/template design in
Word is fine if you intend to do it as a profession, but for the occasional
(and perhaps only) form an individual needs there are far easier ways -
especially if any calculations would be useful.

--
HTH |:>)
Bob Jones
Office:Mac MVP