HOW TO

Where ArcView stores Layout templates

Last Published: April 25, 2020

Procedure

Where does ArcView store 'Layout' templates?

Answer:

A default template.def file is provided under $AVHOME/etc. ArcView uses this file until you create your own templates. When you use the 'Store As Template' option under the 'Layouts' menu, a new template.def file, with your own templates appended at the bottom, is created under your home directory. The next time you access the 'Template Manager' by using the 'Use Template' option under the 'Layouts' menu, ArcView will load your template.def file. If you
move or delete this file, then ArcView will use the default template.def file again.

Notes:

The default 'Landscape' and 'Portrait' templates are stored in the template.def file. They will be included in your own template.def file, unless you specifically remove them using the 'Template Manager'.

Predefined templates are best accessed using a system variable that stores pathnames, such as $AVDATA.

A template file is independent of a project, so it can be accessed by any new or existing projects. However, much like a project file, the template file stores the location of the data. Thus, if the data is moved, the "Teacher" browser will prompt you for the new location.

The same template can be used to generate maps on multiple page sizes. For example, if you create and save an A-size template, and later open a new E-size layout and apply the A-size template, the frames, text, graphics, etc, in the layout will be automatically adjusted to fit the smaller template.

If you create applications for public distribution, and they use custom templates, make sure to include the template.def file in the distribution. In cases like this, the user must be cautioned so a file existing in the user's home directory does not get overwritten.

Article ID:000001476

Software:
  • Legacy Products

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