Templates allow you to customize the layout of the report based on how you inspect it. The choices made in the template can be overridden when writing an inspection.

This article covers accessing Web Writer Templates, creating multiple Templates, reordering the layout of Systems and Locations, setting default Status and Locations for Items, and adding new items and locations.

To manage a template's disclaimers, descriptions, and comments, check out Web Report Writer: Template Manage Descriptions, Disclaimers, and Comments for Templates.

Access the Web Writer Template

1. Click on the Menu on the top left side. Then click on Templates.
   

Create a new Template

With the HomeGauge Web Writer, you can create multiple inspection templates for different situations. The Web Writer comes with a default residential template. You can create new templates from either the starter residential or previously created templates. Afterward, you can set the template you like to use the most as the default.

1. Click Add Inspection Template
   
2. Enter a Name
3. Either Create from starter template or Copy the existing template.
4. Click ADD

Manage Template(s)

You can set a template as a default, duplicate, rename, or delete. 

1. Clicking on the three-dot menu on the right side will give you the following options
   
   1. Set As Default: This makes the template the default
   2. Duplicate: You can create a new template from this template
   3. Rename: This changes the name of the template
   4. Delete: This deletes the template

Selecting a Template to Edit

You can edit the Residential template to match your needs. Or if you created a new template, you can then edit it. 

1. Click on the name of the template you would like to edit
   
2. Note the name of the template is on the top. Now you can make the edits described below

Reorder the layout of the Systems

Systems, by default, are in alphabetical order. You can change the order to suit how you inspect.

1. Click Reorder Systems
   
2. Drag a System to the order location you would like
   
3. Click Done when finished

Add New Items in Systems

You can add additional items via sharing. Items that are added need to have an Item Type. This is a good way to add additional items by location on the property.

1. Click the System you wish to to add a new item to
2. Click Add Item
   
3. Select the Item Type
4. Enter a Name
5. Optional to add a Location
   
6. Click Add when finished

Set the Default Status of Items in Systems

Available status options include Not Tested, Satisfactory, and Not Applicable. By choosing the status Not Applicable for Items, you can hide them from the view of writing and publishing the report. Hiding Items is a good idea for Items you want to keep but don't use often. 

1. Click the System you wish to expand the Items for
2. Click either the top check box to select all the Items for the section or check the box next to the individual Item
   
3. Click Status and select one of the options

Reorder the layout of Locations

Locations, by default, are in alphabetical order. You can change the order to suit how you inspect or by the ones you use frequently.

1. Click Locations
2. Click Reorder Locations
   
3. Drag a Location to the spot you would like
4. Click Done when finished

Set the Default Locations of Items

You can map what locations will display for Items in every report. 

1. Select a location
2. Select multiple Items or an individual one
3. Click Remove Location(s) to remove any current locations
   
4. If you want to change the location of an item, click the three dots on the right side. Then select Edit.
5. Click on the Location Dropdown and select a new Location. You can add multiple locations by clicking Add Another Location.
   
6. Click Save when done

Add a Location

You can add a new location to the template using a location type and providing a nickname.

1. Click Add Location
2. Click on Location Type and choose the type
3. Enter a Nickname
   
4. Click Save

Edit a Location name

You can change the name of the default locations to suit your needs.

1. Click on the location you wish to edit
2. Click Edit Location
   
3. Click Rename
4. Change the Nickname
5. Click Save when finished