Label Templates in Writer
Using label templates is important for many people. Some people were a little stuck in the transition between Word and Writer in terms of label templates. The thread started here.
Hi there,
I am a newbie using Open Office version 1.1.4 and I was attempting to create a custom label in writer. I followed the instructions by setting the type Avery,User and then set the format width and height at the incorrect size (mixing up my mms with cms!!). I then saved it as user and I am now unable to increase the width and height to the correct size: they are stuck at a much smaller size. I think I have messed up the template setting? Is this right?
I have searched for templates but can't find any. What type of file will they be and where should they be. I've checked under "paths" but no luck Any advice would be appreciated.
Help!!
Ray Thompson
One response came from Joe.
I'm not very good at these things, but at the risk of blasphemy, I got my Avery labels to work by downloading the templates for Word from the Avery website and then opening them in OOo and saving them in OOo format for further use and modification.
Joe
A more complete response came from LouAnn.
Ray,
I too have had issues trying to get the label templates loaded and formatting my own seems a PIA.
Like Joe, I've used my former word processor templates and those I created myself. I've used Word Perfect for a very long time- since to DOS days in the late 80's- early 90's.
As for actual templates, you have a few options.
[1] You can use the OOo templates at http://ooextras.sourceforge.net. I download all- even the foreign templates- then master my own sub-template document from these, using some for form. [There are new templates there now.]
Basically any other document that you can template into your former word processor can be cut/ pasted to OOo or imported as a template. As a former Formfile user, I constantly look for templates to process and customize my documents, and minimize my need to re-do.
Tho there are several means of transferring templates to OOo, the simplest may be to save the template- whether a label or form document- in your former word processor and Import it in OO. [File > Template- Organize > Import >]. If this causes you problems, then open the template in your former WP, cut/copy/save it to OOo..
You may want to first add your own template categories in OOo Templates: forms- letters- financial- labels- etc... Then pull the document templates over from another word processer or a desktop file, TEMPLATES, for ease in transfer.
While there are several decent locations for templates on the web, the other 3 primary sources that I use follow.
[2] If importing documents to another word processor, use the manufacturer's add-on templates [exactly as Joe described]. If you're a former word perfect user, Corel has a site for templates, graphics/ clipart, spreadsheet/ database at http://www.officecommunity.com/AppLogic+FTContentServer6.html. I would guess that Word or Works have a similar templar area on the web via MS.
[3] Another option is to go to http://www.Avery.com site and get their templates [as Joe did]. Other label manufacturers may have similar templates, since the push is to use their labels, tho you may need to find the comparable generic label format numbers by trial and error.
[4] You can also go to your printer manufacturer's site. 2 places that have both document and label, and well as graphic and art templates are: http://www.hewlettpackard.com and http://www.lexmark.com. These 2 have multiple template docs, forms, art and labels to encourage use of their products.
Probably the biggest problem that most of us have in using OO, is UN-learning our former word processor program. So try not to be frustrated. In that sense, cutting and pasting a document opened in another word processor probably isn't too wise.
I run into problems when following the steps as written in the OO manuals which I believe are sometimes geared toward the early versions of OO, since Writer's menus differ slightly then in instructions. The best part of this program, however, is the fact that the documentation is online, printable, & accessible, and the help menus are expansive. I keep a 3-ring NB of online information- which I constantly add pages to per subjects that fit my needs. I still bought an OOo workbook, and typically when composing any document in Writer, I keep my home page open so as to revert to the OO website for input. Keep a printed copy of the program shortcuts on your desk for further help, and you'll quickly become familiar and comfortable with the program, learning Writer and un-learning your former WP oprogram.
Hope this helps a bit. LouAnn
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Last Edited 24 June 2005