Template Pages - Reference vs Duplicate a template page

[former_member823167]

We are discovering the power of template pages. We've discovered that some pages are 90% the same with a few minor text changes. For these, we insert as a duplicate page instead of "by reference". But visually, they all appear the same with the dotted border. Is there something obvious (or not so obvious) that the authors can look at to know if this page was inserted using reference or duplicate?

[DirkManuel · Accepted solution]

I'd say that every page should use a Book Page Template (that is a specific size, has the company logo, placeholder text box, etc.) and ideally a suite of them covering various layout permutations (blank, one text column, two text columns, etc...). that's the best way to ensure consistency, and if something changes (like the company logo) you only have to change it in the template(s) and it will automatically be applied to all Book Pages that use those templates.

And you should NEVER create a new Book Page by duplicating a Template. You should always select the Template as the template when creating a new Book Page. As Robert notes, only actual templates should have the dotted line around the icon (which is driven by using a subtype of Book Page Template. Everything else should just be a Book Page (and definitely shouldn't have the Use as Template checkbox selected).

[former_member823167 · Accepted solution]

Ohhhhhhhhh - we understand now! We were doing it backwards. Thanks much!

[robert_way]

Hi Peggy,

In SEN Producer you can turn on the View for Structure References and Content References under View>Workarea Details to see a counter next to each item on the Tree.

You can also right-click a folder and select References... to see the items that are actually referenced (clicking on the item on the list in the dialog box will highlight it on the Tree structure on the left).

Additionally, if you're duplicating, unselect the Use as Template checkbox. The dotted border indicates it is a Template. You will need to select the Advanced Layout to view this field on the right-hand side and be in Edit mode to de-select.

I hope that this information is helpful. Also, additional info can also be found in the Producer manual, which can be found in the Help portal (https://help.sap.com/docs/SAP_ENABLE_NOW?task=use_task).