How to Prepare Your Word Template for Repeating Data

Instructions

1. Create the Template Layout

• Start by designing your Word template as you normally would. Determine where the repeating data will appear (e.g., in tables, bulleted lists, or paragraphs). Ensure that each instance of the repeating data will have the same layout and formatting to maintain consistency across repeats.
  
  

2. Use Content Controls for Fields

• Insert content controls for each piece of data that will repeat. These could be text fields, checkboxes, or dropdowns, depending on your requirements.
• For repeating data, ensure that the content control is correctly formatted and positioned in the layout to accommodate future repeated data.
  
  

3. Ensure the Repeatable Section Is Set in the Form

• Before proceeding with the template, ensure that the associated form is set up with the necessary repeatable sections.
• Go to the form’s Section Properties and make sure the Repeatable checkbox is ticked. This will indicate that the section is designed to repeat in the document.
• If your form requires different conditional rules for singular/plural data, or specific text concatenations (e.g., individual vs. company), set these up in the form as well.
  
  

4. Set Up the Layout for Repeating Data

• Decide on the layout for each repeated section. For example, if you're repeating a list of plaintiffs, you'll need to set up a table with rows for each repeat instance.
• Ensure that you include appropriate markers (such as paragraph returns or row end markers) to indicate where each repeat will go. This ensures the data will be formatted correctly in the final document.
  
  

5. Apply Conditional Rules

• Apply conditional rules to each content control in your template. This will allow you to define how the data should be displayed depending on the type of repeat (e.g., whether it's a person or a company).
• Use the Word Add-In to apply these rules by selecting the appropriate field, then navigating to the More Menu and applying the correct repeat rule (e.g., Plaintiff ).
  
  

6. Check and Save

• After setting up your template, preview it to make sure that everything is aligned and formatted correctly.
• Once satisfied with the layout and formatting, save your template. You’re now ready to apply and test repeating data fields.
  
  

Common Issues & Solutions

• Issue: Data repeats in the wrong place or order.
• Solution: Ensure that the layout is correct, with proper markers for row end or paragraph breaks. Also, check the conditional rules to ensure that the data is applied to the correct fields.
  
• Issue: Formatting issues when the data repeats.
• Solution: Double-check your formatting settings, including table properties and list styles, to make sure the repeated data will inherit the correct format.