To create a report template

Create an Open Document Text file with placeholders for Netfabb to fill

Note: Creating templates requires compatible third-party software such as The Document Foundation LibreOffice (https://www.libreoffice.org/). In these articles, LibreOffice version 25.2.1.2 in US English on Windows 10 with EN-US locale is used.

Two types may be placed in a report template:

• Named variable
• Image

Named variables must first be defined invisibly in a location where they do not interfere (a "Set variable" step). This is where Netfabb actually deposits the value in the report document. Then the fields are set up where the actual values are to be displayed (a "Show variable" step).

Image fields do not require a definition step like named variables do. Their fields are set up directly in the places they are to show up. They do, however, require a placeholder image that must be prepared in advance.

Both named variables and images are given names so that Netfabb knows what to put into the placeholders. For a list of accepted names refer to the Creating reports reference.

Controls for setting up and placing named variables and their fields

Fields are placed with the Fields dialog of LibreOffice Writer.

Opening the Fields dialog

1. From the main menu choose Insert > Field > More fields.
2. Select the Variables tab.

From here you can alternate between positioning the cursor in the main document window and defining new or selecting existing variables.

Tip: The Fields dialog does not block navigating or editing in the main document window. The dialog can be kept open or moved out of the way while fields are being defined or placed.

General steps for placing a field

1. In the Fields dialog, define or select a variable.
   Note: At this point, the Insert button may be disabled and grayed out. This is not an issue as it will become available in the next steps.
2. Click in the first line of the document and place the cursor where the field should be put.
3. With the input cursor placed in the desired position, click in the Fields dialog again.

   The Insert button is now active.

4. Click Insert.
5. Once all fields are placed, click Close.

Tip: To help with placing and identifying fields, enable View > Field shadings. Additionally, you may enable View > Field names, but double-check that field definitions really were set up as invisible by turning Field names off again.

Display of field names disabled but field shadings enabled

Display of field names and field shadings enabled

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