There are two ways that you can create a new layout template: 1) You can save an existing layout as a template or 2) You can create a layout template from scratch.
To learn more about saving an existing layout as a template, click here. To create a new layout template from scratch, read on below!
To get started, head on over to your Layout Templates page, which you can find in your Business Settings.
To get there, click on the Business Settings Icon menu, which you'll find towards the top right of your Pro Dashboard.
Once in your Business Settings, navigate to the Templates tab and then select Layouts from the left hand column. Next, follow the steps below to create your first layout template!
Step 1: Create a Venue Folder
First thing's first - let's get organized! Prepare for creating your layout templates by adding venue folders to organize your templates in. To create your first venue folder, click on the gold Add Venue button to create a new layout FOLDER and name your venue.
Pro Tip: If you're an event pro who works at different locations, create folders for each of the venues you work at the most so that you can create multiple layout templates within each.
If you're an event pro who exclusively works at one location, you may want to create folders for the different spaces at your venue.
You can create as many folders as needed AND you can drag and drop to reorder them into place.
Step 2: Create A New Layout Template
Once you've created your folders, you can add new templates within a specific folder by clicking the gold PLUS sign that appears to the right of each folder. This will drop you into your layout editor.
The first thing you'll want to do is give your new template a name for future reference. Naming your templates is important, so you won't have any challenges finding the right template that you need down the road. You'll also want to add a description and perhaps some key search terms so you are able to find the type of layout based on a variety of different criteria.
Step 3: Import Your Layout Template
Although you can create a layout from scratch using the the Insert menu to draw your layout, if you have an official layout or floor plan from the venue, you can upload that layout directly into your layout template.
Using the Insert tool, select Image and choose the layout you wish to upload in either PDF, jpg, or png formats.
Step 4: Set The Scale
Once your venue's floor plan is in place, in the Shape menu, go ahead and set the scale. After setting the scale, we recommend locking it in place to minimize accidentally moving it around as you design your layout on top of it either here as you work in your template, or after you import the layout into your project. To lock your uploaded floor plan, click to select your floor plan, and then lock it within the Shape menu.
If you need to adjust or move your floor plan backdrop while it's locked, just double click to select it and move as needed.
Step 5: Save Your Template
To save your layout, click Done in the upper left corner. You've just created a good base layer for this venue that's set to scale that you can then use to create copies from to design additional templates for specific layout configurations that you might use often.
Step 6: Create Variations Of This Template
Now that you have a solid base template for this venue to build from, you can easily create
different layout configurations by creating a copy and adding more elements, such as tables and other equipment/decor items.
Pro Tip: Create variations of a layout to fit different needs, such as:
Guest count (layout for 50 vs layout of 100)
Table types (round tables vs. long tables vs. a mix of both)
Type of event (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, classroom, etc.)
To create a copy of your base layout, click on the double pages icon to the right of the layout template you wish to copy.
From there, rename your template and edit the description and keywords:
After you create your layout, click Done.
Pro tip: You can organize your layouts in anyway you like. We like to organize our folders by Venue Name and then create templates within each as needed. You can also drag and drop your folders and layout templates to reorder!
