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Templates

Template Data

Import, export, and replace product template files using IDML and .pn formats.

Template Data is a dialog on the product edit page that lets you import, export, and replace the template file attached to a product. It supports two formats: Adobe InDesign IDML files for importing professionally designed templates, and PrintNow's native .pn format for transferring templates between installations.

Accessing Template Data

  1. From your Unified Admin, go to Products > Product List.
  2. Open a product for editing.
  3. In the right sidebar, click Actions > Template Data.

The Template Data dialog appears with three options.

Options

OptionFormatDescription
Attach IDML template file.idmlReplace the current product template with a new Adobe InDesign IDML file. The existing template structure is overwritten — text items, image items, and drawing spaces are re-created from the IDML content. See IDML Templates for the full InDesign workflow.
Import Print Editor template file.pnReplace the current template by uploading a .pn file previously exported from a PrintNow installation. The .pn format preserves all item properties, permissions, and canvas configuration.
Export Print Editor template file.pnDownload the current product template as a .pn file. The export includes all pages, items, properties, and thumbnail images.

Attach IDML Template File

  1. Select Attach IDML template file.
  2. Click Select File and choose an .idml file.
  3. Click Upload.

The IDML file is parsed and the product's template is replaced. This overwrites all existing drawing spaces, text items, and image items. After replacing, you should:

  • Open the Item Manager to verify the new template structure
  • Use Admin Mode to reconfigure item permissions if the template structure changed

Import Print Editor Template File

  1. Select Import Print Editor template file.
  2. Click Select File and choose a .pn file.
  3. Click Import.

The .pn file replaces the current template with all canvas objects and properties intact. This is the preferred method for:

  • Migration: Moving templates between PrintNow installations (e.g., staging to production)
  • Restoration: Restoring a previously exported template backup
  • Sharing: Distributing template designs across different storefronts

Export Print Editor Template File

  1. Select Export Print Editor template file.
  2. Click Export.
  3. The browser downloads a .pn file containing the complete template.

The exported file is a ZIP archive containing XML layout data and thumbnail images. Store these files for backup or use them to import templates into other products or storefronts.

Template Data for Layouts

The Template Data dialog is also available for Layout categories. From the Layouts page, click Template Data on any layout category's action menu to access the same import/export functionality for layout templates.

Layout Template Data supports:

  • Import Print Editor template file: Upload a .pn file to add a layout template to the category.
  • Export Print Editor template file: Download the layout category as a .pn file.

Note: The IDML option is not available for layout template data — layouts are imported via the Add File dialog on the layout items page.

Associations

AreaEffect
ProductsTemplate Data is accessed from the product edit page sidebar via Actions > Template Data. It is disabled for global shared copies — only the source product can have its template replaced.
AreaEffect
IDML TemplatesThe "Attach IDML template file" option is one of two ways to import IDML — the other is during initial product creation. Template Data is used when updating an existing product.
Product SetupAfter replacing a template, the Print Editor tab settings (editor mode, fonts, layouts, etc.) should be reviewed to ensure compatibility with the new template structure.
LayoutsLayout categories have their own Template Data option for importing and exporting layout templates.
  • IDML Templates — the InDesign workflow for creating templates imported here
  • Item Manager — verify template structure after importing or replacing a template
  • Admin Mode — reconfigure item permissions after a template replacement
  • Product Setup — review editor settings for compatibility with the new template
  • Products — access Template Data from the product edit page sidebar
  • Layouts — layout categories also support Template Data import and export

Admin Mode

Configure template item properties directly on the canvas — tag names, editing permissions, sizing constraints, and template proxies.

Layouts

Manage pre-designed layouts customers can apply to products in the Print Editor.

On this page

Accessing Template DataOptionsAttach IDML Template FileImport Print Editor Template FileExport Print Editor Template FileTemplate Data for LayoutsAssociationsPrint StorePrint EditorRelated Pages