How do I create custom report templates using Microsoft Word and Excel?

Tools > More > Edit User Templates

AppliCad Roof Wizard allows you to create custom report templates using Microsoft Word or Excel instead of the default CAD templates. This provides greater design flexibility and familiarity for users who prefer working with Microsoft Office applications.

The software first looks for Microsoft Word (.DOC or .DOT) or Excel (.XLS or .XLT) templates with specific names. If found, these will be used instead of the default CAD templates stored in the RoofWiz.dab database file.

Important compatibility requirements:

⚠️ Important: Do not change the order of standard templates or add new templates above the standard list. Add custom templates below the standard list only.

To create custom templates with different names, use these CSV files:

Access these through Tools > More > Edit User Templates to add new custom reports to your print options list.

Menu path: Tools > More > Define Print Options

Pre-set which reports print by default to streamline your workflow. Once configured, simply select OK when printing and all selected reports generate automatically.

Templates use two types of text:

Example:

There are hundreds of available key text strings for different data fields. Plan your template by deciding what information to include, then add the appropriate key text strings for variable data.

###RoofImage[n]

Use ###RoofImage[n] to control what appears on roof drawings. Add switch values together to get the desired combination:

Examples:

###WallImage[n] works similarly for wall reports with these switches:

For custom images:

Quick image capture:

* Only available with Solar Wizard module

Adjust image spacing using ImagePad.DAT file in the user folder. Default setting is 1000 (1 metre). Increase padding for more space around images, but this makes the roof image smaller and text harder to read.

Changing the padding from 1000 to 4000 results in more space, but smaller text.

When you select Print from Supply Only or Supply+Install:

Customize table appearance using tableformats.csv file:

Width formatting:

Modify report names while maintaining functionality:

⚠️ Important rules:

Line items are values generated by the software and displayed in the Reporting > Supply Only or Supply and Install dialog box.
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Using Line Items is a standard function of the software and is typically used to extract values for your reports based on calculated values using the Line Items where the value will vary with each job and quotation calculation.

Extract calculated values for Word/Excel reports using ##LI strings (two # signs, not three):

Format: ##LI_

_

_

Subcategories:

The structure is:

##LI_<Category>_<Sub-Category>_<Line-Number>
where the use of the underscore between each element in the key text string is essential.

Examples:

Further examples of the use of these strings in your template might be:

Where the cover material product code, the description and the quantity for three different cover materials on the job cost summary are shown in your report, followed by two types of flashing.

Embed calculations in text using this format:

%CALC []:

Example: To add 10% to total price:
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"The total price for you is %CALC [###totalinctax + ###totalinctax / 10]:2"
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If ###totalinctax was $3000, this will display $3300.00