Applying Templates
Templates streamline proposal creation by providing pre-defined structure and styling. Here's how to use them effectively.
When Creating a Proposal
Selecting a Template
- Start creating a new proposal
- In the template dropdown, select your template
- Sections are automatically created
- Begin generating content
No Template
You can also create proposals without templates:
- Start with blank structure
- Add sections manually
- Create custom organization
What Templates Provide
Structure
Templates define:
- Standard sections
- Section order
- Required vs. optional sections
- Section descriptions
Content Guidance
Each section includes:
- Description of what to cover
- AI generation instructions
- Suggested word count
- Example content (optional)
Styling
When you export, templates apply:
- Document formatting
- Header and footer
- Cover page design
- Font and color choices
Customizing Template Usage
Adding Sections
Even with a template, you can:
- Add custom sections
- Reorder sections
- Remove optional sections
Modifying Sections
Adjust template sections for this proposal:
- Change section titles
- Update descriptions
- Modify AI instructions
These changes affect only this proposal, not the template.
Template Recommendations
By Proposal Type
Choose templates based on:
- Client type - Government vs. commercial
- Proposal size - Simple vs. comprehensive
- Industry - Healthcare, IT, engineering, etc.
- Response type - Full proposal vs. letter
By Business Line
If you have business lines configured:
- Templates can be line-specific
- Recommendations based on line
- Appropriate branding applied
Switching Templates
Before Content Generation
You can switch templates freely before generating content.
After Content Generation
Switching after generation:
- Section structure changes
- Content may need to be remapped
- Some content could be lost
Recommendation: Choose your template before generating.
Template Variables
Templates can include variables that auto-fill:
{{client_name}}- Client from RFP{{project_name}}- Project title{{deadline}}- Submission date{{company_name}}- Your organization
See Template Variables for complete list.
Favorites
Mark frequently used templates as favorites:
- Go to Templates
- Click the star icon on a template
- Favorites appear first when creating proposals
Best Practices
Choosing Templates
- Match template to opportunity type
- Consider client preferences
- Check section requirements
- Review before starting
After Applying
- Review suggested sections
- Remove unnecessary ones
- Add any missing sections
- Customize descriptions if needed
For Consistency
- Use templates for similar proposals
- Train team on template usage
- Update templates based on feedback
- Document when to use each template
Troubleshooting
Template not appearing?
- Check your permissions
- Ensure template is active (not archived)
- Refresh the page
Sections missing?
- Template may have changed
- Check template version
- Add sections manually
Styling not applying?
- Export to see styling
- Check template style settings
- Verify export format settings