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SumpThink /

Preparation

Template: SumpThink369_2013mm.dot
SumpThink369_2012mm.dot

The production of SumpThink is eased by the use of a document template. The following provides hints and tips on how to customise the document for each issue.

Document properties, showing subject to be updated

The entire template can be customised to update the look and feel of SumpThink, see below for details.

A document template provides SumpThink with the basic styles, layout, and content to make preparation quicker and easier. It also provides a framework that provides consistency between issues, while allowing ongoing improvements through updates to the template.

SumpThink can be produced using Word or another compatible (and free) word processor such as LibreOffice Writer.

To get started download the template. Then edit it as required to produce an edition of SumpThink. Save the edition using the naming convention below.

Download template

To download the template right mouse button click on the template link and choose Save Link as... or Save Target As....

Note
The SumpThink file is named SumpThink###_yyyymm where ### is the issue number, and yyyymm the year and month.
  • download the SumpThink document template

show instructions for word 2003

Document properties (Word 2003 or earlier)

The document properties are used to alter the issue information (number, month, year) in one place and have it change in the several places where it is used in the document.

  1. open the File | Properties
    • update the Summary information field
      • Subject Custom document properties, showing issue information to be updated
    • update the Custom information fields
      (after changing each value be sure to click the Modify button)
      • issue number
      • issue month
    • close the Properties dialogue box
  2. to update all fields in a document, click Select All on the Edit menu, and then press F9.
  3. to update all the fields in the header and footer File | Print Preview the document

Styles and formatting

Styles allow a single update to a style to consistently apply formatting to the document.

Some heading styles

The template uses Styles. To view the Styles click on Format | Styles and Formatting.

To change a style move the cursor over the style and click on the triangular arrow that appears.

When these are changed they will update all places in the document where they are used.

Showing how to modify a style

hide instructions for word 2007

Office Button, Prepare, Properties

Document properties (Word 2007 or later)

The document properties are used to alter the issue information (number, month, year) in one place and have it change in the several places through the document.

  1. click the Office Button and choose Prepare Properties Custom document properties, showing issue information to be updated
    • update the Summary information field
      • Subject
    • update the Custom tab information fields
      (after changing each value be sure to click the Modify button)
      • issue number
      • issue month
    • close the Properties dialogue box
  2. to update all fields in a document, click Select All on the Home tab, and then press F9.
  3. to update all the fields in the header and footer Office Button | Print Preview the document

Styles and formatting

Styles allow a single update to a style to consistently apply formatting to the document.

Some heading styles

The template uses Styles. To view the Styles click on Format | Styles and Formatting.

To change a style move the cursor over the style and click on the triangular arrow that appears.

When these are changed they will update all places in the document where they are used.

Showing how to modify a style
Save SumpThink as a PDF document using Word 2007 or later

Create pdf

Convert SumpThink to PDF format using

If using LibreOffice there are small differences in the rendering of pages minor adjustments may need to be made to the original document to retain the same pagination and layout.

Distribution

The PDF version is then

  • uploaded to the website, you can do this yourself or email it to the webmaster
Copy and paste the previous line
  • copy, paste, and update the line for the current edition of SumpThink
  • save the page
  • click on the new link to upload the SuimpThink
  • notification of the availability of is sent to the SumpThink email list

Updating the template

The template itself can be updated by, after saving it locally, right mouse button clicking on it and choosing Open (rather than New). After making the changes and saving them locally upload the changed template (.dotx file) to the website.

Replacing the current version of the template

To do this click on the top right Attach menu item on this page. You can either upload a version with a new file name, or by clicking on the Δ symbol replace the existing template.

Best article competition

At the AGM a competition is held for the best SumpThink article, based on popular vote.