> #### How to create a template report item

> 1 | Create or open a template.

> 2 | Add a report item to the layout, or select an existing item in the layout. For example, Figure 20‑3 shows a text item inside a table item and its appearance in the Outline view.

> Figure 20-3 | Standard appearance of text element and its icon

> 3 | Right-click the report item, and choose Create Template Report Item.

> 4 | On Create Template Report Item, type instructions to the report developer. These instructions explain how to use the report item. Figure 20‑4 shows an example of some instructions.

> Figure 20-4 | Providing instructions for a template report item

> 5 | Choose OK.

> The report item now appears in the layout as a template report item. The template report item displays an icon that is appropriate to the type of report item and the instructions that you provided. In Outline, the report item’s icon changes to be a template item icon. Figure 20‑5 shows how a text element appears after conversion to a template report item.

> Figure 20-5 | Text element as a template report item

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