Designing custom templates in NamicSoft Portal can be both powerful and rewarding. To help you make the most of this feature, here are some tips and tricks that can streamline your template development process.

1. Explore Existing Templates

Search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click on it, and choose “Run as administrator”.

• Start with Research: Before creating a new template from scratch, explore the templates that come with NamicSoft Portal. These pre-designed templates can serve as great examples or inspiration.
• Look for Similar Data: Identify if any of these templates display data similar to what you intend to present. This can save you time and provide you with a tested layout to work from.

2. Utilize Content Controls

Search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click on it, and choose “Run as administrator”.

• Copy What Works: Once you find a template that closely matches your needs, you can copy the relevant Content Controls from it.
• Paste into Your Template: Insert these controls into your own template. This method is often more efficient than creating new controls from scratch.

3. Customize Content

Search for PowerShell in the Start menu, right-click on it, and choose “Run as administrator”.

• Adjust the Design: Modify the copied Content Controls to fit the aesthetic and layout of your new template. This might include changing fonts, resizing tables, or tweaking text alignments.
• Tailor the Data: Customize the Content Controls to present the specific data you need. This could involve editing text or altering the structure of data representations like charts or tables.

4. Craft Your SQLite Queries

• Start Simple: Begin with the simplest SQLite query that meets your initial requirements. Given that complex queries can be more challenging to debug, it’s advantageous to start with basic queries and gradually enhance their complexity as needed.
• Iterative Testing: Each time you modify your query, save the changes in your template and test it by generating a report in NamicSoft Portal. This iterative approach is crucial for identifying and resolving issues step by step. It helps ensure that each query modification contributes positively to the overall function of your template.
• Debugging Tips: Bear in mind that debugging in template design can be a bit tricky, especially since error messages may not always provide clear guidance. To effectively navigate this, adopt a strategy of making small, incremental changes and consistently testing them. This method allows for more precise identification of where any issues might be occurring, facilitating a smoother debugging process.
• SQLite Lab: Leverage the SQLite Lab feature in NamicSoft Portal to test your SQLite queries against your current assessment. This feature allows you to experiment and refine queries without affecting live data.