XSL stands for eXtensible Stylesheet Language, and is used to control the presentation of XML data files. Workbooks outputs data in an XML file. When you click Generate PDF on a quotation, order, invoice etc. Workbooks "merges" the XML and XSL template files to create an output document PDF. So if you change the XSL template then your output will be formatted differently. Workbooks is configured as standard with a default XSL template called unified.xsl - you can use it as the basis for your own customised templates.

Those familiar with XML and HTML may be comfortable making changes to the XSL template in a text editor. Those less familiar with XML and HTML can contact Workbooks directly and specify the required changes. Template changes are outside the scope of day-to-day support and therefore are made on chargeable basis.

Downloading an XSL file

To download the XSL file, navigate to Start > Configuration > PDF Templates > PDF Templates and click on the filename for one of the existing templates, ie, click on unified.xsl.

XSL files are text files and as such they are editable in any basic text editor, such as Notepad (Windows > Start > Run > Notepad). However if you have access to something more advanced such as a programmer's or web designer's text editor - which can "fold" blocks of text - you will generally find things much easier. If you want to start "from scratch" you can use a dedicated XSL template editor, such as XF Designer.

When you've made your required changes, remember to save your file (ensuring you save it as an .XSL file).

Uploading an XSL file

You cannot replace a standard template that uses the unified.xsl file with another file BUT you can create a new PDF template using your amended XSL file, as follows; Navigate to Start > Configuration > PDF Templates > PDF Templates and click Add Custom PDF Template.

Give your new template a name and use the dropdown menu next to Document Type to control which sort of record will use the template. If you have more than one Own Organisation you can also control which one uses this template.

To upload your XSL file, click Browse next to Replacement XSL File and navigate to wherever you've saved your XSL template. NOTE: This will only work if you've saved the file with an .xsl suffix.

Click Save & Close.

Remember to test your template out by opening an example of the type of record you want to use the template against and generating the PDF there. You may need to return to your text editor, make further amendments and upload the amended .xsl file.