What is Template Helper?
Template Helper is a Microsoft Word add-in that finds placeholder fields in your documents, lets you fill them in through a guided interface, and applies the changes safely back into the document. It also includes a clips system for saving and reusing text across documents.
Key features
- Scan — detect all bracketed placeholder fields in your document with one click.
- Guided fill — fill each field using text inputs, dropdowns, or checkboxes depending on the field type.
- Safe apply — write your values back into the document with an option to keep or remove the original brackets.
- Undo — revert applied changes if something is not right.
- Session restore — pick up where you left off if you close the add-in or switch documents.
- Clips — save selected text as reusable snippets, tag them for easy searching, and import or export clip libraries.
Tabs
Template Helper has four tabs in the task pane:
| Tab | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Scan | Find fields, fill values, and apply changes |
| Clips | Save, manage, and insert text clips |
| Profile | Sign in, accept the EULA, view diagnostics, submit feedback |
| Pro | Information about Pro features and upgrade options |
How it works
- Open a Word document containing bracketed placeholders such as
[Client Name: ]or[Jurisdiction: England | Wales | Scotland]. - Click Find Fields on the Scan tab.
- Template Helper scans the document and presents each field in the task pane.
- Fill in the values — type text, pick from dropdowns, or tick checkboxes.
- Click Apply Changes to write the values into the document.
For a detailed walkthrough, see Scanning Fields.
Placeholder syntax
Template Helper recognises several field formats:
| Syntax | Meaning |
|---|---|
[Label: Value] | Text field with a default value |
[Label: Value | Opt1 | Opt2] | Dropdown field with selectable options |
[{Section Name}] | Section header to group fields |
[{{Collapsible}}] | Collapsible section header |
[Label: <<TODAY>>] | Special date expression (auto-filled) |
Next steps
- Scanning Fields — learn how to find and review fields
- Filling Fields — understand field types and how to enter values
- Applying Changes — write values into the document safely
- Sessions — save and restore scan sessions
- Clips — save and reuse text snippets
- Pro Features — unlock additional capabilities