For a high-level process overview, please refer to the Overview of Custom Templates article. This article provides a detailed view of the template creation process.
What We Need to Build Your Template
To create your custom template, please provide us with two documents: a final example and a blank template.
1. The Filled Example (The "Mock-Up")
This document should look exactly like your desired final product. It’s a visual guide for our team that shows us what you want to create.
Please include:
Sample images and text.
The exact layout, fonts, colors, and branding you expect.
2. The Blank Template (The "Blank")
This version shows our system where to place your content. Instead of sample text and images, you will use placeholders.
For Images: Leave a blank frame or placeholder box where images should go.
For Data: In place of text (like a project name or description), type the name of the corresponding OpenAsset data field.
IMPORTANT: Matching Your Field Names
The field names you use in your blank template must exactly match the field names in your OpenAsset system. This is how our system knows which data to pull into your document.
Example: If your field in OpenAsset is named Project Name, you must use Project Name in the template. Using Project Title will not work.
Please double-check your field names. Any mismatches will cause delays in completing your template.
File Format Requirement
Both the "Final Example" and "Blank Template" files must be in the format of the program you want the final template to be in.
For example: If you need a template for InDesign, please provide us with two .idml or .indd files. If you need a PowerPoint template, provide two .pptx files.
Example filled document
Example blank document
Template Creation: Timeline & Revisions
Here’s what you can expect after you submit your custom template request.
Project Timeline
First Draft: You can expect to receive the first draft of your template approximately 6 weeks after your request is submitted.
Client Review: After we deliver a draft, your team will have 2 weeks to review it and provide feedback.
Please note: The 6-week timeline is an estimate and may vary depending on our team's current project queue.
The Revision Process
Your custom template purchase includes up to 3 rounds of revisions to fine-tune your document. The process is simple: we send you a draft, and you provide feedback.
What’s Included in a Revision Round
To keep your project on track, each revision round can include a set of minor adjustments. Any requests that significantly change the original scope will be treated as a new template project.
A revision can include any of the following:
Move up to one visual element (e.g., moving an image from the right to the left side).
Add up to one new data field that wasn't in the original request.
Swap up to two data fields.
Add or Edit up to one conditional rule (e.g., hiding a headline if the data for it is blank).
Tips for Providing Clear and Effective Feedback
To ensure a smooth and fast process, we recommend the following:
Consolidate Your Feedback: Please gather all notes from your team and submit them together in one comprehensive request for each revision round.
Share with Your Team: The main point of contact should circulate the draft internally to ensure all key stakeholders have a chance to give input.
Use Screenshots: The best way to show us what you mean is to include screenshots with your notes to highlight any issues or desired changes.
Submitting Multiple Template Requests?
We welcome requests for multiple templates at once. To ensure the highest quality and consistency across your documents, we work on them sequentially—meaning we will finalize one template before beginning the next.
Our Approach: Perfecting One at a Time
This one-at-a-time process is designed to save you time and effort. By focusing on getting the first template exactly right with you, we can establish a solid foundation for the rest. Once you approve the final version, we can apply the same logic and design to your other requests, which prevents repetitive revisions and ensures a consistent result.
For example: If you request three similar project sheets, our team will work with you to complete the first one from start to finish. After you've approved it, we will then move on to the second template, and finally the third.
As a result, the delivery timeline for each template begins after the previous one has been finalized. We find this method is the most efficient and effective way to deliver high-quality, consistent documents for your team. Please note that this also applies to template revisions; if you submit multiple revisions, our team will complete one before moving onto any others.
Custom Template Costs & Pricing
Templates Included with Your Subscription
Many OpenAsset subscriptions include a set number of custom templates. Feel free to reach out to your Account Manager for more information on the amount of templates included within the first year of your specific subscription. Please be aware of the following:
First-Year Use: These complimentary templates must be used within the first year of your subscription.
No Rollover: The credits for these templates do not carry over into subsequent years.
Purchasing Additional Templates
You can purchase new templates at any time. Each template is subject to a one-time development fee.
To get started, please contact your Customer Success Manager or Account Manager.
Pricing per Template:
USD: $1,200
GBP: £800
AUD / CAD: $1,500
EUR: €1,000
A Note on Revisions
Out-of-scope revisions will be treated as new template requests, and may incur fees per the pricing matrix above.