| Overview |
If you need a customised accounts production template — for example to add your firm's specific notes or to adapt the layout for a particular client type — you can create one by cloning an existing default template. This article explains the cloning process step by step.
| ⚠ Important: Do not make changes directly to a default template. Changes to default templates cannot be reverted and may cause errors across all accounts using that template. Always clone the template first and make changes to the clone. |
| ⚠ Important: You are responsible for maintaining any templates you create. When a new tax year template is released, you will need to repeat the cloning process using the new year's default template as the base and apply your customisations again. |
| Step 1 — Identify the Template to Clone |
Choose the default template that is closest to what you need as your starting point:
- Go to Administration > Report and Template Design > Accounts Production Templates.
- In the right-hand window, browse the available default templates.
- Select a template and click View/Edit Template on the left window to preview it.
- Identify the best default template for your requirements — ensure you select the correct taxonomy for the tax year you are producing accounts for. If unsure, use the template with the newest year date.
- Do not make any edits at this stage — this step is for identification only. Close the template view when done.
| Step 2 — Clone the Template |
- Go back to Administration > Report and Template Design > Accounts Production Templates.
- In the right-hand window, select the default template you want to clone.
- Click Clone Template on the left window.
- Enter a unique name for your new template.
- Click the Save button on the top toolbar to save the clone.
| ✔ Tip: Give your cloned template a descriptive name that makes it easy to identify — for example 'FRS102 Small Company — [Your Firm Name] Standard'. This avoids confusion with the default templates. |
| Step 3 — Edit the Cloned Template |
- With your newly cloned template selected in the right-hand window, click View/Edit Template.
- Make the changes you require — for example adding custom notes, adjusting headings, or modifying the layout.
- Save your changes using the Save button.
| Step 4 — Publish the Template |
The template must be published before it will appear in the template selection dropdown when creating year-end accounts:
- Save your changes and close the template editor with the X button.
- You will be returned to the Accounts Production Templates summary window. If not, go back to Administration > Report and Template Design > Accounts Production Templates.
- Select your cloned template in the right-hand window.
- Click Publish Template on the left window.
- Your template will now appear in the template selection dropdown when creating a new set of year-end accounts.
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Q: My cloned template is not appearing when I create new year-end accounts — what should I check?
A: Confirm the template has been published. A cloned template only appears in the dropdown after it has been published via the Publish Template button.
Q: A new default template has been released — do I need to redo my clone?
A: Yes. When a new year's template is released, clone the new default and re-apply your customisations. Your old clone will continue to work for existing accounts but will not have the updated taxonomy.