Using Templates
Templates in HeyDonna provide pre-formatted document structures for different types of legal proceedings. They ensure your transcripts meet court formatting requirements.
What Are Templates?
Templates define:
- Document structure - Cover page, certification, exhibits index
- Formatting rules - Speaker labels, Q/A format, indentation
- Placeholders - Case name, date, court reporter name
- Page layout - Margins, line spacing, headers/footers
Available Templates
Standard Deposition
For depositions and witness examinations:
- Q/A formatting with proper indentation
- EXAMINATION / FURTHER EXAMINATION headers
- Witness certification section
- Exhibit index
- Reporter certification
Court Hearing
For court proceedings and hearings:
- DIRECT/CROSS/REDIRECT examination headers
- Judge and court official labels
- Case caption formatting
- Court certification
Custom
Start with a blank slate and build your own format.
Applying a Template
During Project Creation
- Create a new Legal project
- Select a template from the dropdown
- The template structure is applied to your transcript
Changing Templates
To apply a different template:
- Go to Project Settings
- Select a new template
- Confirm the change
Note: Changing templates may affect existing formatting.
Template Sections
Cover Page
The cover page includes:
- Case caption (parties, case number)
- Court information
- Date and location
- Volume number
Appearances
Lists all parties and their counsel:
- Attorney names and bar numbers
- Party representation
- Contact information
Proceedings Section
The main transcript content:
- Examination headers
- Q/A formatting
- Speaker identification
- Colloquy sections
Certification
Reporter certification includes:
- Reporter name and credentials
- Date of proceeding
- Certification statements
- Signature block
Exhibits Index
Lists all exhibits:
- Exhibit number/letter
- Description
- Page marked
- Page received (if applicable)
Placeholders
Templates use placeholders that are filled automatically:
| Placeholder | Description |
|---|---|
{{CASE_NAME}} | Full case name |
{{CASE_NUMBER}} | Case/docket number |
{{DATE}} | Proceeding date |
{{LOCATION}} | Venue/location |
{{COURT_REPORTER}} | Your name |
{{WITNESS_NAME}} | Current witness |
How Placeholders Work
- Enter project details when creating the project
- Placeholders are automatically filled
- You can edit filled values in the document
- Values sync across all occurrences
Template Formatting
Q/A Format
Templates apply proper Q/A formatting:
Q Did you see the defendant?
A Yes, I did.Speaker Labels
Legal templates format speaker labels:
MR. SMITH: Objection, your Honor.
THE COURT: Overruled.Examination Headers
Headers are formatted based on proceeding type:
Depositions:
EXAMINATION
BY MR. JONES:Hearings:
DIRECT EXAMINATION
BY MS. SMITH:Best Practices
Choose the Right Template
- Deposition - For single witness questioning
- Hearing - For court proceedings with multiple parties
- Custom - When standard templates don't fit
Fill Out Project Details
Complete all project information:
- This enables automatic placeholder filling
- Saves time on repetitive entry
- Ensures consistency throughout
Review Template Sections
Before exporting:
- Check all placeholders are filled
- Verify section order is correct
- Review formatting in each section
Troubleshooting
Template Not Applying
If formatting doesn't appear:
- Ensure project type is Legal
- Check a template is selected
- Try re-selecting the template
Wrong Placeholders
If placeholders show incorrect values:
- Go to Project Settings
- Update the project details
- Placeholders update automatically
Missing Sections
If template sections are missing:
- The section may be optional
- Check template documentation
- Add sections manually if needed