Template Troubleshooting Guide

Quick solutions to common template issues to keep your design workflow running smoothly.

When templates aren't working as expected, it can disrupt your entire team's workflow. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide provides step-by-step solutions to the most common template problems, helping you resolve issues quickly and prevent them from recurring.

What You'll Find Here

  • ✅ Solutions to the most common template problems
  • ✅ Step-by-step diagnostic procedures
  • ✅ Prevention tips to avoid future issues
  • ✅ When and how to contact support effectively

Most Common Template Issues

Templates Not Appearing in Library

Symptoms:

  • Template missing from user's template library
  • Search results don't show expected templates
  • Recently shared templates not visible

Diagnostic Steps:

  1. Check sharing permissions in template settings
  2. Verify template status (not archived or deleted)
  3. Confirm user access to template categories
  4. Test with different user account to isolate issue

Solutions:

  • Permission Issue: Update sharing settings to include affected users
  • Group Access: Add user to appropriate user groups
  • Archive Status: Unarchive template if accidentally archived
  • Cache Problem: Clear browser cache and refresh page

Prevention:

  • Test template sharing before announcing to team
  • Use group-based permissions instead of individual sharing
  • Regularly audit template permissions and access

Smart Fields Not Working

Symptoms:

  • Smart fields don't appear when editing documents
  • Field values don't update or save properly
  • Error messages when trying to use smart fields

Diagnostic Steps:

  1. Verify field type matches content type (text field for text, image field for images)
  2. Check element locking - locked elements can block smart field access
  3. Test in different browser to rule out browser-specific issues
  4. Confirm template permissions allow editing

Solutions:

  • Field Type Mismatch: Recreate the smart field with the correct type
  • Locked Elements: Unlock elements or adjust locking settings
  • Browser Issues: Use Chrome (recommended) or clear browser cache
  • Permission Problem: Ensure user has "Can Use" or higher permissions

Advanced Troubleshooting:

  • Check if smart fields are properly named and configured
  • Verify that default values are set appropriately
  • Test smart fields with simple content first
  • Review field help text for clarity

Prevention:

  • Always test smart fields before sharing templates
  • Use descriptive field names that indicate expected content
  • Provide clear default values and help text
  • Document smart field usage for complex templates

Images Missing from Templates

Symptoms:

  • Gray boxes where images should appear
  • Broken image icons or placeholders
  • Images display for admin but not for users

Diagnostic Steps:

  1. Check brand assets to ensure images are still uploaded
  2. Verify image file permissions and sharing settings
  3. Test image formats (PNG, JPG, SVG are supported)
  4. Confirm network connectivity and loading speeds

Solutions:

  • Missing Brand Assets: Re-upload images to brand assets library
  • Permission Issues: Check file permissions and sharing settings
  • Unsupported Format: Convert images to supported formats
  • File Size Issues: Optimize large images for web use
  • Network Problems: Try loading on different network connection

Emergency Fix:

  • Replace missing images with placeholder images temporarily
  • Use low-resolution versions until high-res images can be restored
  • Document which templates need image restoration

Prevention:

  • Regularly backup brand assets and important images
  • Use web-optimized image formats and sizes
  • Avoid deleting images that are used in active templates
  • Implement image naming conventions for better organization

Template Loading and Performance Issues

Symptoms:

  • Templates load slowly or not at all
  • Browser freezes when opening templates
  • Timeout errors during template access

Diagnostic Steps:

  1. Check template complexity - too many elements can slow loading
  2. Verify image file sizes - large images cause slow loading
  3. Test browser performance in incognito/private mode
  4. Monitor network connection speed and stability

Solutions:

  • Complex Templates: Simplify design or break into multiple templates
  • Large Images: Optimize image file sizes before uploading
  • Browser Issues: Clear cache, update browser, or try different browser
  • Network Issues: Test on different network or wait for better connectivity
  • Creative Studio Conflicts: Switch between Creative Studio and traditional view

Performance Optimization:

  • Keep templates under 50 elements when possible
  • Optimize images to under 1MB each
  • Use vector graphics (SVG) when appropriate
  • Minimize use of complex animations or effects

Prevention:

  • Design templates with performance in mind
  • Regular template audits to identify slow-loading templates
  • Train team on image optimization best practices
  • Monitor template performance metrics

Template Conversion Problems

Symptoms:

  • "Convert to Template" option grayed out or missing
  • Conversion process fails with error messages
  • Template appears to convert but doesn't save properly

Diagnostic Steps:

  1. Check document status - ensure document is saved and finalized
  2. Verify user permissions - need appropriate admin rights
  3. Review document complexity - very complex documents may fail conversion
  4. Test network stability during conversion process

Solutions:

  • Permission Issues: Ensure user has template creation permissions
  • Document Problems: Save the document, refresh, and try again
  • Complexity Issues: Simplify the document before converting to a template
  • Network Issues: Ensure a stable internet connection during conversion
  • File Size Issues: Reduce document size by optimizing images

Workaround:

  • Create new document and rebuild simplified version
  • Convert sections of complex documents into separate templates
  • Contact support for assistance with large or complex conversions

Prevention:

  • Plan templates before creating complex designs
  • Test conversion on simple documents first
  • Keep template designs focused and streamlined
  • Regular saves during document creation

Creative Studio Specific Issues

Symptoms:

  • Creative Studio interface won't load
  • Bulk actions fail or timeout
  • Scheduling features not working properly

Diagnostic Steps:

  1. Check browser compatibility - Chrome recommended for Creative Studio
  2. Verify account permissions for Creative Studio access
  3. Test with smaller selections for bulk operations
  4. Confirm scheduled template settings and time zones

Solutions:

  • Interface Issues: Clear browser cache, try incognito mode, or use Chrome
  • Bulk Action Failures: Reduce selection size, check template permissions
  • Scheduling Problems: Verify time zone settings and future dates
  • Access Issues: Confirm Creative Studio is enabled for your account

Creative Studio Best Practices:

  • Use bulk actions on 10-20 templates at a time for stability
  • Allow extra time for large bulk operations to complete
  • Test scheduling with single templates before bulk scheduling
  • Keep Creative Studio browser tab active during bulk operations

Systematic Troubleshooting Approach

Step 1: Identify the Problem

  • Document specific symptoms and error messages
  • Note when the problem started occurring
  • Identify which templates are affected (all, specific ones, or new ones)
  • Determine which users are experiencing issues

Step 2: Gather Information

  • Browser and operating system details
  • Template names and IDs (available in Creative Studio)
  • User accounts affected and their permission levels
  • Steps taken before the problem occurred

Step 3: Basic Troubleshooting

  • Clear browser cache and cookies
  • Try different browser (Chrome recommended)
  • Test with different user account
  • Check template permissions and sharing settings

Step 4: Advanced Diagnosis

  • Test in incognito/private browsing mode
  • Check Creative Studio vs. traditional interface
  • Verify network connectivity and speed
  • Review recent changes to templates or settings

Step 5: Solution Implementation

  • Apply most likely solution first
  • Test solution thoroughly before announcing fix
  • Document what worked for future reference
  • Monitor for recurring issues

Prevention Best Practices

Template Design Guidelines

  • Keep templates simple and focused on specific use cases
  • Optimize images before uploading to templates
  • Test smart fields thoroughly before sharing
  • Use consistent naming conventions across all templates

User Training and Communication

  • Provide clear instructions for template usage
  • Train users on smart field functionality
  • Communicate template updates and changes
  • Establish support procedures for template issues

Regular Maintenance Schedule

  • Weekly: Monitor template usage and performance
  • Monthly: Audit template permissions and access
  • Quarterly: Review and optimize template library organization
  • Annually: Comprehensive template system evaluation

Quality Control Processes

  • Test templates before sharing with team
  • Have backup plans for critical templates
  • Document template specifications and requirements
  • Maintain version control for important templates

When to Contact Support

Contact Support Immediately For:

  • System-wide template failures affecting multiple users
  • Data loss or corruption in templates
  • Security concerns with template access
  • Billing or licensing issues affecting template access

Contact Support After Self-Troubleshooting For:

  • Persistent issues that basic troubleshooting can't resolve
  • Complex permission problems involving multiple user groups
  • Creative Studio functionality that's not working as expected
  • Template performance issues that impact productivity

Information to Include When Contacting Support:

  • Specific template names and IDs (easily found in Creative Studio)
  • Detailed problem description with exact error messages
  • Steps to reproduce the issue consistently
  • Browser and operating system information
  • Screenshots or screen recordings of the problem
  • Whether you're using Creative Studio or traditional interface
  • Which troubleshooting steps you've already attempted

Support Response Expectations:

  • Live Chat: Immediate response during business hours for urgent issues
  • Email Support: Response within 24 hours for detailed technical issues
  • Priority Support: Available for enterprise accounts with critical issues

Quick Reference Diagnostic Checklist

Template Not Loading:

  • Clear browser cache and refresh
  • Try different browser (Chrome recommended)
  • Check internet connection
  • Test with different user account
  • Verify template isn't archived

Smart Fields Not Working:

  • Check field type matches content type
  • Verify elements aren't locked
  • Test in different browser
  • Confirm user has proper permissions
  • Review field setup and configuration

Images Missing:

  • Check brand assets library
  • Verify image file formats are supported
  • Confirm file permissions and sharing
  • Test image loading on different network
  • Re-upload missing images if necessary

Permission Problems:

  • Review template sharing settings
  • Check user group memberships
  • Verify account licensing status
  • Test permissions with admin account
  • Confirm template isn't restricted

Performance Issues:

  • Check template complexity and size
  • Optimize large image files
  • Test in incognito mode
  • Try different network connection
  • Switch between Creative Studio and traditional view

Most template issues can be resolved quickly with systematic troubleshooting. When in doubt, start with the basics: clear cache, try a different browser, and check permissions.