FLIR Tools+ is a software suite designed for thermal imaging professionals, enabling the creation of detailed reports from infrared data. For users in the United Kingdom, a common query involves the compatibility and use of report templates from older FLIR Reporter software within the newer FLIR Tools+ environment. This article outlines the factual details on template usage, compatibility, and the process for integrating custom templates, based on the provided technical documentation.
FLIR Tools+ has been discontinued, with FLIR Thermal Studio Suite promoted as the long-term software reporting platform. However, many professionals still utilise FLIR Tools+ and seek to migrate or continue using their existing report templates. The key to this process is the use of Microsoft Word template files with the *.dotx format, which serves as the bridge between the older FLIR Reporter and the newer FLIR Tools+ software.
Understanding Template Compatibility
Official documentation confirms that templates from FLIR Reporter versions 8.x and 9.x can be used with FLIR Tools+ 5.12 and 5.13. This compatibility is contingent upon the templates being saved in the modern Microsoft Word *.dotx format. It is important to note that FLIR Reporter templates are not compatible with FLIR Tools+ 6.4; users of this version must create new report templates.
The source material indicates that FLIR Tools/Tools+ has been discontinued, and the FLIR Thermal Studio suite is the designated long-term software platform. Consequently, users planning long-term workflows may need to transition to FLIR Thermal Studio, which includes FLIR Report Studio for template creation and management. Custom infrared report templates created in FLIR Report Studio can also be used in FLIR Tools/Tools+, offering a pathway for future-proofing custom report designs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using FLIR Reporter Templates in FLIR Tools+
For UK professionals wishing to use their existing FLIR Reporter templates in FLIR Tools+, the following verified steps should be followed. This process involves creating a dedicated folder for custom templates and configuring FLIR Tools+ to recognise this location.
1. Prepare the Template Files: - Create a new folder on your computer in an easily accessible location, such as within the 'My Documents' directory. - Copy the relevant FLIR Reporter *.dotx template files into this new folder.
2. Configure FLIR Tools+ Settings: - Open the FLIR Tools+ application. - Navigate to the 'Options' menu. - Select the 'Report' section. - Locate the 'User templates path' setting and click the 'Browse' button. - Select the folder you created in the previous step, which contains your copied *.dotx template files.
3. Verify and Use the Templates: - Once the path is set, any new templates created should be saved directly to this folder to ensure they appear in the software's dropdown menu. - When generating a report, the available templates should now include those from the specified user folder. - If a customised report does not appear in the dropdown menu, verify that the file has been saved with the correct *.dotx file name extension.
For users on specific Windows operating systems, default template folders exist, though the user-defined path method is the recommended approach for organisation and clarity. The default paths are:
- For Windows 7, 8, 10, and Vista: C:\Users\[Your user name]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates\IR
- For Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[Your user name]\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\IR
Creating and Modifying Templates in FLIR Report Studio
For users who need to create new templates or modify existing ones, FLIR Report Studio (part of the FLIR Thermal Studio Suite) provides the necessary tools. The software ships with several default report templates in the *.dotx format, but users can create custom infrared report templates to meet specific customer or project requirements.
The process for creating a new template from an existing one in FLIR Report Studio involves: 1. Starting the FLIR Report Studio wizard. 2. Selecting 'All Templates' from the left pane to view all available templates. 3. Clicking on a report template to see a preview in the right pane. 4. Clicking 'Create from existing template' from the menu. 5. In the 'Select Template' window, choosing the desired base template and clicking 'OK'. 6. Making modifications by adding, removing, or altering objects and their properties. 7. Selecting a category for the new template, which will determine its placement in the wizard's left pane upon saving. 8. Saving the new infrared report template with the *.dotx file name extension.
This functionality allows for significant customisation, ensuring that reports can be tailored to specific branding or data presentation standards. The ability to create a category for a template is particularly useful for organisations that always use a specific template for a particular customer.
Important Considerations for UK Users
While the technical steps for template compatibility are clear, UK-based professionals should be aware of the broader software lifecycle. The discontinuation of FLIR Tools+ means that while current workflows can be maintained, future software updates and support will be focused on the FLIR Thermal Studio suite. Investing time in learning FLIR Report Studio may be beneficial for long-term efficiency.
Furthermore, all software and template usage should comply with the relevant software licence agreements. Users are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate licences for FLIR Tools+, FLIR Thermal Studio, or any other FLIR software they utilise.
Conclusion
In summary, FLIR Reporter 8.x and 9.x templates are compatible with FLIR Tools+ 5.12 and 5.13, provided they are in the *.dotx format. The process involves copying these templates to a user-defined folder and setting the corresponding path in the FLIR Tools+ options. For new template creation or modification, FLIR Report Studio within the FLIR Thermal Studio Suite is the recommended platform, and its templates are also compatible with FLIR Tools/Tools+. Given the discontinuation of FLIR Tools+, UK professionals are advised to consider transitioning to the FLIR Thermal Studio suite for ongoing support and development.