Template vs Starter File

[NB_12315363]

Version: Windchill 11.1

Use Case: I wish to officially understand, by PTC, what is the different between the 2 terms

Description:

Hello,

I'm new to Windchill and during the learning process and trainings by my company I noticed that that the term "Template" is delivered as something that refers to a file that has already been created and often contains completed structures and existing content that can be modified as needed while preserving the original document. These files are meant to be used as a starting point when creating similar documents, allowing for customization and slight modifications.

and the term "Starter file" refers to a base file designed to serve as a working template that includes formatting, structure, and fixed content (such as logos, tables, and permanent headers) intended for reuse in new documents. The goal is to create a standardized file that everyone in the organization can use as a foundational document.

Maybe it's just me but I believe that someone in my company may did a mistake.

Can you please verify if the terms described by my company is right/legitimate or completely wrong?

[VladimirN · Accepted solution]

From "Help Center" - "CAD Document Templates and Creo Parametric Start Parts": https://support.ptc.com/help/windchill/plus/r12.0.2.0/en/index.html#page/Windchill_Help_Center/ProEWCIntegAHCADDocTempltProEStartPart.html 

[Hari_Vara]

Hi,

Start Files are a legacy thing before the Windchill days. Still they are supported.

In a pure CAD environment, without Windchill, Designers store the pre-populated "Start File" in network drives and point them whenever new CAD files are created. The same practice is still followed in "CAD First " Scenarios., the difference now a days is that the Start files are located in a "Library" in windchill and the CAD environment directly points to them. 

In a way, instead of network location, its now a windchill location, for which all users have Read access

Templates are usually in a "CAD second" scenario or you create CAD from Windchill UI instead of CAD environment.

"CAD Second" scenario comes when you create a Windchill Part first and then create a CAD for that, in this process windchill uses only the templates.

BOTH serve the exact same purpose. The end result is same.

Another important thing is that "Template" is for documents too, and a whole lot of other adminstrative objects, for example ECN.

Template is a Windchill-wide thing.

Hope this helps!

Cheers

Hari

[vnamboodheri]

Hello @NB_12315363, 

It looks like you have some responses from some community members. If any of these replies helped you solve your question please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution. 

Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please let the Community know so other community members can continue to help you.

Thanks,
Vivek N.
Community Moderation Team.