Many Grapher users repeatedly plot the same type of data, in the same data ranges, for the same areas, as the same type of plots with the same plot settings. Creating a template from a graph is an easy way to keep the preferences and customizations of a graph layout for recurring use. You can apply the same types of settings commonly used for certain types of plots, such as titles, line type, weight, color, axis labels, tick marks, or any other part of the graph. After you create a template in Grapher 8, the template may be used to create a new graph that references any compatible data set. The Grapher file must be saved with the GRT file extension to be used as a plot template in future projects. You can save time and effort and produce consistent, publication-quality graphs every time using a template.

An example of a complex template is shown below. This image contains a set of graphs detailing the percentage of unoccupied rental units per region. The template also contains a MapViewer map, showing regions in the United States from which the data was collected. The template file can be opened using any data file. This makes it easy to produce an identical graph for a quarterly or yearly report that is produced. The template stores all of the information about the graph, including plot settings, axis properties, titles, text, and legend. The plot is then updated with the new data, allowing for an easy comparison between multiple data sets.

A sample Grapher 8 template designed to accept ranges of temporal data.

Creating the Template
Creating a template is easy in Grapher. In the plot window, you first create the graph as detailed and customized as you want. The settings are all preserved when you save to a template file.

1. Create the type of graph you want to appear using the Graph menu commands.
2. Design the graph to the exact desired final layout specifications. Include all plot types, line styles, line colors, line weights, legend formats, drawn text, graph titles, and any other items you want included in the graph.
3. Save the project as a Plot Template using the File | Save As command.
   1. Type in any File name.
   2. Change the Save as type to Plot Template (*.grt).
   3. Click the Save button to save the file.
   
   Change the Save as type to Plot Template (*.grt) in the Save As dialog.

Creating a New Plot From The Template
Using the saved template, new data can be loaded to create a new graph with the same format. The key to successful template usage with different data sets is formatting each data set exactly like the original data that was used to create the original template plot. Grapher 8 will look for the same data columns and rows, and update all fit curves to plot the new data. To use the template to create a new plot:

1. Select the File | New command.
2. In the New dialog, select Plot. Check the Prompt for Template box and click OK.
   
   In the New dialog, check the Prompt for template box to select the template file.

3. In the Open dialog, select the template you previously created and click the Open button.
4. The next set of dialogs will prompt you for the data that each plot needs to create the graph.
   1. If all of the plots use the same data file, you can check the Use this worksheet for remaining items box at the bottom of the dialog.
   2. If the data sets differ in which columns are used, you can check the Set columns box to be prompted for the columns for each plot.
   3. The dialogs are named with the title of the linked plot, as shown below.
   4. After selecting the correct data file and any options, click the Open button.
5. Repeat the previous step, as necessary. The number of dialogs will vary depending on how many different plots are in the graph and the options you select.
   
   Notice that the dialog title references the plot from which it was created.

After selecting all of the corresponding data, the plot will open and display the new data. The next image shows a comparison of the template filled with two different data series. Notice the graph layouts look exactly alike, except for the data being displayed in the plots.

      
Comparison of two graphs, displaying different data, created from the same plot template.