Document Template Mgr - Continues to create docs in Word 97-2003 format

We have had GIFTS/Blackbaud Grantmaking for many years (way back when it was Riverside Grants).  Our document templates continue to create in Word 97-2003 format even though we haven't had that version since . . . well, 2003.  BB doesn't seem to be able to fix the issue.  They say it has something to do with our Office settings. But, a customer service person peered through our settings and said that was not the issue.  Has anyone been successful in figuring this out?


Amy Alva

Stewardship Foundation

aalva@stewardshipfdn.org

Comments

  • It definitely isn't an Office setting. We have Word set to create .docx files by default but BBGM ignores that and creates .doc files. 


    Would be interested to know if it can be changed and if so, how.  We have tried converting the template in document manager and saving it in the hope that new documents would be .docx but no such luck.
  • I'm bookmarking this conversation. I would like to know what changes can be made.


    Sheree
  • 1/16/2020  Update following online "chat" support with BB."When the template is generated it's going through and essentially saving a blank document as part of the creation process.  This document is being created in .doc format, this leads me to believe that this is hard coded into Document Template Manager."  Which means BB cannot update the coding. 


    I asked if BB was working on a new version (as I hadn't heard anything for a long while about Sky View) and when that might be rolled out, since we have been hearing more about Silverlight being terminated by Microsoft along with IE. I would hope BB was getting close to a final version of the new program.  She did think it would be helpful if users were to suggest adding a feature that allows you to change the save format in Document Template Mgr within the new Sky View version while it is still in development phase.  URL is  https://community.blackbaud.com/products/fimsandgrantmaking/ideas/).


    So that leaves us to continue two additional clicks to click a drop down menu and click on the file type when saving a document.

    Amy
  • This has been the same for us as well and it is nerve wracking to say the least!! What I really don't understand is why is Blackbaud not working on this and or if they are why are we not hearing about the status?  Seems to be bit antiquated, with the countless clicks to say the least, they still want us to open documents in the 97-2003 Word format!!
  • We have this issue too! And it's even more challenging now that OneDrive doesn't recognize .doc files and has to convert them everytime. Did anyone create a suggestion on this through their ideas portal (or whatever it's called)?