Datebook categories and icons or alternatives to DB5?

[CroCo]

I am using DBK5 for a while now, but I am no "poweruser". As my calender gets more and more filled up with data now, I would like to optimize my useage a bit. Especially by beeing able to filter data and get a quick optical overview by colorcodes or icons for certain events.
I use categories and icons for certain repeating kinds of events, such as seminars, conferences... . So, is there a way to setup templates for such instances. e.g. I setup a template for seminars, that has a certain font, color-code, Icon and of course the according category? Then adding a new seminar doesn´t have me clicking around a lot and setting the icon, category and colors each time there is a new seminar event? (I am not talking about repeating events...)
I guess it is not possible, but if, mybe someone could elucidate me. Or maybe you know of a great app that allows that...just tell me about it.

[applejosh]

You can create templates using DB5. I use them all the time, and they can have things such as icons, categories, etc. It is also possible to set up saved views to allow you to look at specific categories, etc. for a more ordered view.

Check the DB5 manual at Pimlico's site (www.pimlicosoftware.com) or take a gander at the Yahoo! group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pimlicodatebk/).

[mikegehl]

I, too, would strongly encourage you to read the full manual (the one that's not included in the zip file, but is available from the Pimlico site referenced by applejosh above).

Here's the basics of creating a template for your seminars.

1) Create a new seminar event. Name it <<3 day seminar>> or some similar description. (Note that the angled brackets (chevrons) are two separate brackets on either side of the text. This will remind you what the template does, but when you actually use the template, it'll create a blank event and you can type whatever text you want.) Adjust the time (or leave it untimed), category, icon, colors, and repeat details as desired.

2) Tap on your new event (so the cursor is flashing on it), tap the menu button and select "Save Item as Template" (command v).

3) Delete all occurances of the event you created in step #1.

Now to insert the template, tap on the "T" button on the bottom of your DB5 screen. Tap on the name of the seminar template you created. If you set it up correctly, you should be able to type whatever text you like and it will retain all the characteristics of the original event you set up in step #1. Note that the text will appear black until you tap somewhere outside of the event itself. Then it will turn to the color you chose.

If you want to create other similar templates based off of that one, just go to January 1, 2020, make a copy of the template and adjust the details accordingly.

Mike

[mikegehl]

To give you an idea of how I use templates, here are some examples...

1) Various semi-regularly occuring meetings ("Conference @ <<location>>")
2) "Library books due!" - with an advance float set
3) "Record <<program>>"
4) "Buy <<movie>> on DVD
5) "Meet with <<person>>"
6) "Appointment w/ Dr. <<name>>"

[magicboy]

Outstanding! See what you can learn from this forum (or if I would just RTFM!)? Thanks.

[CroCo]

Thanks guys! I´ll try that AND read the manual ;-)...sometimes it IS better to read it I guess, but most often I am going with try and error...