Taking Advantage of Dragon Templates
In the Dragon voice recognition system, templates allow you to paste text you already typed or dictated. Whether you create a review of systems report, a set of instructions, or a form letter, the Dragon template enables you to use that same block of text again and again. Most Dragon for Windows and Dragon for Mac applications come with template commands—but not all of them. Be sure to check with your certified Dragon reseller before making a purchase. Please note: For the purposes of this article, we’re going to focus on Dragon for Windows template functionality, though much of the same functionality is available on the Mac.“Auto-texts” vs “Text and Graphics”
Depending on which version of Dragon speech-to-text you’re using, you will see templates referred to in three ways:- Text and Graphics Commands
- Auto-texts
- Text Macros
MyCommand Name
This is where you give your template a name, which you will use as a voice command. Try to use multiple words, and choose a phrase that you wouldn’t normally dictate otherwise.Command Type
Choose “Text and Graphics” to create a Dragon template.Content
Here’s where you paste, type, or dictate whatever you want to appear in your template.How to Create a Dragon Template
If you have your text already typed up, you can select it and use the command “Make that a shortcut.” When you do, a new template command will pop up, with your text in the “Content” field. To learn more, check out our step-by-step instructions to create a Dragon template.When to Use Dragon Templates
If you use voice dictation regularly, you probably know which blocks of text get repeated. These blocks are perfect for a Dragon speech template. Here are some examples:- Medical reports
- Letters
- E-mail responses
- Forms
- Instructions
- Boilerplate text
What Are Variable Fields?
In a Dragon speech recognition template, variable fields are places where you can fill in information specific to that part of your template. With voice commands, or using a programmable microphone, you have the ability to move from one field to the next. You can even put text in a variable field as a sort of “default value.” For example, if you had a new client form, part of your template could look like this: Client Name: [ ] The square brackets let Dragon know you want to use a variable field. When you call this template up in Dragon Medical One, the application can be configured to jump to your first variable field, allowing you to get started quickly.What Are List Variables?
In Dragon voice recognition, list variables allow you to add a field to the title of your template command. That field gives you access to a list of words and phrases that you configure. Once you have it all set up, you can use an item from your list as part of your command phrase during dictation.Dragon Template Troubleshooting
If you’re trying to use your Dragon template in a specific application—like your EHR, Microsoft Word, or Google Chrome—and it’s not working:- Does your version of Dragon support the program?
- Does your operating system support the version of Dragon you have?
- Does the application need a Dragon plug-in? Is it installed?
- Does Dragon have full text control within the application?