Why are there no free flatplan templates online?
I started a new job this week and it's been all sorts of exciting and energising which is fabulous.
But an obstacle arose and one way to help people is by solving problems you have faced, since they may well have encountered them too, so I thought I'd elaborate on it here.
The Problem
I'm overseeing two digital magazines at a B2B publisher and as part of my first week, I wanted to acclimatise to the way things work but also gather some resources to have on hand for the role.
One of the key tools I wanted to find was a free editable flatplan template online.
A flatplan is a planning tool used in publishing, particularly for magazines.
It reflects the layout of a publication with blank rectangles representing the pages.
Editors rely on flatplans to see the broad sweep of their work as they assign pages, place adverts and work with the flow of the 'book'.
I searched around and I found some paid platforms like flat-plan.com and flipsnack.com but for the time being I wanted a free solution.
I thought there might be something at Microsoft Office Templates. But the only real option was too zoomed in or a simple Gantt chart instead, not an overview of several pages or the entire magazine which is the whole point of a flatplan.
There was a useful free document provided by The Former Editor, but it was in a PDF format.
Yes, if you have the paid-for Adobe software you could edit it.
Yes, you could print it and draw on it.
But as someone without a printer or an Adobe subscription, I continued my search.
The Solution?
Long story short I haven't, for now, found one.
But I like the idea of trying to create my own solution and use it as a learning moment, then sharing it with others if it works.
I toyed with the idea of making it on Microsoft Excel or Canva which I have some familiarity with using.
The other option is Microsoft Publisher, a tool I have never used but it might be useful to learn.
Watch this space.
Are you interested in a free blank flatplan template or do you know someone who might be?
EDIT:
Several organic visitors have landed at this blog post and by way of an update, I have since created a free editable blank flatplan for you to download below.
Benjamin Craske
Let me know if it's useful in the comments below or ping me a message on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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