Overview
The block-based template editor is a new way to build and customize proposal templates in ArcSite. Templates are composed of individual blocks that you can add, reorder, and configure to create professional output documents. A live PDF preview on the right side of the editor shows how your template will look as you build it.
Availability
Supported Platforms: Web (UserSite)
Subscription Requirement: Estimate or Enterprise
Who Is This For?
Any ArcSite user who creates or manages proposal templates for their company.
Feature Guide
What It Does
The block editor lets you build templates by assembling individual content blocks. Each block represents a section of your output document. You can drag and drop blocks to reorder them, configure each block's settings, and see changes reflected in the live preview.
Where to Find It
Navigate to Settings > Templates > Proposal Templates and click Create Block Template.
How to Use It
Starting a Template
Choose a starting point when creating a new template:
Blank Template — build from scratch
Pre-built templates — start from a provided layout like the default Proposal Template
Create with AI — upload an existing PDF and let AI convert it into a block-based template
Note: The AI PDF import flow is covered in detail in Creating a Proposal Template from a PDF with AI. If you're starting from an existing document, start there.
Adding Blocks
Once in the editor, the left panel shows an Insert menu with two tabs: Blocks and Variables. Click any block to add it to your template. Available blocks are organized into three categories:
Data Blocks — Product List, Bundle List, Takeoff Table, Payment, eSignature, Drawing Image, Location Based Photos, Logo Image, Cover Image, Image, Conditional Checkbox
Snippets — Cover Page
Conditionals — Conditional Block, Conditional Text
Text and Formatting
For text and heading content, click directly in the editor canvas to type and format. A toolbar appears with options for paragraph style, font size, bold, italic, underline, strikethrough, alignment, text color, clear formatting, and links.
Configuring Data Blocks
For data blocks like Product List, Payment, and Drawing Image, click the gear icon on the block to open a control dialog where you can configure what information is displayed and how it is laid out.
Variables
Switch to the Variables tab in the Insert panel to add dynamic data that auto-populates from project and client information. Variables like Client Name, Client Address, Company Phone, Sales Representative, and more appear as labeled tags in the editor and fill in with real data when a proposal is generated.
Naming and Organizing Blocks
On complex templates with many blocks, the Table of Contents (TOC) panel helps you navigate and manage your layout.
Rename a block from the TOC — click directly on a block's name in the TOC list to edit it inline
Rename from the block's edit modal — open any block's settings and use the Block Name field at the top
Custom names replace the generic block type label in the TOC. The block type appears as secondary text underneath (e.g., "Scope of Work — Paragraph")
Newly created blocks default to their block type name until renamed
Styling
Click the Style button in the top bar to choose a theme preset. Three themes are available:
Simple — sans serif font, minimal color use, primary brand color applied to table headers and divider sections, all other text in black, balanced whitespace
Craftsman — serif font, refined color palette, wider padding and more whitespace for a polished, formal feel
Modern — sans serif font, vibrant colors, tighter padding and less whitespace for a bold, contemporary look
The Color swatches next to the Style button let you set the accent colors used throughout the template. These pull from your company's brand colors if configured.
Note: To set up your company brand colors, see Setting Up Company Branding for Proposals.
Page Setup
Click Page Setup in the top right of the editor to configure page size, margins, and header and footer options.
Previewing and Publishing
The right side of the editor shows a live PDF preview that updates as you make changes. When your template is ready, publish it to make it available for your team in the field.
FAQs & Troubleshooting
Q: What happens to my existing templates? Existing templates created with the legacy editor continue to work. The block editor is a separate option available alongside the legacy builder.
Q: Can I convert a legacy template to the block editor? There is no direct migration tool. However, you can export an existing proposal as a PDF and upload it through the Create with AI option to recreate it as a block-based template. See Creating a Proposal Template from a PDF with AI for details.