The standard library
Templates that ship with Specbook and how to keep your library tidy.
Specbook ships with a small set of standard templates seeded into your workspace. They cover the common build types so the team has somewhere sensible to start on day one.
What ships
The standard library currently includes:
- Standard Duplex, two-unit build with the typical Noura Homes Duplex layout.
- Standard Triplex, three-unit build with the Triplex layout.
These appear at the top of the template picker on the New project screen.
Why they exist
Without the standard library, your first project would start from a blank workspace and you'd have to build out the unit list, group structure, and starter items by hand. The standard library is just an opinionated starting point, feel free to deviate.
Should I customize the standard library?
You can't edit standard library templates directly, they're seeded from the system. If your team's standard build differs from the seeded version, the workflow is:
Start a new project from the standard library template that's closest.
Adjust the units, columns, items, and groups until they match your team's standard.
Save it as a new template, call it something like "Noura Standard Duplex" so it's clear it's your team's version.
Train the team to use yours instead of the seeded one (or rename the seeded one's display label after).
Keeping the library tidy
A few habits that pay off as your library grows:
- Name templates clearly. Build type + configuration. Premium Duplex with Suite beats Project 23.
- Add descriptions so team members can scan and pick the right one.
- Delete stale templates that don't reflect current practice. Old templates create confusion at the picker.
- Periodically refresh. Once a year or when a major standard changes, take your most-used templates, start fresh projects from them, update them, save as new templates, retire the old.