9th Apr AMA: I'm Sarah Jacobs, Xplan optimisation expert and product manager, Ask Me Anything!

Hi michael.ryan – thanks for the question, and I completely understand where you're coming from! Template creation can feel like a bit of a barrier if you're not familiar with Xmerge, so it’s a very fair point.

While there aren’t any confirmed plans for a specific solution at this stage (like a 'builder'), we’re actively exploring ways to make the template creation and editing experience more accessible in the future. It’s definitely an area we know could be improved, so watch this space.

In the meantime, here are a few tools and resources that might help you get started without needing custom development:

• Xword Toolbar
  A handy Word add-in that helps you find and insert basic Xmerge codes into your templates more easily. You can install it from within Xplan by going to:
  Admin > Site > Templates > Reporting Tools > XWord v2
• Xmerge Library
  Available in the Iress Community, this is a great resource for accessing a wide range of pre-built Xmerge codes—from pulling client data (like Assets or Insurance) to generating tables from modelling tools like WealthSolver, Risk Researcher, and Xtools+.
• Tech Services Support
  If you'd like help building more complex templates, our Tech Services team is available through the Xmerge Connect tile in the Iress Connect Portal (note: this may attract a cost).