NATSPEC Template word styles or what is the coloured writing?

NATSPEC worksection Template styles

NATSPEC worksection Templates are provided as MS Word files with an attached MS Word Template dot.m file. The NATSPEC Templates are structured in a hierachy of clauses, subclauses, paragraphs, prompts, tables and schedules. The text has been formatted using MS Word styles - a predefined combination of font style, colour, size, spacing and in some cases numbering. This allows:

- Consistent appearance of headers, paragraphs, tables and schedules, headers and footers. 
- Easy navigation due to hierarchy of headings. (Use Outline view for an overview of the contents of a worksection).
- Easy formatting of additional text.
- Automatic renumbering of headings.
- Easy creation and updating of Table of Contents.

NATSPEC template guide

 

Some important, but possibly unfamiliar, styles in the NATSPEC Template include

Normal style text and Headings
Normal style text and Headings are used for most text. It is the default text and is addressed to the contractor. 

Guidance style text (green and boxed) 
Guidance style text is addressed to the specifier only. It is a form of MS Word Hidden text. See NATSPEC TECHnote GEN 029 for information on design and specification guidance in NATSPEC text, including how show, hide, print and delete hidden text.

Optional style text (blue with a grey background)
Optional style text is text that specifiers may consider incorporating into the specification in some instances. Optional style text is accompanied by Guidance on when the Optional style text may be appropriate. It is another form of Hidden text that can be incorporated into the specification if changed to Normal style.

Prompt style text (brown text)
A [complete/delete] prompt indicates project specific requirements or selections are to be included. Delete the [complete/delete] prompt if not required. The specifier can also search for the [complete/delete] prompt MS word style to make sure that prompts have been either completed or deleted.

Keyword (title) or Key 
All paragraphs and prompts with a Keyword or Key phrase followed by a colon. They are Normal style text and effectively a fifth level heading although the NATSPEC.dotm file does not recognise this. They support brevity of text and the unique indexing of each paragraph in the NATSPEC hierarchy.