Custom chart templates allow clinics to create flexible, structured documentation tailored to their workflows. Whether for SOAP notes, assessments, treatment tracking, or specialty forms, the Chart Builder provides the tools needed to design charts that support both clinical and administrative needs.
This article introduces the Chart Builder workspace and explains its key features so you can confidently begin creating your own templates.
Looking for step-by-step instructions? See How to Build a Custom Chart Template
Who Can Access the Chart Builder?
Access to the Chart Builder is permission-based.
If you do not see Intake Form & Chart Templates in your settings:
- Confirm that your User Type includes permission to manage forms and charts
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Contact your clinic administrator to request access
Where to Find the Chart Builder
- Go to Settings
2. Under Form & Letters, select Intake Form & Chart Templates
3. Click + New Chart Template
You can then:
- Start From Scratch to build a fully custom chart template
- Select an existing template to modify
Chart Builder Workspace Overview
The Chart Builder workspace is designed to help you create structured, easy-to-use documentation. Below are the primary tools you’ll use while building your chart template.
View Tour
Launch a guided walkthrough that highlights key buttons and explains their functions. This is ideal for first-time users.
Preview Form
See how your chart will appear across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices before publishing.
Settings (Gear Icon)
Configure chart behaviour and appearance including:
- Enabling auto-population for select fields
- Customizing navigation button colours to match your clinic’s branding
Auto-Save
Your progress saves automatically every two minutes. This reduces the risk of lost work while building your chart template.
| Note: Auto-save does not publish your chart template. It only preserves your draft. |
Saved vs Published Chart Templates
Chart templates must be published before they are available for use.
- Saved chart templates remain visible in your Intake Form & Chart Templates
- Published chart templates become selectable within the system and can be used by practitioners
If you make changes to an existing chart template, those updates will not appear to other users until the template is republished.
Understanding How Custom Charts are Built
Chart templates are created using three structural layers: Sections, Rows, and Content elements.
Sections
Sections organize your chart template into logical groupings such as:
- Health History
- Subjective
- Objective
- Assessment
- Plan
Clear sections improve readability for practitioners and streamline documentation.
Rows
Rows sit within Sections and hold your Content elements.
By default, rows display in a single column, but you can choose up to four columns to place multiple elements on the same line.
To adjust columns, click the column icon in the row toolbar
You can also duplicate or delete entire rows or sections using the toolbar icons
- Duplicates the Row or Section:
- Deletes the Row or Section:
Available Content Elements
The Chart Builder includes a variety of content elements to support different documentation styles:
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Heading
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Bold title with optional description
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Body Text
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Insert static instructions or explanatory text
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Long Answer
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Text box for detailed responses
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Short Answer
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Smaller text box for brief responses and works with auto-populate features
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Drop Down
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Space-saving single-choice menu that only shows options when clicked |
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Single Choice
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Visible options where only one may be selected
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Multiple Choice
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Allow multiple selections
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Signature
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Capture digital or typed signatures
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Image
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Upload diagrams or visuals (optionally allow drawing)
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Range/Scale
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Useful for pain scales and ratings
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Date
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Adds a calendar picker
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Spacer
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Creates visual separation between rows
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Spine Graph
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Insert a vertebral column image with aligned spinal segment checkboxes
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Advanced Features
Required Fields
Mark fields as Required to ensure critical information is always captured before a chart can be completed.
Conditional Logic (“Only Show If”)
Display questions dynamically based on previous answers.
Example:
If a patient selects “Yes” to engaging in exercise, a follow-up question can appear asking for frequency and type.
This keeps charts shorter and more relevant for practitioners.
Auto-Populate Options
Certain fields can automatically pull data from the patient profile. This reduces manual entry.
Available for:
Short Answer Fields
- First Name
- Last Name
- Full Name
- Age
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Full Address (includes city, province, country and postal code)
- Address
- City
- Province
- Country
- Postal Code
Date Field
- Date of Birth
Auto-population improves efficiency and helps maintain consistent records.
When Should You Create a Custom Chart Template?
Custom charts are especially useful when your clinic needs documentation that goes beyond standard templates.
Common use cases include:
- Practitioner-specific workflows
- SOAP notes
- Specialty assessments
- Treatment tracking
- Clinics transitioning from paper charts
If your documentation follows a consistent structure then a custom chart template can help standardize data capture across your team.
Next Steps
Now that you understand how the Chart Builder is structured, you’re ready to begin creating your template.
Continue to How to Build a Custom Chart Template for step-by step instructions!