QB Desktop Pro 2021 - template preview displays correctly, layout designer won't display borders

Thank you for the detailed information and for sharing some screenshots, @mtcolombo.

I'm here to help add borders on the Layout Designer window so you can modify your templates easily. Let me guide you through the process.

1. In your QuickBooks Desktop, open the template you want to modify.
2. In the Basic Customization window, click the Layout Designer button.
3. Select each section that doesn't have a border and click Properties.
4. In the Properties window, go to the Border tab and make sure to put a checkmark to the checkbox inside the Border section. You can also choose some options like Rounded Corners, Pattern, Thickness, and Color.
5. Click OK once finished.

I'm adding this article for more guidance: Use and customize form templates.

You might encounter issues while customizing templates. This article will help you fix it: Fix common issues when you use and customize templates.

Should you need any assistance customizing templates, I'm available here to help any time!

Thanks for your reply, however, the borders are selected in the screenshots provided for the template. The borders appear in the basic customization preview, but when I use the layout designer, the borders are not visible. The borders print just fine. They just don't appear in the important layout designer. Not seeing them (even though they are really there) makes it difficult to design the layout. I have to make changes, save, then back out to the basic customization screen to view the actual preview to see if it looks ok, ie are data fields overlapping incorrectly, etc.

I'm basically designing the layout blind because of this.

Thanks for your reply, however, the borders are selected in the screenshots provided for the template. The borders appear in the basic customization preview, but when I use the layout designer, the borders are not visible. The borders print just fine. They just don't appear in the important layout designer. Not seeing them (even though they are really there) makes it difficult to design the layout. I have to make changes, save, then back out to the basic customization screen to view the actual preview to see if it looks ok, ie are data fields overlapping incorrectly, etc.

I'm basically designing the layout blind because of this.

I admire you for sharing some clarifications with us and for going through the troubleshooting steps provided, mtcolombo.

I replicated your concern and was able to see the borders on the Layout Designer page. With this, I'd suggest running the Verify and Rebuild Data utility in the system. The tool scan data issues within the company file and self-resolves them.

To verify data:

1. Open the company file.
2. Click the File tab at the top menu.
3. Select Utilities.
4. Choose Verify Data.

To rebuild data:

1. Open the company file.
2. Click the File tab at the top menu.
3. Select Utilities.
4. Choose Rebuild Data.

Also, I'd recommend updating QuickBooks to the newest release. This keeps the software up-to-date to ensure you always have the latest features and fixes.

If the issue persists, I'd suggest following the troubleshooting steps shared in this article: Fix Data Damage on your QuickBooks Desktop Company File.

Additionally, I've included these articles that'll help you stay informed in personalizing your form and email templates in QuickBooks Desktop. This helps you add the details that matter most to your business:

• Use and Customize Form Templates
• Create Custom Email Templates in QuickBooks Desktop

Please come back and keep me posted on your progress in getting this issue resolved, mtcolombo. It's always my pleasure to help you out again.

I used the 'verify data' option and then the 'rebuild data' option and neither fixed the issue.

I believe the issue is a program issue. The template both prints and previews correctly, but the 'layout designer' won't show the borders on the fields in which they are activated. It's a bit annoying ;)

Hi @mtcolombo,

I appreciate all the efforts you exerted to fix the border in the Layout Designer window. I want to make sure this issue is taken care of.

Before anything else, have you tried using the QuickBooks File Doctor? This can also help fix data issues on your company file. If you haven't yet, you can check out this article for the detailed steps and information: Fix company file and network issues with QuickBooks File Doctor.

If you get the same result after the troubleshooting steps, I recommend contacting our QuickBooks Support Team. This way, they can further look into this border issue in the Layout Designer window and provide additional troubleshooting steps to get this resolved. To reach them, please follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Help icon and select QuickBooks Desktop Help.
2. Click Contact Us.
3. Write your concerns in the description box, then select Continue.
4. Select which one of the support options you'd like to use.

As always, feel free to visit our QuickBooks Community help website if you need tips and related articles in the future.

Our doors are always open to help you again if you need further assistance customizing templates in QuickBooks Desktop. Have a great day ahead.