Training module (SI): Using the Project Tab

In this module, you will learn the layout of the project tab, and the different kinds of document versions stored within.

Tutorial

The project tab is the workspace in which you will draft and manage your document.

It shows you different versions of the document, organised in folders.

There are three different kinds of document versions:

Working versions: drafts that you can view and edit.
Snapshot versions: read-only versions of a document, created when you take certain actions (such as saving or generating a PDF). They are associated with specific working versions.
Significant versions: read-only versions of a document, created when you Share your document with another organization, mark it as ‘Signed’ or mark it as ‘Submitted to TNA’. These are associated with the project.

See the annotated screenshot below.

Watch the first two sections of the following video for information on the Project tab (0:05) and Opening and closing documents in the editor (4:02).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnUmnW647u0

Further information

See Documents and folders on the Project Tab for more detailed information.

Exercises

Getting started

Before you start the exercises, you will need a project ready and open on the project tab.

If you already have a project ready, you can move on to the exercises below.

If you don’t have a project ready, follow the steps below.

How to create a new project

Log in to the Lawmaker Training environment (link here).
From the Dashboard, create a new project. (See Creating a new project for details.)
Select the document type that you are most likely to work with. For Sub-type, select Regulations (for convenience).
Give it a memorable title such as[Your name] - Training project.
From the project tab for your new document, select Document Actions > Import from legislation.gov.uk. (See Import legislation from www.legislation.gov.uk for details.)
Give the document a clear Version Description, e.g., the name of this Training module.
Import one of the following documents, depending on your document type:
- Northern Ireland Statutory Rules: The Horticulture Pilot Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
- Welsh Statutory Instruments: The Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Maintained Primary Schools) (Wales) Regulations 2025
- Scottish Statutory Instruments: The Sheep Carcase (Classification and Price Reporting) (Scotland) Regulations 2025
- (UK) Statutory Instruments: The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2025
Stay on the project tab, and save and close any Editor tabs you have open.

Exercise 1 - Open a working version from the Project tab

Open a working version in the Editor from the Project tab.

Then make a small change, then save and close it.

Instructions to open and close a working version

Click the edit (pencil and box) icon to the right of the working version tile (next to the Actions menu). The working version will open in another tab.
Make a small change. E.g., put your cursor in a provision (or in the ‘body’ placeholder), then press Enter, then select ‘Regulation’, and fill in the blank placeholders.
To close, press the ‘Close Editor’ button in the top left of the Editor view.
You will be prompted to save or discard changes - select ‘Save changes’.

Exercise 2 - Open a snapshot version from the Project tab

Open and close the Snapshot version that was created when you saved the document in the last exercise.

Instructions to open a snapshot version

Go to the working version that you opened in the last exercise.
To open the snapshot versions, click the triangle to the left of the working version title.
Find the saved version, which should be titled ‘AUTO-RECOVER - Document Saved’.
Click on the open icon (i.e. a document page) to the right of the tile (next to the Actions menu).
To close, press the ‘Close Editor’ button in the top left of the Editor view.

Exercise 3 (optional) - Create and open a significant version from the Project tab

This is an optional exercise as it requires some extra set-up.

First, generate a PDF of your working version from the Project tab, by selecting Actions > Generate PDF. In the dialogue window, press Generate.

Then, find the snapshot version for the PDF. (If unsure, see the instructions 1.-3. for Exercise 2 above.)

Then, next to the snapshot version, select Actions > Update document status to ‘Signed’. Click Update. (Don’t worry that the document isn’t actually ready to be signed - all this does is creates a record of its ‘signing’.)

A significant version should be created, visible on the right.

Now, open and close this new significant version.

Instructions to open a significant version

Follow the instructions provided to create a significant version.
Click on the open icon (i.e. a document page) to the right of the tile (next to the Actions menu).
To close, press the ‘Close Editor’ button in the top left of the Editor view.