Is there a template system in Vega Pro? That is, a way that I can create a lower third with placeholder text. I'd insert this into the video and give it text for that instance.
Now, if I edit the template later, all my instances of that template would take that update. That is, I don't want to copy-paste the template contents, but link to them instead.
This happens for example, if I add titles to a video and then need to make a change. I don't want to manually update every title.
There are a few ways to do this. Maybe the least complicated is to save only the lower third as a project, changing the text and using it as a nested event in your production timeline. I don't know if Production Assistant is still around, but there are several scripts to make this more automated, I think Vegasaur would be worth a try.
I see how nesting would share a project, but how can you modify the text for just that instance?
As I understand your question, you want to create a template with some common information and an area to customize. Then if at some point you change the common information, then you want each instance of the template to update but not change the custom information. If this is what you want, there is no way to do this in Vegas. Each title/graphic event is stored as a unique event. Unless someone can write a script.
Vegasaur support the changing of text appearance. Font, size, etc. from selected events can be customized later. However, if other presets are applied, the text would be also replaced by placeholder text. It's not exactly what you're looking for, but it's often helpful.
I see how nesting would share a project, but how can you modify the text for just that instance?
Just modify the text in the lower thirds project each time.
I see Production Assistant is still viable. Look into it.
"I see how nesting would share a project, but how can you modify the text for just that instance?"
1) Nest your template project into your current project.
2) In Project Media, Right + Click on the nested template project.veg.
3) From the context sensitive menu, select Edit in Vegas (template project.veg). A new instance of Vegas will start.
4) Edit your template project and Save As a new name associated with your current project and into a folder associated with your current project. Don't overwrite your template project. The file size is trivial so don't worry.
5) In Project Media in your current project, select template project.veg, Right + Click and select Replace.
6) Navigate to the location of project containing the changes you just made and select it. All events on the timeline will have the characteristics of the recently edited nested project.
7) Repeat the process for all changes needed in this session, renaming the different versions and replacing at the Project Media or Event level.
Perhaps, Vegas Pro 17 makes it easier with built-in nesting, but the process is much less complicated than it sounds. All you have to do is stay awake while you're working, a requirement that's getting harder and harder for me to meet.