I just noticed this old post. I suspect that the original poster is long gone, but someone might be interested.
It's been years, but to the best of my recollection the format for templates is simply another .fti file. If that file is imported as a template, then it is not modified or saved with the new icon, but acts as a reference layer.
By the way, I see that someone has developed a Java based .fti editor. The user interface is a bit different than IconSmith. It's available for download in the Apps section of this website:
http://www.aquaphoenix.com/#Software
It's been years, but to the best of my recollection the format for templates is simply another .fti file. If that file is imported as a template, then it is not modified or saved with the new icon, but acts as a reference layer.
By the way, I see that someone has developed a Java based .fti editor. The user interface is a bit different than IconSmith. It's available for download in the Apps section of this website:
http://www.aquaphoenix.com/#Software