The ArcReader template is a binary file that stores ArcReader settings, such as window size, screen position, and splash screen. The ArcReader template allows settings from one ArcReader session to be initialized in the next ArcReader session. Although this is useful in the day-to-day use of ArcReader, the ability to create and deliver custom templates allows you to give your users a consistent experience.
An ArcReader template file is created when you exit ArcReader. The template file, ArcReader.art, is written to \<user>\Application Data\ESRI\ArcReader\Templates. All the ArcReader settings used in the session are stored in the template file.