A system for generating photomask orders in a specified format includes at least one template or order for entry and storage of photomask order data, wherein the at least one template or order is created based upon requirements of a specified photomask order format. The system includes at least one set of rules corresponding to the at least one template or order, wherein the set of rules includes instructions which insure that a user enter complete information into the at least one template or order as required by the specified order format. The templates or order may be further comprised of components and/or subcomponents which can be stored separately. The data fields in the orders, templates, components, subcomponents, etc. may reference specification grades which can in turn be easily modified to update one or more orders, templates, components, subcomponents, etc. simultaneously.