How to Create Microsoft Word Templates GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > MS Office
How to Create Microsoft Word Templates
Make your own Word templates to save time, but plan them out first
By James Marshall James Marshall Writer James Marshall is a pro journalist who covers technology and computer troubleshooting. He is also skilled with Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, and other word processors. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on April 16, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Word Excel Powerpoint Outlook What to Know
Create a prototype template, then go to File > Save As. Next to File name, give your template a descriptive file name.Select the Save as type drop-down arrow and choose Word Template. The file path changes to the default template location.Select Save. Your document is now saved as a template with the file extension .dot or .dotx. This article explains how to create a template in Word, including invoices, packing slips, and form letters. Instructions in this article apply to Word 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010; and Word for Microsoft 365. Choose Your Word Template Elements
The first step in making your Word template is to decide what features and formatting you want to include. The time you spend planning will save you time and hassle later. Here are some suggestions for what to include: Text that is always included in the document. Formatting like columns, margins, tab stops, endnotes, and footnotes. Macros to automate tasks. A date field that updates automatically each time the template is opened. Address and contact information. Fields or AutoText for information that changes such as the page number, document title, or file path in headers and footers. Placeholder text with specific formatting such as typeface size. Consider using descriptive words such as TITLE or INTRO as placeholders. After you've outlined all your template elements, create the prototype in a blank Word document. Include the elements you listed, and make appropriate adjustments. Save Your New Template
After you finish creating the prototype for your template, save the document as a template. Go to File. Select Save As. In the Save As dialog box, in the File name text box, type a descriptive template filename. Select the Save as type drop-down arrow and choose Word Template. The file path changes to the default template location. Templates in this folder appear in the Templates dialog box when you create a new document from a template. However, you can choose another folder if you want to. Select Save. Your document is now saved as a template with the file extension .dot or .dotx and can be used to generate new documents based on it. What Exactly Is a Template
A Microsoft Word template is a Word document that includes specific formatting, such as boilerplate text, macros, and headers and footers, as well as custom dictionaries, toolbars, and AutoText entries. These elements are there every time you open the template and cannot be changed even when you change the document text. Use the template as many times as you like. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Plan and Create WordPerfect Templates How to Use APA Format in Google Docs How to Make a Brochure in Microsoft Word How to Find Microsoft Word Templates on Office Online How to Insert a Document in Word How to Add Line Numbers to a MS Word Document How to Save an Outlook Email as a PDF How to Open Google Docs How to Use Microsoft Word How to Use Text Boxes in Microsoft Word How to Make Flashcards on Word Microsoft Publisher Tutorial for Beginners How to Hyperlink in Word Documents How to Insert Source Code Into a Word Document How to Create Your Own Certificates With Word Templates How to Save and Use Messages as Templates in Apple Mail Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies