Add Templates in Microsoft Word

Templates make it easier to create new documents in your word processing program. Microsoft Word comes with many templates, but sometimes you need a different template from the defaults. Understand how to add templates in Microsoft Word for Windows or Mac to get the most out of your word processing program.

Steps

Find Templates for Microsoft Word for Windows or Mac

1. Seek new templates online.
   • Go to the Microsoft Office website and browse their template selection.
   • If you can't find a template that fits your needs on the Microsoft Office website, try an online search for the item needed and "template," such as "Word essay template."
2. Verify that the template you want is compatible with your version of Microsoft Word.
3. Download the template to a location you can remember and find easily. This will be a temporary location until you install the template.
   • If you can't find a template that matches what you want, see the next section. Otherwise, skip the next section.

Create New Templates for Microsoft Word for Windows or Mac

1. Create a new Microsoft Word document.
2. Set up that document with everything you want in the template. Include the font setup, borders, clip art, margins�- every aspect a complete document needs.
3. Go to the "File" menu.

Select "Save As."

1. Save the template to a location you can easily find and remember; this is a temporary location until you install the template.
2. Access the drop-down menu to select the file type for the document you're saving, then choose "Document Template."

Install Templates for Microsoft Word for Windows or Mac

1. Find the "Templates" folder on your computer where Microsoft Office Templates are stored. This is probably in your Microsoft Office folder. If not, run a Search on your computer for the folder, and remember that folder's location.
2. Move the template you downloaded or installed to the "Templates" folder for Microsoft Office.
3. Quit and restart Microsoft Word. (Note that the template might show up without needing to do this, but you still want to quit and restart; otherwise, you make glitches more likely.)
4. Go to the "File" menu and open the "Project Gallery". (Note that this may already open automatically upon starting Microsoft Word, depending on your program settings.)
5. Select your new template from the "Templates" list. This will open a new document that matches the template, but changing this document will not change the original template.
6. Enjoy using your new Microsoft Word template!

Tips

• If you want to change a template, create a new document with the template. Make the changes on the document, then go to "File" and select "Save As". Pick "Document Template" from the drop-down menu, and find the original template on your computer. Click on that to copy its name to your modified template to replace it, or give your modified template its own name. Save the new template.

Warnings

• It's possible to hide malicious code in template macros. Be wary when downloading templates that contain macros (programs that automate document tasks to make them easier to use). If Microsoft Office warns you that a downloaded template contains a macro, and you didn't expect a macro in the file, do not enable the macro. Throw out the file and find a different template to use.

Related Articles

• Make Custom Special Characters in Word
• Insert Symbols in an MS Word Document
• Add a Comment in Microsoft Word
• Center Text in Microsoft Word

Sources and Citations

• http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/save-a-word-document-as-a-template-HA101868862.aspx
• http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/save-a-word-document-as-a-template-HA010030754.aspx
• http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word-help/save-a-word-document-as-a-template-HA101868862.aspx

See also

• Navigate a Document with Keyboard Shortcuts in Microsoft Word
• Insert a Pagebreak in MS Word Without Formatting Trouble
• Circle a Number on Microsoft Word
• Make a Dash in Microsoft Word on Android
• Make a Newspaper on Microsoft Word
• Use the Thesaurus in Microsoft Word
• Add Backgrounds in Word
• Turn a Scanned Document Into Microsoft Word Document
• Add Columns in Microsoft Word
• Download Microsoft Word

Read more ...

What links here

• Insert a Check Box in Word
• Add Another Row in Microsoft Word
• Add a Header in Microsoft Word
• Make a Baby Shower Invitation Template Using Microsoft Word