Word uses a template document to create documents that have an identical structure and style. This is useful when you use a specific format repeatedly, say, a monthly sales report. Instead of recreating the format every month, you can create it as a template in MS Word. Then you can use the template to create similar documents whenever necessary.
We will show you how you can:
- Create a template
- Use a template
- Modify a template
We will use simple, step-by-step instructions for the purpose.
Let us begin.
Method #1: Create a Template
This method creates a template from a Word document.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open a document that you want to save as a template.
Style it in a way that you want each document to look like. For example, add a set header with the company name, page numbers, and the company logo. For a report, create the table and headings.
For our example, we have created a Sales Report.
Step #2: Save as template
Click on the File tab in the top menu bar.
The File menu will open.
In the left pane, click on the Save As tab.
In the right pane, under Save As, click on the location where you want to save the file.
The File Manager will open.
Click on Word Document on the right side of Save as type:.
In the drop-down menu that opens, click on Word Template.
Type a proper name on the right of File name: such as Quarterly Sales Report.
Click on the Save tab at the bottom right.
The document is now saved as a Word template file.
Method #2: Use a Template
This method uses a template document saved earlier to create a new document.
Step #1: Open a Word Template
Open MS Word.
Click on the File tab in the main menu bar.
The File menu will open.
In the left pane, click on the New tab.
In the right pane, under New, click on the Personal tab.
A list of template files will show up.
Click on the template file you want to use.
Word opens the template file as a new document.
Step #2: Save the document
Make the necessary changes in the new document.
Click on the File tab in the top menu bar.
The File menu will open.
In the left pane, click on the Save As tab.
In the right pane, under Save As, click on the location where you want to save the file.
The File Manager will open.
Select a location where you want to save the new file.
Type a proper name on the right of File name:.
Ensure that Save as type: is Word Document.
Click on the Save button at the bottom right.
Word saves the document with the new name.
Method #3: Modify a Template
This method explains how to make changes to an existing template and save it again.
Step #1: Open a Word Template
Open Word.
Click on the File tab in the top menu bar.
The File menu will open.
In the left pane, click on the New tab.
In the right pane, under New, click on the Personal tab.
A list of template files will show up.
Click on the template file you want to use.
Word opens the template file as a new document.
Step #2: Make the modifications
Make the necessary changes in the new document.
Step #3: Save the template
Click on the File tab in the top menu bar.
The File menu will open.
In the left pane, click on the Save As tab.
In the right pane, click on the location where you want to save the file.
The File Manager will open.
Click on Word Document on the right side of Save as type:.
In the drop-down menu that opens, click on Word Template.
Type a proper name on the right of File name:.
Click on the Save tab at the bottom right.
The document is now saved as a Word template file with the new name under Custom Office Templates.
Note: You can also save the template file with its original name.
Conclusion
We have shown you how you can create, use, and modify a template file. Use our methods to make your repetitive tasks easier. Create a fixed style for a recurring report, or a fixed company letterhead.