How to use word templates


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This wikiHow teaches you how to select or create a template in Microsoft Word for Windows and Mac. Templates are pre-formatted documents designed for specific purposes, such as invoices, calendars, or résumés.

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    Open Microsoft Word. Double-click the Word icon, which resembles a white «W» on a dark-blue background.

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    Search for a template. Scroll through the Microsoft Word home page to find a template you like, or type word into the search bar at the top of the page to search for matching templates.

    • For example, if you wanted to find budget-related templates, you would type «budget» into the search bar.
    • You must be connected to the Internet in order to search for templates.

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    Select a template. Click a template that you want to use. This will open it in a window where you can take a closer look at the template.

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    Click Create. It’s to the right of the template preview. Doing so opens the template in a new Word document.

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    Edit the template. Most templates have sample text; you can replace this text by deleting it and typing in your own.

    • You can also edit most templates’ formatting (e.g., font, color, and text size) without ruining the template itself.
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    Save your document. Click File in the upper-left side of the page, click Save As, double-click a save location, enter your document’s name, and click Save.

    • You can re-open this document by going to the folder where you saved it and double-clicking it.
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    Open Microsoft word. Double-click the Word icon, which resembles a white «W» on a dark-blue background. Depending on your Word settings, this will either open a new document or bring up the Word home page.

    • If the Word home page opens, skip to the «search for a template» step.
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    Click File. It’s a menu item in the top-left side of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.

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    Click New from Template. You’ll find this option near the top of the File drop-down menu. Clicking it opens the template gallery.

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    Search for a template. Scroll through the available templates to see pre-set options, or type a search term into the search bar in the top-right side of the page.

    • For example, to find invoice-related templates, you might type «invoice» into the search bar.
    • You must be connected to the Internet in order to search for templates.
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    Select a template. Click a template to open a preview window with the template displayed.

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    Click Open. It’s in the preview window. This will open the template as a new document.

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    Edit the template. Most templates have sample text; you can replace this text by deleting it and typing in your own.

    • You can also edit most templates’ formatting (e.g., font, color, and text size) without ruining the template itself.
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    Save your document. Click the File menu item, click Save As, enter a name for your document, and click Save.

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    Open your Microsoft Word document. Double-click the document to which you want to apply your template.

    • This will only work for recently-opened templates. If you haven’t recently opened the template you want to use, open the template and then close it before continuing.
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    Click File. It’s in the upper-left side of the page.

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    Click Options. You’ll find this in the bottom-left side of the «File» page.

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    Click the Add-ins tab. It’s on the left side of the Options window.

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    Click the «Manage» drop-down box. This box is at the bottom of the Add-Ins page. A drop-down menu will appear.

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    Click Templates. It’s near the middle of the drop-down menu.

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    Click Go…. This button is to the right of the «Manage» drop-down box.

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    Click Attach…. It’s in the upper-right side of the page.

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    Select a template. Click a template that you want to use.

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    Click Open. It’s at the bottom of the Template window. This will open your template.

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    Check the «Automatically update document styles» box. You’ll find this box below the template’s name near the top of the page.

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    Click OK. It’s at the bottom of the window. Doing so will apply your template’s formatting to the document.

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    Save your document. Click File in the upper-left side of the page, click Save As, double-click a save location, enter your document’s name, and click Save.

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    Open your Microsoft Word document. Double-click the document you want to open.

    • This will only work for recently-opened templates. If you haven’t recently opened the template you want to use, open the template and then close it before continuing.
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    Click Tools. This menu item is on the left side of the Mac’s menu bar. Clicking it prompts a drop-down menu.

    • If you don’t see Tools, click your Microsoft Word window to make it appear.
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    Click Templates & Add-Ins…. It’s an option near the bottom of the drop-down menu. Doing so opens a window.

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    Click Attach. You’ll find this in the Templates & Add-Ins window.

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    Select a template. Click a template that you want to apply to your document.

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    Click Open. Doing so will apply the template’s formatting to your document.

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    Save your document. Click the File menu item, click Save As, enter a name for your document, and click Save.

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    Open Microsoft Word. Double-click the Word icon, which resembles a white «W» on a dark-blue background.

    • If you want to create a template from an existing document, double-click the document itself and skip to the «edit your document» step.
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    Click the «Blank document» template. It’s in the upper-left side of the Word window.

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    Edit your document. Any formatting changes you make (e.g., spacing, text size, font) will be parts of your template.

    • If you’re creating a template from an existing document, you might not need to edit anything.
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    Click File. It’s a tab in the upper-left side of the page.

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    Click Save As. This option is near the top of the File pop-out window.

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    Select a save location. Double-click a save folder or location here to set it as the template’s storage spot.

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    Enter a name for your template. Type in the name you want to use for your template.

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    Click the «Save as type» drop-down box. It’s below the file name text box. A drop-down menu will appear.

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    Click Word Template. This option is near the top of the drop-down menu.

    • You can also click Word Macro-Enabled Template here if you put macros in your document.
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    Click Save. It’s in the bottom-right side of the window. Doing so saves your template.

    • You’ll be able to apply the template to other documents if you want to.
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  1. Image titled Use Document Templates in Microsoft Word Step 45

    1

    Open Microsoft Word. Double-click the Word icon, which resembles a white «W» on a dark-blue background.

    • If you want to create a template from an existing document, double-click the document itself and skip to the «edit your document» step.
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    Click the New tab. It’s in the upper-left side of the home page.

    • If there isn’t a home page, click the File tab and then click New from Template first.
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    Click the «Blank Document» template. It’s a white box. This will create a new Word document.

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    Edit your document. Any formatting changes you make (e.g., spacing, text size, font) will be parts of your template.

    • If you’re creating a template from an existing document, you might not need to edit anything.
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    Click File. It’s a menu item in the top-left side of the page.

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    Click Save As Template. You’ll see this option in the File drop-down menu.

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    Enter a name for your template. Type in the name you want to use for your template.

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    Click the «File Format» drop-down box. It’s near the bottom of the window. A drop-down menu will appear.

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    Click Microsoft Word template. This option is in the drop-down menu, and has the «.dotx» extension next to it.

    • You can also select Microsoft Word Macro-Enabled template if you put macros in your document.
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    Click Save. It’s the blue button at the bottom of the window. Doing so will save your template.

    • You’ll be able to apply the template to other documents if you want to.
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Add New Question

  • Question

    How do I save an edited template as a default template in Word?

    Community Answer

    You can open HTML window in editor and you can place your code there. It will work if your editor has an edit HTML option.

  • Question

    How can I use a template in Outlook?

    Community Answer

    Prepare your template and save it as .oft (Outlook template). Next time you need it, go to the Home tab and select New Items / More Items / Choose Form / Look in: User Templates in File System and select your template.

  • Question

    How do I add lines inside the text box?

    Community Answer

    Draw them using the line tool in the box. On updated computers, go to insert>illustrations>shapes. On non-updated computers, go to insert>shape. You can also underline text by highlighting it, then going to home>underline text.

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  • Templates are extraordinarily helpful when invoicing or creating pamphlets.

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If you frequently create a certain type of document, such as a monthly report, a sales forecast, or a presentation with a company logo, save it as a template so you can use that as your starting point instead of recreating the file from scratch each time you need it. Start with a document that you already created, a document you downloaded, or a new Microsoft template you customized. 

Save a template

  1. To save a file as a template, click File > Save As.

  2. Double-click Computer or, in Office 2016 programs, double-click This PC.

    The Save As window, showing the list of places where you can save a document

  3. Type a name for your template in the File name box.

  4. For a basic template, click the template item in the Save as type list. In Word for example, click Word Template.

    Save document as a template

    If your document contains macros, click Word Macro-Enabled Template.

    Office automatically goes to the Custom Office Templates folder.

  5. Click Save.

Tip: To change where your application automatically saves your templates, click File > Options > Save and type the folder and path you want to use in the Default personal templates location box. Any new templates you save will be stored in that folder, and when you click File > New > Personal, you’ll see the templates in that folder.

Edit your template

To update your template, open the file, make the changes you want, and then save the template.

  1. Click File > Open.

  2. Double-click Computer or This PC.

  3. Browse to the Custom Office Templates folder that’s under My Documents.

  4. Click your template, and click Open.

  5. Make the changes you want, then save and close the template.

Use your template to make a new document

To start a new file based on your template, click File > New > Custom, and click your template.

Link to personal templates

Note: If you’re using Office 2013, this button may say Personal instead of Custom.

Use your templates from earlier versions of Office

If you made templates in an earlier version of Office, you can still use them in Office 2013 and 2016. The first step is to move them into the Custom Office Templates folder so your application can find them. To move your templates quickly, use the Fix it tool.

Word

  1. Open the Word document that you want to save as a template.

  2. On the File menu, click Save as Template.

  3. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template.

  4. (Optional) In the Where box, choose a location where the template will be saved.

  5. Next to File Format, click Microsoft Word template (.dotx), or, if your document contains macros, click Microsoft Word Macro-Enabled template (.dotm).

  6. Click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.

    To change where Word automatically saves your templates, on the Word menu, click Preferences, and then under Personal Settings, click File Locations. Under File Locations, select User templates from the list, and then click Modify. Type the new folder and path you want to use, and Word will save any new templates in that folder.

You can customize an existing template to make it even more useful. Add static information to the existing template, and then save the file again (as a template).

  1. On the File menu, click New from Template.

  2. Click a template that is similar to the one you want to create, and then click Create.

    Note: If you can’t find a template, you can search for it based on keywords in the Search All Templates box.

  3. Add, delete, or change any text, graphics, or formatting, and make any other changes that you want to appear in all new documents that you base on the template.

  4. On the File menu, click Save as Template.

  5. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template.

  6. (Optional) In the Where box, choose a location where the template will be saved.

  7. Next to File Format, click Microsoft Word template (.dotx), or, if your template contains macros, click Microsoft Word Macro-Enabled template.

  8. Click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.

    To change where Word automatically saves your templates, on the Word menu, click Preferences, and then under Personal Settings, click File Locations. Under File Locations, select User templates from the list, and then click Modify. Type the new folder and path you want to use, and Word will save any new templates in that folder.

To start a new document based on your template, on the File menu, click New from Template, and then select the template you want to use.

  1. In the Finder, open /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.

  2. Drag the templates that you want to delete to the Trash.

PowerPoint

  1. Open a blank presentation, and then on the View tab, click Slide Master.

    The slide master is the largest slide image at the top of the slide thumbnail list. Associated layouts are positioned beneath it.

    PowerPoint for Mac Slide Master

  2. To make changes to the slide master or layouts, on the Slide Master tab, do any of these:

    PowerPoint for Mac Slide Master

    • To add a colorful theme with special fonts, and effects, click Themes, and pick a theme.

    • To change the background, click Background Styles, and pick a background.

    • To add a placeholder for text, picture, chart, and other objects, in the thumbnail pane, click the slide layout that you want to hold the placeholder. From Insert Placeholder, pick the type of placeholder you want to add, and drag to draw the placeholder size.

      PowerPoint for Mac Insert Placeholder

  1. Open the presentation that you want to save as a template.

  2. On the File tab, click Save as Template.

  3. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template.

  4. (Optional) In the Where box, choose a location where the template will be saved.

  5. Next to File Format, click PowerPoint Template (.potx), or, if your presentation contains macros, click PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Template (.potm).

  6. Click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.

You can customize an existing template to make it even more useful. Add static information to the existing template, and then save the file again (as a template).

  1. On the File menu, click New from Template.

  2. Click a template that is similar to the one you want to create, and then click Create.

    Note: If you can’t find a template, you can search for it based on keywords in the Search All Templates box.

  3. Add, delete, or change any text, graphics, or formatting, and make any other changes that you want to appear in all new presentations that you base on the template.

  4. On the File menu, click Save as Template.

  5. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template.

  6. (Optional) In the Where box, choose a location where the template will be saved.

  7. Next to File Format, click PowerPoint Template (.potx), or, if your template contains macros, click PowerPoint Macro-Enabled Template (.potm).

  8. Click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.

To start a new presentation based on a template, on the File menu, click New from Template, and then select the template you want to use.

  1. In the Finder, open /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.

  2. Drag the templates that you want to delete to the Trash.

Excel

  1. Open the workbook that you want to save as a template.

  2. On the File menu, click Save as Template.

  3. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template.

  4. (Optional) In the Where box, choose a location where the template will be saved.

  5. Next to File Format, click Excel Template (.xltx), or, if your workbook contains macros, click Excel Macro-Enabled Template (.xltm).

  6. Click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.

You can customize an existing template to make it even more useful. Add static information to the existing template, and then save the file again (as a template).

  1. On the File menu, click New from Template.

  2. Click a template that is similar to the one you want to create, and then click Create.

    Note: If you can’t find a template, you can search for it based on keywords in the Search All Templates box.

  3. Add, delete, or change any content, graphics, or formatting, and make any other changes that you want to appear in all new workbooks that you base on the template.

  4. On the File menu, click Save as Template.

  5. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template.

  6. (Optional) In the Where box, choose a location where the template will be saved.

  7. Next to File Format, click Excel Template (.xltx), or, if your template contains macros, click Excel Macro-Enabled Template (.xltm).

    In the Save As box, Word template is highlighted

  8. Click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.

To start a new workbook based on a template, on the File menu, click New from Template, and then select the template you want to use.

  1. In the Finder, open /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.

  2. Drag the templates that you want to delete to the Trash.

See also

Differences between templates, themes, and Word styles

Word

  1. Open the document.

  2. Add, delete, or change any text, graphics, or formatting, and make any other changes that you want to appear in all new documents that you base on the template.

  3. On the File menu, click Save As.

  4. On the Format pop-up menu, click Word Template (.dotx).

  5. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template, and then click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates.

  6. On the File menu, click Close.

    To organize templates, use the Finder to create a new folder in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates, and then save your template in the new folder. 

    Note: If you are using Mac OS X 7 (Lion), the Library folder is hidden by default. To show the Library folder, in the Finder, click the Go menu, and then hold down OPTION.

You can customize an existing template to make it even more useful. Add static information to the existing template, and then save the file again (as a template).

  1. On the Standard toolbar, click New from template   New From Template button.

  2. In the left navigation pane, under TEMPLATES, click All.

    Note: If you can’t find a template, you can search for it based on keywords in the Search box.

  3. Click a template that is similar to the one that you want to create, and then click Choose.

  4. Add, delete, or change any text, graphics, or formatting, and make any other changes that you want to appear in all new documents that you base on the template.

  5. On the File menu, click Save As.

  6. On the Format pop-up menu, click Word Template (.dotx).

  7. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template, and then click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates.

    To organize templates, use the Finder to create a new folder in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates, and then save your template in the new folder. 

    Note: If you are using Mac OS X 7 (Lion), the Library folder is hidden by default. To show the Library folder, in the Finder, click the Go menu, and then hold down OPTION.

  1. On the Standard toolbar, click New from template   New From Template button.

  2. In the left navigation pane, under TEMPLATES, click My Templates.

    Note: If you created folders to organize your templates, the folders are displayed under My Templates. You need to click the folder to see the templates.

  3. Click the template that you created, and then click Choose.

  1. In the Finder, open /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates.

    Note: If you are using Mac OS X 7 (Lion), the Library folder is hidden by default. To show the Library folder, in the Finder, click the Go menu, and then hold down OPTION .

  2. Drag the templates that you want to delete to the Trash.

PowerPoint

  1. Open the presentation that you want to create the new template from.

  2. Add, delete, or change any text, graphics, or formatting, and make any other changes that you want to appear in all new presentations that you base on the template.

  3. On the File menu, click Save As.

  4. On the Format pop-up menu, click PowerPoint Template (.potx).

  5. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template, and then click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates.

    To organize templates, use the Finder to create a new folder in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates, and then save your template in the new folder. 

    Note: If you are using Mac OS X 7 (Lion), the Library folder is hidden by default. To show the Library folder, in the Finder, click the Go menu, and then hold down OPTION.

You can customize an existing template to make it even more useful. Add static information to the existing template, and then save the file again (as a template).

  1. On the Standard toolbar, click New from template   New From Template button.

  2. In the left navigation pane, under TEMPLATES, click All.

    Note: If you can’t find a template, you can search for a template based on keywords in the Search box.

  3. Click a template that is similar to the one that you want to create, and then click Choose.

  4. Add, delete, or change any text, graphics, or formatting, and make any other changes that you want to appear in all new documents that you base on the template.

    If you want to make one change to replicate it in several slide layouts, rather than changing each layout or slide individually, you can edit slide masters.

  5. On the File menu, click Save As.

  6. On the Format pop-up menu, click PowerPoint Template (.potx).

  7. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template, and then click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates.

    To organize templates, use the Finder to create a new folder in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates, and then save your template in the new folder. 

    Note: If you are using Mac OS X 7 (Lion), the Library folder is hidden by default. To show the Library folder, in the Finder, click the Go menu, and then hold down OPTION.

  1. On the Standard toolbar, click New from template   New From Template button.

  2. In the left navigation pane, under TEMPLATES, click My Templates.

    Note: If you created folders to organize your templates, the folders are displayed under My Templates. You need to click the folder to see the templates.

  3. In the right navigation pane, you can select the colors, font, and slide size for the template.

  4. Click the template that you created, and then click Choose.

  1. In the Finder, open /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates.

    Note: If you are using Mac OS X 7 (Lion), the Library folder is hidden by default. To show the Library folder, in the Finder, click the Go menu, and then hold down OPTION .

  2. Drag the templates that you want to delete to the Trash.

Excel

  1. Open the workbook that you want to create the new template from.

  2. Add, delete, or change any text, graphics, or formatting, and make any other changes that you want to appear in all new documents that you base on the template.

  3. On the File menu, click Save As.

  4. On the Format pop-up menu, click Excel Template (.xltx).

  5. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template, and then click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates.

    To organize templates, use the Finder to create a new folder in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates, and then save your template in the new folder. 

    Note: If you are using Mac OS X 7 (Lion), the Library folder is hidden by default. To show the Library folder, in the Finder, click the Go menu, and then hold down OPTION.

You can customize an existing template to make it even more useful. Add static information to the existing template, and then save the file again (as a template).

  1. On the Standard toolbar, click New from template   New From Template button.

  2. In the left navigation pane, under TEMPLATES, click All.

    Note: If you can’t find a template, you can search for a template based on keywords in the Search box.

  3. Click a template that is similar to the one that you want to create, and then click Choose.

  4. Add, delete, or change any text, graphics, or formatting, and make any other changes that you want to appear in all new documents that you base on the template.

  5. On the File menu, click Save As.

  6. On the Format pop-up menu, click Excel Template (.xltx).

  7. In the Save As box, type the name that you want to use for the new template, and then click Save.

    Unless you select a different location, the template is saved in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates.

    To organize templates, use the Finder to create a new folder in /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates, and then save your template in the new folder. 

    Note: If you are using Mac OS X 7 (Lion), the Library folder is hidden by default. To show the Library folder, in the Finder, click the Go menu, and then hold down OPTION.

  1. On the Standard toolbar, click New from template   New From Template button.

  2. In the left navigation pane, under TEMPLATES, click My Templates.

    Note: If you created folders to organize your templates, the folders are displayed under My Templates. You need to click the folder to see the templates.

  3. Click the template that you created, and then click Choose.

  1. In the Finder, open /Users/username/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Office/User Templates/My Templates.

    Note: If you are using Mac OS X 7 (Lion), the Library folder is hidden by default. To show the Library folder, in the Finder, click the Go menu, and then hold down OPTION .

  2. Drag the templates that you want to delete to the Trash.

See also

Modify a slide master

Customize how Excel starts in Excel for Mac

Differences between templates, themes, and Word styles

If you think of your current document as a template, you can save it with a different name to create a new document that’s based on the current one. Whenever you want to create a document like that, you’ll open your document in Word for the web, go to File > Save As, and create a document that’s a copy of the one you started with.

Save a copy to OneDrive

On the other hand, if you’re thinking of the kind of templates you see by going to File > New, then no: you can’t create those in Word for the web.

Instead, do this:

If you have the Word desktop application, use the Open in Word command in Word for the web to open the document in Word on your desktop.

Image of the Open in Desktop App command

From there, create a template. When you go to File > New in the Word desktop application, you’ll be able to use your template for new documents. And if you store the documents online, you can edit them in Word for the web.

See Also

Microsoft Templates and Themes

Download free, pre-built templates

Free background templates for PowerPoint

Edit templates

To find and apply a template in Word, do the following:

  1. On the File tab, click New.
  2. Under Available Templates, do one of the following: To use one of the built-in templates, click Sample Templates, click the template that you want, and then click Create.

Contents

  • 1 How do I open a Word template?
  • 2 How do I edit a Word template?
  • 3 How do I use a template in Word 365?
  • 4 What is the purpose of a template?
  • 5 Where do I find Microsoft Word templates?
  • 6 How do templates work?
  • 7 How do I open a template File in Windows?
  • 8 Why can’t I edit a Word template?
  • 9 What are templates in MS Word?
  • 10 How do I open a template in Office 365?
  • 11 How do I use a template?
  • 12 What is the advantage of using a template?
  • 13 What is difference between template and style?
  • 14 Are Microsoft Word templates free?
  • 15 How do I download Word templates?
  • 16 How do I download Microsoft templates?
  • 17 How do I read a template file?
  • 18 How do I open a template in Outlook?
  • 19 How do I change a picture in a Word template?
  • 20 How do I make a non editable Word document editable?

How do I open a Word template?

Opening a Word template so that you can modify it

  1. On the File tab, choose Open. You see the Open window.
  2. Click This PC.
  3. Click the Browse button.
  4. In the Open dialog box, go to the Templates folder where you store templates.
  5. Select the template.
  6. Click the Open button. The template opens in the Word window.

How do I edit a Word template?

Edit templates

  1. Click File > Open.
  2. Double-click This PC. (In Word 2013, double-click Computer).
  3. Browse to the Custom Office Templates folder that’s under My Documents.
  4. Click your template, and click Open.
  5. Make the changes you want, then save and close the template.

How do I use a template in Word 365?

Method 1: Start a new document based on your template (Word 365 way)

  1. Open Word 365.
  2. Go to File > New.
  3. Click Personal (or Custom).
  4. Click the template you want to use.

What is the purpose of a template?

A template is a predesigned document you can use to create documents quickly without having to think about formatting. With a template, many of the larger document design decisions such as margin size, font style and size, and spacing are predetermined.

Where do I find Microsoft Word templates?

The template options are available when you click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click New in Office 2007, or from New under the File menu in Office 2010. There are more templates available in the Microsoft Office Online area.

How do templates work?

Follow these steps:

  1. Open the document that needs a new template attached.
  2. Click the File tab.
  3. On the File screen, choose the Options command.
  4. Choose Add-Ins from the left side of the Word Options dialog box.
  5. Choose Templates from the Manage drop-down list.
  6. Click the Go button.
  7. Click the Attach button.

How do I open a template File in Windows?

Choose Open from the File menu, or click on the Open tool on the toolbar. You will see the Open File dialog box. At the bottom of the dialog box you can specify the type of files you want Word to list. Using the Files of Type drop-down list, select Document Templates.

Why can’t I edit a Word template?

If you receive or open a document and can’t make any changes, it might be Open for viewing only in Protected View. Follow these steps to edit:Select Protect document. Select Enable Editing.

What are templates in MS Word?

In Microsoft Word, templates are pre-designed documents that you or someone else (such as Microsoft) creates to use as a pattern for a project. The template could be for a business card, brochure, resume, presentation…the list goes on.

How do I open a template in Office 365?

Edit your template

  1. Click File > Open.
  2. Double-click This PC.
  3. Browse to the Custom Office Templates folder that’s under My Documents.
  4. Click your template, and click Open.
  5. Make the changes you want, then save and close the template.

How do I use a template?

To find and apply a template in Word, do the following: On the File tab, click New. Under Available Templates, do one of the following: To use one of the built-in templates, click Sample Templates, click the template that you want, and then click Create.

What is the advantage of using a template?

Templates simplify the creation of documents. Templates can ease our workload and make us feel less stressed, and, at the same time, they increase efficiency. Templates increase the attention of the audience. They help in saving time and money.

What is difference between template and style?

Styles keep your formatting consistent within a document. Themes keep your look and feel consistent across multiple documents. Templates allow you to re-use text, and keep your look and feel consistent across multiple documents.

Microsoft offers a wide variety of Word templates for free and premium Word templates for subscribers of Microsoft 365.Microsoft Word templates are ready to use if you’re short on time and just need a fillable outline for a flyer, calendar, or brochure.

How do I download Word templates?

Load templates or add-ins

  1. In Word 2010, 2013, or 2016, select File > Options > Add-Ins.
  2. In the Manage list, select Word Add-ins, and then click Go.
  3. Click the Templates tab.
  4. Under Global templates and add-ins, select the check box next to the template or add-in that you want to load.

How do I download Microsoft templates?

You can download free, pre-built document templates with useful and creative themes from Office when you click File > New in your Office app. Templates can include calendars, business cards, letters, cards, brochures, newsletters, resumes, and much more.

How do I read a template file?

The Four Best Ways to Open TEMPLATE Files

  1. Pick the Right Program. Start by choosing the right program to open your TEMPLATE file.
  2. Note the File Type. Other programs may be able to open your TEMPLATE file, depending on the type of file it is.
  3. Ask the Developer.
  4. Use a Universal File Viewer.
  5. Recommended Download.

How do I open a template in Outlook?

To use an email message template, use the following steps:

  1. Select New Items > More Items > Choose Form.
  2. In the Choose Form dialog box, in Look In, click User Templates in File System.
  3. The default templates folder is opened.
  4. Select the template, and then click Open.

How do I change a picture in a Word template?

Replace a picture

  1. Click the picture you want to replace.
  2. Under Picture Tools, on the Format tab, in the Adjust group, click Change Picture.
  3. Locate a new picture, and then double-click it.

How do I make a non editable Word document editable?

How to convert DOCX to DOC

  1. Upload docx-file(s) Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.
  2. Choose “to doc” Choose doc or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)
  3. Download your doc.
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Once is often more than enough, particularly when creating a lengthy or comprehensive template. Each template, though differing in format and layout, is essentially a pre-constructed document in which users can input their own information in lieu of repeatedly designing the page themselves. They’re incredibly convenient and time-saving — likely the reason why most versions of Microsoft Word come pre-loaded with a venerable swath of the framed documents — while delivering robust layout options for all manners of copy, whether you’re looking to create that knockout resume, hefty business brochure or real tearjerker of a card reserved for that special someone in your life. Thankfully, the American tech giant has made implementing Word templates a simple, three-click process (though the same can’t always be said for creating and saving them for later use in Word).

Here’s our straightforward guide on how to use document templates in Microsoft Word, regardless of whether you’re simply opening a preexisting document or looking to create your own from scratch. Also, check out our top picks for the best Microsoft Office alternatives if you’re looking for a non-Microsoft workaround. There’s also our guide on how to convert a PDF file to Word if you need a simple means of converting PDF files to a more accessible format on either Windows or Mac OS X.

Skip ahead to creating a Microsoft Word template.

Opening and using a Microsoft Word template

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Word  Open Word from the dock or main Applications folder in Mac OS X or launch the software using the main Taskbar or Start menu in Windows. Alternatively, search and launch the program using either operating system’s search utility, dubbed Spotlight and Windows Search, respectively.

Launch Microsoft Word

Step 2: Select a template — Depending on which version of Microsoft Word you’re using, you may be presented with a pop-up window presenting the various template choices available at your disposal. If using Mac OS X, click the File menu in the application Taskbar, select New from Template near the top of the resulting drop-down menu, and select your desired template from the resulting list of options prior to clicking the gray Choose button in the bottom-right corner of the window. If using Windows, click the File menu in the application toolbar, select the New panel on the left-hand side and double-click your desire template from the resulting list of options. Regardless of your OS, each version of Word should present a healthy selection of template options culled from assorted categories including Calendars, Stationary, Newsletters, Resumes, Proposals, and the like.

Template Opening Screen

Step 3: Input your own copy — Each individual template serves a different purpose, but almost each one operates as a blank slate within a specified framework. Whether you previously chose a simple resume template, a more elaborate brochure template or a different option entirely, you’ll have the option to edit the content within. Change the images, font, colors, or any other facet of the template, and replace the default placeholder text or instructions with information of your own. Keep in mind the changes will not affect the original template, and when done, name and save the file as you would any other blank Word document.

Editing Templates 2

Creating a Microsoft Word template

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Word — Open Word from the dock or main Applications folder in Mac OS X or launch the software using the main Taskbar or Start menu in Windows. Alternatively, search and launch the program using either operating system’s innate search utility, dubbed Spotlight and Windows Search, respectively.

Launch Microsoft Word from Taskbar

Step 2: Open a blank document — Open a blank document once Word launches.  If using Mac OS X, click the File menu in the application taskbar, select New Blank Document at the top of the resulting drop-down menu. If using Windows, click the File menu in the application toolbar, select the New panel on the left-hand side and double-click Blank document near the top of the resulting section, directly above the slew of available templates.

Open blank document in Word

Step 3: Create the template — There’s no one way to create a Word template. Like the Microsoft-culled templates already available within the software, each template you create will likely serve a different purpose and fit your individual aesthetics. However, whether you’re creating a business newsletter or resume, it’s important you initially format the document so you’ll be able to quickly alter its content for whatever occasion it may warrant. A template should be specifically designed to be void of specifics, while keeping it as generic and clear as possible so you can later add the tailored content in the appropriate spot. For instance, avoid inserting specific dates and addresses as they may frequently change. Instead, stick with something like “[Date]” and “[Street Address],” while incorporating placeholder text to better visualize the template’s overall appearance without delving into the specifics. Remember, it’s intended to be bare bones.

Create Word Template

Step 4: Save the template — If using Mac OS X, click the File menu in the application Taskbar and select Save As near the middle of the resulting drop-down menu. If using Windows, click the File menu in the application toolbar and select Save As from the left-hand column. Afterward, appropriately name the file, chose a save location, and select the template format suited best for your particular software suite. Word Template (.dotx) will suffice in most cases, but you may want to consider saving the template as either a Word 97-2003 Document (.dot) or Word 97-2004 Document (.doc) if you plan on utilizing the template on an older system. When finished, click the Save button in the bottom-right corner of the window. The newly-minted template will be available in either the My Templates or Personal sections depending on which incarnation of Word you’re using to open the new document from a template.

Word Template Options

What do you think of our simple guide on how to use document templates in Microsoft Word? Still perplexed by any one facet of our article? Let us know in the comments below.

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To create high-impact documents your best tools are Microsoft Word templates. Template files come with all the design decisions already made by a professional graphic designer. Just replace the placeholder text and images with your own. 

Customizable TemplateCustomizable TemplateCustomizable Template

One of several MS Word you’ll learn to customize in this tutorial.

Microsoft Word templates are also created to be customizable. This means you can change the fonts and colors as you see fit.

This article will show you how to use a Word template—from finding and downloading one, to editing design elements and making the document truly your own. You’ll save time and effort, while still producing documents you’ll be proud of.

Find Hundreds of Great MS Word Templates on Envato Elements

I’ll be using Microsoft Word templates from Envato Elements. If you’d like to follow along  buy and download the templates for yourself.

Word templates from Envato ElementsWord templates from Envato ElementsWord templates from Envato Elements

Envato Elements offers thousands of Word templates designed by professionals.

With an Elements membership, one flat subscription fee gives you unlimited downloads of Word templates—as well as other design elements you might need. These include fonts, icons, graphics, and stock photos.

For one-off Word projects, GraphicRiver is an excellent source of Microsoft Word templates. You can download templates and other creative resources on a pay-per-use basis.

Now let’s learn how to find and use templates in Word.

1. How to Find and Use Microsoft Word Templates from Elements

The first step, of course, is finding the Word template you wish to use. In this example, I’ll show you how to work with Word templates from Elements.

How to Find Templates in Word

Start by finding the Word templates you want to use:

1. Log Into Your Elements Account

Log in Elements accountLog in Elements accountLog in Elements account

2. Search for a Template

From the Envato Elements homepage, click on the dropdown menu and select Graphic Elements. In the search box, type in your keywords. Click the search icon.

Search for a Word template in ElementsSearch for a Word template in ElementsSearch for a Word template in Elements

In this example, I’m looking for a Word template for a flyer. And so, I’m going to type “word flyer” in the search bar. 

How to find templates in Word - Keyword search in ElementsHow to find templates in Word - Keyword search in ElementsHow to find templates in Word - Keyword search in Elements

3. Refine Your Search

Further refine your search by using one of the filters and sorting options. Check on any of the filters you wish to use. You can also sort the results by Popular, Relevant, or New.

Refine search for Word templates in ElementsRefine search for Word templates in ElementsRefine search for Word templates in Elements

I’m refining my search by filtering only Print Templates and Portrait orientation. I’m also sorting the results by New

4. Choose a Template to Download

Click on a thumbnail or name of a template to explore it. 

The template page provides more details about the template, such as the document size and the template file types. It may also provide extra images of the template.

Word template details on ElementsWord template details on ElementsWord template details on Elements

When you find a template you want to use, follow the next steps to download it.

I’ve decided to use the Dance Studio Flyer.

Flyer Template - WordFlyer Template - WordFlyer Template - Word

Customize this flyer template (Word) to suit your needs.

It’s got a very clean and dynamic design, with plenty of white space balanced by hard-edged shapes. It’s visually attractive and readable at the same time. It comes with two customizable pages, which means my flyer can have two printed sides and each side could have a different layout.

How to Download a Microsoft Word Template

Download a Word template from Elements in one of two ways:

1. From the Template Thumbnail 

From the search results page, click on the download icon on a template’s thumbnail.

Download Word templates from thumbnails on ElementsDownload Word templates from thumbnails on ElementsDownload Word templates from thumbnails on Elements

2. From the Template Page

Or, from the template details page, click on any of the Download buttons.

Word templates - Download from ElementsWord templates - Download from ElementsWord templates - Download from Elements

The Add this file to a project box will pop up. 

3. Select a Project

Click on an existing project to add the template to it. Or, click Create new project and give the new project a name.

Word templates - Add file to a project in ElementsWord templates - Add file to a project in ElementsWord templates - Add file to a project in Elements

4. Click Add & Download

Word templates - add and download from ElementsWord templates - add and download from ElementsWord templates - add and download from Elements

Your computer’s document manager will pop up. 

5. Save the Template

Choose where you want to save the template in your computer hard drive. Click Save.

Word templates - Save to your computerWord templates - Save to your computerWord templates - Save to your computer

The template will be downloaded as a zip file. Follow the next steps to unzip the file, so you can open the Microsoft Word template.

How to Open Templates in Word

Here’s how to find the Microsoft Word template files you downloaded on your computer:

1. Unzip the File

Double-click on the zip file to unzip it. 

How to open templates in Word - Unzip template filesHow to open templates in Word - Unzip template filesHow to open templates in Word - Unzip template files

The unzipped file will appear as a folder in your document manager. 

Expand the folder to see the Word template files. If the template is compatible with other software, such as Adobe InDesign, there will be separate folders for those. Open the folder for Microsoft Word.

2. Duplicate the Microsoft Word File

This way, you’ll always have the original template file, if you ever want to revert to it.

To duplicate a file on a Mac, in Finder, click on the file. Then click on the Action dropdown menu. Select Duplicate

Word template - Duplicate template filesWord template - Duplicate template filesWord template - Duplicate template files

The file is copied.

3. Open the File.

Double-click on the duplicate file to open it.

MS Word templates - duplicate template filesMS Word templates - duplicate template filesMS Word templates - duplicate template files

Tip: Make sure to read the designer’s notes before attempting to edit the template. They include useful instructions. Some designers even let you know how you can reach them with your questions as you try to customize the template.

2. How to Edit and Use Microsoft Word Templates

Now that you’ve opened the Word template, you can edit it.

How to Edit the Text

Microsoft Word templates come with placeholder text, so you know exactly where to add your own content. To edit the placeholder text, follow these steps.

1. Click into a Text Box 

Select the text you want to edit.

How to change template Word - Change text How to change template Word - Change text How to change template Word - Change text

2. Type Your Text

Select the placeholder text, then type your text.

How to change template Word - Type text How to change template Word - Type text How to change template Word - Type text

3. Copy and Paste Text

Or, copy and paste your text from another application, such as Google Docs. 

But, make sure you don’t carry over any formatting from the other application. Copy the text in the other application. Go to Word, click Edit > Paste and Match Style.

How to change template Word - Copy and paste text How to change template Word - Copy and paste text How to change template Word - Copy and paste text

The built-in formatting in the template will be applied to the pasted text. 

How to Add Your Images

A well-designed Word template allows you to add your own images. 

In the following steps, I’m going to show you how to insert pictures in the Real Estate Brochure. 

Real Estate Brochure for Microsoft WordReal Estate Brochure for Microsoft WordReal Estate Brochure for Microsoft Word

This trifold brochure template for Word can be used for a variety of industries.

This is a Word template for a trifold brochure. It’s got plenty of spaces for pictures and can be used not just for real estate, but for other industries as well. Adapt this brochure for live events, a product-based business, personal services, and more.

Let me show you how to insert pictures (take note that the steps may be different for different templates. Read the documentation that comes with your Word template, to make sure).

1. Click on the Shape Where You Want to Insert Your Picture

Change Word template - Add your images Change Word template - Add your images Change Word template - Add your images

2. Insert Your Picture

Click on the Shape Format tab > Shape Fill > Picture ….

Insert your picture in Word templateInsert your picture in Word templateInsert your picture in Word template

3. Find Your Image File

Locate the picture you wish to use in your computer. Click Insert. (I’m inserting a photo I downloaded from Elements.)

Change template Word - insert pictureChange template Word - insert pictureChange template Word - insert picture

Tip: This works best if the picture you’re inserting has the same proportions as the shape you’re placing it into.

How to change template Word - Insert your pictureHow to change template Word - Insert your pictureHow to change template Word - Insert your picture

How to Change the Fonts in a Template in Word

In this example, I’m editing the Physiotherapy Business Card Word template from Envato Elements. 

Business Card Template for Word - PhysiotherapyBusiness Card Template for Word - PhysiotherapyBusiness Card Template for Word - Physiotherapy

This business card template for Microsoft Word is easy to read and visually appealing.

Despite its name, this business card template is actually adaptable to any position and industry. It’s got a clean, easy-to-read design with plenty of white space. The photo placeholder and use of circles and lines add visual interest.

To change the fonts, select the text, then:

1. Click on the Fonts Dropdown Button

Word templates - Change fontsWord templates - Change fontsWord templates - Change fonts

2. Select the Font You Want to Use

Scroll down the fonts list to find the font you wish to use.

3. Change the Font Size

Word templates - Font sizeWord templates - Font sizeWord templates - Font size

If you want to change the font size, click on the font size dropdown button and choose the font size.

4. Apply Other Font Settings

Use the other font formatting buttons on the ribbon to change other settings for the font, such as color and emphasis.

How to change Word templates - Font settingsHow to change Word templates - Font settingsHow to change Word templates - Font settings

If you notice, the changes applied only to one business card on this sheet. 

Customize business card template for WordCustomize business card template for WordCustomize business card template for Word

I could repeat the same steps for each one, but there’s a much easier and faster way. That’s by changing the font attributes on the Style level.

5. Select the Text You Formatted, Then Click on the Styles Button

How to change a Word templateHow to change a Word templateHow to change a Word template

We see that this text has the Style called Names.

6. Update the Style

Right-click on the Names button > Update Name to Match Selection.

How to change a Word template - Text stylesHow to change a Word template - Text stylesHow to change a Word template - Text styles

Now the new font attributes are applied to all text with the style Names.

Word template updatedWord template updatedWord template updated

How to Format Objects in a Word Template

Even with the best Word templates, sometimes you want to change the attributes of an object. For example, I’d like to change the accent color on this resume template for Word.

Word Templates - Anabelle Matthews Word Template Word Templates - Anabelle Matthews Word Template Word Templates - Anabelle Matthews Word Template

This colorful, dynamic resume template for Word is fully customizable.

The Anabelle Matthews resume/CV resume template for Microsoft Word is visually appealing, creative, and dynamic. But I want it to reflect my branding colors.

To change edit an object on the template:

1. Select the Object

How to change Word templates - Select objectHow to change Word templates - Select objectHow to change Word templates - Select object

2. Change the Color of the Object

Click the Shape Format tab > Shape Fill. Select the color you want to apply to the object.

How to change Word templates - Shape formatHow to change Word templates - Shape formatHow to change Word templates - Shape format

Do the same steps for the other objects on the template, if you want to change their colors, too.

3. Change Other Object Attributes

Use the other buttons on the Shape Format ribbon to change other attributes of the object, such as border, shadow, size, and so on.

How to change Word templates - Shape format optionsHow to change Word templates - Shape format optionsHow to change Word templates - Shape format options

Where to Find the Best Microsoft Word Templates: Elements vs. GraphicRiver Section

Now that you’ve learned how to find and use templates in Word, you may be wondering where to get them. Both Envato Elements and GraphicRiver have excellent high-quality MS Word templates. But which one should you choose? Let’s look at the key benefits of each.

1. Key Benefits of Envato Elements

The Microsoft Word templates used in this article are from Envato Elements. Elements is an exceptional source of templates for Word. For one flat subscription fee, download an unlimited number of Word templates. 

You also get unlimited downloads of other design elements you need for your document: fonts, graphics, icons, and photos. If you create other types of communication materials, such as slideshows, videos, and audios, you get unlimited downloads of those, too.

Envato Elements Word TemplatesEnvato Elements Word TemplatesEnvato Elements Word Templates

Microsoft Word Templates on Envato Elements 2020

2. Key Benefits of GraphicRiver (& Envato Market)

GraphicRiver is the leading digital marketplace for purchasing single-use graphics and visual assets. It’s part of the Envato Market suite of online marketplaces that cater to many creative digital needs.

If you need a single MS Word template for a single project, turn to GraphicRiver to buy your template. Here are the best Microsoft Word themes currently trending on GraphicRiver:

Word Templates - GraphicRiverWord Templates - GraphicRiverWord Templates - GraphicRiver

GraphicRiver is an excellent source of Word templates on a pay-per-use basis.

Your Choice (What’s Right for You?)

If you’re a serial entrepreneur launching new brands regularly, a digital marketer with many projects to promote, or a graphic or web designer with a lot of clients to serve, then Envato Elements offers a great bang for your buck. Sign up for Envato Elements now.

Envato Elements Design Without LimitsEnvato Elements Design Without LimitsEnvato Elements Design Without Limits

Envato Elements — Design Without Limits

But, if you just need a single MS Word template for a single project, you can find that on GraphicRiver right now.

More Microsoft Word Template Resources 

Whatever document you need to produce, you’re likely to find a Word template for it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the thousands of options available. To help you out we’ve created a resource on How to Find and Use the best Microsoft Word Templates.

You can find even more options in these articles:

Learn More About Using Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a powerful tool that allows you to create attractive and effective documents. You need to learn how to use its robust features.

Even when you’re starting with a well-designed template, knowing how to use Microsoft Word will give you the flexibility to make each template your own. Study the lessons in our learning guide on how to use Microsoft Word. Or, learn the basics with these tutorials:

Power In Your Hands: Working with Microsoft Word Templates

And as you’ve seen in this post, Microsoft Word templates give you a great starting point with your documents. Learn how to use them so you can produce high-impact documents faster.

You can use a Word template as-is. But templates also give you plenty of flexibility for customization. Aside from adding your own text and images, you can change fonts, colors, and objects to match your branding.

Use the tutorials and resources above to sharpen your skills in using Microsoft Word templates. Remember, good sources for Word templates are Elements and GraphicRiver. Go to Elements if you want unlimited downloads of downloads and other creative tools for one low subscription price. Or, get your Word templates at GraphicRiver if you prefer to pay for each use.

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