A Template is a pre-formatted document that serves as a starting point for new documents. It can include specific formatting, layout, content, and styles.

Office 365 programs that offer templates: Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Why Create a Template?

1. Consistency
   
1. Ensures uniformity in document appearance, style, and structure.
   
2. Efficiency
   
1. Saves time by providing a pre-designed framework, reducing repetitive tasks.
   
3. Error Reduction
   
1. Minimizes mistakes by providing standardized content and formatting.
   
4. Collaboration
   
1. Facilitates teamwork by providing a shared foundation for document creation.
   

Steps to Create a Template

Create a Base Document

1. Open a new Word document.
   
2. Design the document's layout, including:
   
1. Headers and footers
   
2. Page margins
   
3. Font styles and sizes
   
4. Paragraph spacing
   
5. Images, logos, or placeholders
   
6. Styles (headings, body text, etc.)
   
7. Any recurring content or sections
   

Save as a Template

1. Click on the File tab.
   
2. Select Save As.
   
3. Choose the desired location for the template.
   
4. In the "Save as type" dropdown, select Program Name Template (*.dotx, *.xltb, *.potx).
   
5. Give the template a descriptive name and click Save.
   

Steps to Convert an Existing Document Into a Template

1. Open the document you want to use as a template
   
2. Remove anything that may be specific to the use case it was originally used for
   
1. Names, Dates, Details, etc.
3. Follow "Save as a Template" above
   

Edit a Template

1. Open the template that you have already created
   
2. Follow the instructions above for "Create a Base Document" and "Save as a Template"
   

EXCEPTION: When you get to "Save as a Template" step #5, click on the pre-existing template in the folder list and choose to save over it.

How to use a Template

1. Open the file as you would any other document.
2. Enter the information or changes you need to make.
   
3. Click Save.
   
1. You aren't going to be able to save over the existing file.
   
2. Instead, you will be prompted to give the file a new name.
   
3. Give the file a new name and choose a location if needed and then click Save.
   

Further Details