Creating New Word Templates

Introduction

In this slideshow, you will learn to create a custom template that will help to

quickly create future documents based on that template.

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What is a Template?• A Template is the format of new

document before you add any text or pictures of your own.

• The default template is a blank

document, with standard margins and no text.

• You can choose from any of Word’s ready-prepared templates, as well as from an online selection via Office.com.

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Screen showing some Word templates

Word Template Benefits• The benefit of a template or set of templates are that they can:

– Help you to quickly create standard documents without having to redesign or reuse existing documents

– Help you to create a standard format for use by everyone in your company

– Help reduce other people’s time in creating similar documents• Have a template that is used by all employees enables your company to

portray consistency and so help with company reputation and branding

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Customised Template Creation

• There are two quick ways to create a customised template:– Re-use and amend an existing document– Customise an existing Word 2010 template

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Use an Existing Document to Create a Custom Template

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• Open your document as usual (File tab, Open).

• Edit the document until you have a version which will be easy to add information to every time you use it.

• On the File tab, click Save As, and ame your template.

• From the File Type drop-down menu choose Word Template.

Customise an Existing Word Template (Stage 1)

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• Open the existing Word template you want to work from by clicking File and then New, and then clicking on the specific template you want.

• Below the large view of the template are two options: Document and Template. Choose Template and then Create.

Customise an Existing Word Template (Stage 2)

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• A new document will appear, set out like the template you’ve chosen (in this case, a letter).

• Select the text using your mouse and start typing your own.

• For example, click and highlight the words “[Type the salutation]” then type “Dear Sir/Madam”.

Customise an Existing Word Template (Stage 3)

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• Continue to change and delete text, until you see the blank letter template you would like to use every time you type a letter.

• Choose Save As from the File tab to write and preserve your new template’s correct name.

• It’s important that the File Type in the Save As Type dialogue box is set to Word Template.

Use Your New Templates

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• To use one of your templates in future, click the File tab, choose New and then click My Templates.

• You’ll find your customised templates there, ready to use.

Wrap Up• In this slideshow we showed you how to create a custom template by

– Using an existing document of your own, or – Adapting and customising a Word template.

• Your document can be part-finished before you begin work – By using one of Word’s ready-prepared templates – By using a template from an online selection– By using your own custom template