Choose Your Word Template Elements
The first step in making your Word template is to decide what features and formatting you want to include. The time you spend planning will save you time and hassle later. Here are some suggestions for what to include:
Text that is always included in the document. Formatting like columns, margins, tab stops, endnotes, and footnotes. Macros to automate tasks. A date field that updates automatically each time the template is opened. Address and contact information. Fields or AutoText for information that changes such as the page number, document title, or file path in headers and footers. Placeholder text with specific formatting such as typeface size. Consider using descriptive words such as TITLE or INTRO as placeholders.
After you’ve outlined all your template elements, create the prototype in a blank Word document. Include the elements you listed, and make appropriate adjustments.
Save Your New Template
After you finish creating the prototype for your template, save the document as a template.
What Exactly Is a Template?
A Microsoft Word template is a Word document that includes specific formatting, such as boilerplate text, macros, and headers and footers, as well as custom dictionaries, toolbars, and AutoText entries. These elements are there every time you open the template and cannot be changed even when you change the document text. Use the template as many times as you like.
