Templates in Microsoft Word
Chapter 16 ยท Microsoft Word Series
PBA Institute 25 min read Beginner 2026

Microsoft Word Templates

Templates in Microsoft Word are ready-made document designs that provide a predefined structure, layout and formatting. They help users create professional documents quickly without starting everything from a blank page.

What is a Template?

A template is a reusable document file that contains predefined formatting, styles, layouts, placeholders and other elements. Instead of creating the same type of document repeatedly, users can open a template and customize it with their own information.

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Ready-Made Design

Provides a predefined document structure and layout.

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Save Time

Reduces the time required to create common documents.

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Professional Look

Uses consistent formatting and design elements.

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Reusable

Can be used repeatedly for similar documents.

Common Types of Templates

Microsoft Word provides templates for many different purposes. Users can select a suitable template and modify its content according to their requirements.

Template Type Purpose
Resume Create professionally structured resumes and CVs.
Letter Create formal and personal letters quickly.
Report Create structured reports with predefined formatting.
Certificate Create certificates for awards, events and achievements.
Newsletter Create formatted newsletters and announcements.
Calendar Create calendars using predefined layouts.

Finding a Template

When Microsoft Word starts, users can choose from available templates or search for a specific template using keywords. Templates can be selected based on the type of document that needs to be created.

Blank Document
Start from Scratch
Search Templates
Find a Design
Categories
Browse Designs
Custom Templates
Use Saved Templates
Steps to Choose a Template
1. Open Microsoft Word.

2. Select New.

3. Browse the
available templates.

4. Search for a
specific template.

5. Select the desired
template.

6. Click Create.
Result Template Created Successfully

Customizing a Template

After opening a template, users can customize its text, images, colors, fonts, styles and other elements. Customization allows a ready-made design to match a particular requirement while keeping the overall structure of the template.

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Edit Text

Replace placeholder text with your own information.

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Change Images

Replace existing pictures with your preferred images.

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Change Design

Modify colors, fonts and visual elements.

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Change Layout

Adjust spacing, alignment and document structure.

Customization What You Can Change
Text Edit headings, paragraphs and placeholder information.
Fonts Change font family, size and style.
Colors Change document theme and text colors.
Images Insert, replace or remove pictures.
Layout Modify margins, spacing and element positioning.
Steps to Customize a Template
1. Open the selected
template.

2. Replace the sample
text.

3. Add your own
information.

4. Change images if
required.

5. Adjust fonts and
colors.

6. Review the entire
document.

7. Save the customized
document.
Result Template Customized Successfully

Creating a Custom Template

Users can create their own templates when they frequently create documents with the same structure, formatting or branding. A custom template can contain logos, headings, styles, tables, page layouts and other reusable elements.

Steps to Create a Custom Template
1. Create a new
document.

2. Add the required
text and formatting.

3. Insert logos, images
or other elements.

4. Set the page layout
and styles.

5. Review the document.

6. Click File โ†’ Save As.

7. Select Word Template
(*.dotx).

8. Enter a template
name.

9. Click Save.
Result Custom Template Saved Successfully

Saving a Document as a Template

A regular Word document can be saved as a reusable template. When saving a template, Microsoft Word uses a template file format so that the original design can be reused for creating new documents without changing the template itself.

File Format Purpose
.dotx Standard Word template without macros.
.dotm Word template that can contain macros.
.docx Standard Word document format.

Using a Saved Custom Template

Once a custom template has been saved, it can be used whenever a new document with the same design is required. Opening the template creates a new document based on the template while keeping the original template available for future use.

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Store

Keep frequently used templates in an organized location.

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Reuse

Use the same design repeatedly for similar documents.

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Preserve

Keep the original template unchanged for future use.

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Quick Start

Create new documents faster using an existing design.

Steps to Use a Saved Template
1. Open Microsoft Word.

2. Select New.

3. Choose Personal
or Custom.

4. Select your saved
template.

5. Click Create.

6. Enter the required
information.

7. Save the new
document.
Result New Document Created from Template

Uses of Templates

Templates are useful whenever the same type of document needs to be created repeatedly. They provide a consistent structure and reduce the amount of formatting work required for every new document.

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Business Letters

Create professional letters using a consistent format.

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Reports

Prepare reports with predefined headings and layouts.

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Resumes

Create resumes with professionally designed structures.

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Certificates

Create certificates with reusable designs and formatting.

Use Benefit
Business Documents Maintain a consistent professional appearance.
Academic Work Use predefined structures for assignments and reports.
Resumes Save time when preparing professional resumes.
Certificates Reuse the same certificate design for multiple recipients.
Forms Create standardized forms with reusable fields.

Template Customization Options

A template can be customized in many ways to match an organization's requirements, branding or personal preferences. Users can modify the visual appearance while keeping the basic document structure intact.

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Fonts & Styles

Change fonts, headings, styles and text formatting.

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Theme Colors

Apply colors that match your document or organization.

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Branding

Add logos, company names and other branding elements.

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Page Layout

Customize margins, orientation, spacing and page structure.

Customization Area Examples
Text Styles Headings, paragraphs, lists and predefined styles.
Colors Theme colors, text colors and background colors.
Branding Logos, organization names and visual identity.
Page Setup Margins, orientation, paper size and spacing.
Objects Pictures, shapes, tables, charts and other elements.
Example โ€” Creating a Report Template
Create a new document.

Add:

Report Title

Student Name

Department

Date

Introduction

Main Content

Conclusion

Format all sections.

Add the required logo.

Save As โ†’

Word Template (*.dotx)
Result Reusable Report Template Created

Managing Templates

Properly managing templates makes it easier to find, reuse and maintain frequently used document designs. Keep templates organized and update them whenever the standard document requirements change.

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Organize

Keep templates in clearly named folders.

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Update

Modify templates when document requirements change.

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Remove

Delete outdated templates that are no longer required.

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Protect

Store important templates securely to prevent unwanted changes.

Advantages of Using Templates

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Time Saving

Reduces the time required to create frequently used documents.

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Consistency

Keeps the same layout, formatting and structure across documents.

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Professional Design

Helps create documents with a polished and organized appearance.

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Reusability

Allows the same document structure to be reused whenever required.

Advantage Description
Saves Time Less time is spent creating and formatting documents.
Consistency Documents maintain a uniform appearance and structure.
Accuracy Predefined structures reduce repetitive formatting mistakes.
Productivity Users can focus more on content instead of document design.
Reusability A template can be used for many similar documents.

Things to Remember

  • Choose a template that matches the purpose of your document.
  • Replace all sample or placeholder information with your own content.
  • Review the formatting after making major changes.
  • Save important custom templates in a safe and organized location.
  • Use meaningful names so templates can be identified easily.
  • Keep frequently used templates updated.
  • Do not accidentally overwrite the original template when creating a new document.
  • Check images, logos, tables and other elements before finalizing the document.

Useful Template Shortcuts & Commands

Command / Action Purpose
Ctrl + N Create a new document.
Ctrl + S Save the current document.
F12 Open the Save As dialog box.
Ctrl + P Print the document created from a template.
Ctrl + Z Undo the last change.

Practical Examples

Example 1 โ€” Resume Template
Open Microsoft Word.

Select New.

Search for:

Resume

Choose a suitable
resume template.

Click Create.

Replace the sample
name, education,
skills and experience
with your information.

Save the completed
resume.
Result Professional Resume Created
Example 2 โ€” Certificate Template
Open Microsoft Word.

Select New.

Search for:

Certificate

Choose a certificate
design.

Click Create.

Replace the recipient
name, title, date and
other details.

Save or print the
certificate.
Result Customized Certificate Created
Example 3 โ€” Business Letter Template
Open Microsoft Word.

Select New.

Search for:

Business Letter

Choose a suitable
template.

Enter the recipient,
subject and message.

Review the formatting.

Save the letter.
Result Professional Business Letter Created

Key Points to Remember

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Choose

Select a template that matches your document purpose.

2๏ธโƒฃ

Customize

Replace sample content with your own information.

3๏ธโƒฃ

Review

Check formatting, spelling, images and document layout.

4๏ธโƒฃ

Save

Save the finished document or preserve the template for reuse.

Template Workflow

Complete Template Workflow
Choose a Template
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Create the Document
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Customize the Content
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Apply Required Formatting
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Review the Document
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Save the Document
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Print / Share / Submit
Result Professional Document Created Using a Template

Template vs Blank Document

Feature Template Blank Document
Starting Point Pre-designed structure Empty document
Formatting Usually predefined Must be created manually
Time Saves time Requires more setup
Reusability Designed for repeated use Not automatically reusable
Customization Can be customized Fully created from scratch

Best Practices

  • Choose a template that closely matches the purpose of your document.
  • Replace all placeholder content before sharing or printing the document.
  • Keep the original custom template unchanged for future use.
  • Use consistent fonts, colors and styles throughout the document.
  • Give custom templates clear and descriptive names.
  • Review the final document carefully before submitting or publishing it.
  • Keep frequently used templates organized and easy to access.
  • Update templates when your standard formatting or information changes.
  • Save important custom templates in a secure location.
  • Use templates to maintain consistency across similar documents.

Conclusion

Templates make document creation faster, easier and more consistent. Microsoft Word provides many ready-made templates for resumes, letters, reports, certificates, calendars and other types of documents. Users can also create their own custom templates with predefined text, formatting, layouts, images and styles. By learning how to choose, customize, create and manage templates, users can save time and produce professional-looking documents without repeatedly starting from a blank page.