Better Microsoft Word Template Management June 19 2006
Q: I need a better way of organizing my Word templates than just saving them into my My Documents folder. I invariably change the ‘master’ or delete the standard info I like to have in my templates. Can you share a more efficient method?
A: There is a faster way of creating and managing Templates in Word and will have the additional benefit of keeping your originals in-tact. Here’s what you do to Create, Save, then use a Word template:
-In Word
1. Create a document with all the information you typically need to complete leaving the variable information blank (You can even open an existing file but be sure to leave the variable information blank)
2. File > Save (Or File > Save As… if you are using an existing file)
3. Enter a name for the Template
-Just below where you typed in the File Name in the ‘Save as type…’ field
4. Select ‘Word Template’ from the drop-down list
5. Click ‘Save’
-This saves the Document as a Template
Now, when you need to use the Template just:
1. Open Word
2. File > New…
In Word XP/2002
-Under the ‘New From Template’ section in the Right Hand Margin (aka the Task Pane)
3. Click the ‘General Template’ link
4. Find your Template in the ‘General’ tab
5. Select/Highlight the Template you want to use
6. Click OK
In Word 2003
-Under the ‘Templates’ section in the Right Hand Margin (aka the Task Pane)
3. Click the ‘On my computer…’ link
4. Find your Template in the ‘General’ tab
5. Select/Highlight the Template you want to use
6. Click OK
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