Life is too short to do the same work twice. Learn how to make a template in Word to create and share your favorite designs with other users in this tutorial.
Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jan 2, 2024 • 19 min read This post is part of a series called Learn How to Use Microsoft Word (Beginner Tutorial Guide).Life is too short to do the same work twice. If you work in Microsoft Word, it pays to learn how to use Word's save as template feature so that you don't have to rebuild Word Documents.
With a template, you've got the pre-built elements you need to create documents. Set templates in Word, and you start with all the fields you're looking for.
This tutorial will teach you how to create a Microsoft Word template that's easy to re-use. We'll even show you how to start with premium designs and turn Word docs into templates, even if you started with .docx files. Let's learn more.
In this screencast we'll show you how to create and save a template using Microsoft Word. We'll start with a professionally designed Word template and show you how to customize it to create a Word template that's uniquely yours.
Want to learn even more about how to create a template in Word? Read on for more detailed information and other tips.
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It’s often useful to create Word template designs of your own. This lets you transform a document into a customizable file that you can use as often as you need it. It only takes a few clicks and saves you time and hard work. Let’s learn how to save Word templates.
The template in the above image is a modern letterhead template that can be edited in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Word. There are four color options to choose from. If you use this template in Word, it's easy to edit.
When you think of how to create a Microsoft Word template, consider your objective. The trick is to generate a generic document that you (or other users) can readily adapt to their own needs.
In this tutorial, we’ll create a reusable letterhead set template in Word. Save Word templates like this and use them every day. To follow along, download the Letterhead Word Template from Envato Elements.
Let's get started:
With Letterhead open in Word, take a look at the layout. This is a pre-written letter that you can use as a Word save as template. To create Word template files from it, the key is to make it more generic. This will save you time in the future by avoiding the need to remove large blocks of content.
The body of the letter itself, for example, can be reduced in length. Click into the text box and select its contents. Then, type over it with your own words.
A good option is to use a phrase like "Insert body of letter here." While you’re familiar with the document layout, others who use the template may not be. This is a good way to guide them.
Then, change out the specific name details to "First Last." Repeat this with the other placeholders, adding generic phone numbers, emails, and more. This is how to make a template in Word that works well for flexible use.
We’ve updated the contents, showing how to create a Microsoft Word template from the file. But you can also add brand-new features to any file that you want to use for Microsoft Word templates.
For example, insert a slogan or tagline in the upper right corner of the letter. You might also want a box showing who the letter is CC’d to.
To add new placeholders, go to the Insert tab on Word’s ribbon. From there, click Text Box, then Draw Text Box. Find an open space on your document and click and drag to insert the text box.
Type in your slogan, and you’re all set. This will now appear each time when you create Word template files from the document.
Repeat the same steps to add the CC box. You can perform these same operations anywhere on your document.
You could even choose other options from the Insert tab, like photos, shapes, and more.
When making a document, you may want to use a font besides the default throughout the document.
Start by highlighting the text you want to change. Next, click on the Home tab. Then, click on the Font Menu arrow. When you click on the arrow, a menu drops down. Choose the font.
To customize the logo on your template, you first need to have an already saved logo on your computer.
Click on the logo already on the template. Press Delete on your keyboard to remove it.
Next, click on the Insert tab. In the toolbar. Click on the Pictures button. When you click on the Pictures button, a menu drops down. Choose an option depending on where your image is located. Then double click on your logo image file to add it to the template. Adjust as needed.
You’ve built a generic letterhead in Word. Now, it’s time to learn how to save a template in Word so that you can use it again. It'll appear in the Templates gallery that opens when you launch the Word app.
Let's save Word templates like this letter. Find the File drop-down in the upper left corner of your screen. Then, click Save As Template.
On the menu that appears, give your template a name. It’s best to use something short and easy to remember. Here, we’ll call it Letterhead. When you’re finished, click Save.
That’s how to make a template in Word. Now, when you launch the Word app, you’ll see your custom Microsoft Word templates in the Personal section.
This is the best way to create Word template designs that you can use more than once.
Are you wondering whether the Save as Template feature would be useful to you?
Here are three reasons that every user should learn how to save a template in Word:
It's easy to see why these benefits make it worthwhile to turn Word docs into templates. Read on to find out how to create a Microsoft Word template.
Chances are, you’re not a creative expert with the time to make your own Microsoft Word templates. Don’t worry. You don’t have to know how to create a Microsoft Word template to use the world's best designs.
There’s an alternative to learning how to create Word template designs from scratch. Lean on expert designers who know how to make a template in Word that’s sure to impress.
The best place to find stunning Microsoft Word templates is Envato Elements. It's a flat-rate subscription that offers millions of creative assets. Transform these files into customized templates with the Word save as template functionality.
What's more: as a subscriber, you've got unlimited downloads. That means you can try out as many Microsoft Word templates as you want. Plus, you'll find stock photos, custom fonts, and other assets that work great for any project.
Envato Elements also has a new AI-Search feature to help you quickly find the digital assets you need. All you've got to do is describe your project, and it'll show you what digital assets you can use.
As you can see, it’s easy to create Word template styles fast and customize them, thanks to Envato Elements. It takes the guesswork away from how to make a template in Word. Read on to see the best options for saved Word templates.
Not ready to learn how to create a Microsoft Word template? Let's look at five of the best pre-built options. These help you set templates in Word without doing all the work from scratch:
A preset template in Word helps you create documents fast. This certificate is a quick way to recognize achievements in style. It comes with both vertical and horizontal layouts, with print-ready graphics.
This is a perfect example of how to make a template in Word work for you. All you've got to do is drop key details into the pre-built text placeholders.
Even in our digital age, a classic letterhead helps make a winning impression. Save Word templates like this letterhead for use as print or online letters. You’ll find customizable styles that use stylish free fonts.
The design aesthetic is modern and minimalist. If you need help learning how to save a template in Word like this, turn to the included help file.
Wonder how to make a template in Word that you can use as an invoice? Don’t bother — this sleek design does the work for you.
With three color options, you can craft and send invoices with a few clicks. Each one helps you communicate with clients, so you’ll get paid sooner. 300-dpi CMYK print-ready graphics feature throughout.
Resume Word: the title speaks for itself. Save Word templates like this one to help land your dream job.
With refined, elegant hues, you can create Word template resumes sure to impress. There's ample room for key details, with plenty of open space to ensure readability. Plus, you’ll find a matching cover letter included in this Microsoft Word templates pack.
Ever wondered how to create a Microsoft Word template brochure? A5 Landscape is a key example. This one works well as a company profile or informational flyer.
You’ll have plenty of creative options, thanks to 16 custom layouts. All graphics are customizable, and there's space to include photos and illustrations.
There's no such thing as too many Word templates! On Envato Tuts+, we frequently feature the top options for templates in Word with pre-built downloads.
Check out more of the top options for designs to set templates in Word. Many of them are packaged as DOCX files. But remember: you can turn word Docs into templates with your new knowledge!
It’s common to have questions about Microsoft Word. So, here are some common Microsoft Word questions and answers:
Formatting text means that you control how the text appears in your document. There are many things you can do to your text. Some of the formatting options are changing the size, color, and font. Learn more in this tutorial:
Yes, you can add a border to your Word document. There are several different border options that you can choose from. Borders can add visual interest to your document. For a tutorial on how to add a border to your Word document, read this article:
A letterhead can be helpful if you're creating a template in Word. Letterheads often include your business logo, name, business address, and contact information. Letterheads help the letter receiver know who sent them the letter immediately.
Discover how to create your own letterheads:
ClipArt is an easy way to add illustrations to your document.
To find the ClipArt tool click on the Insert tab. Then click on the Pictures button, and from the menu that drops down, click on the Online Pictures… button. Type a keyword in the search bar that appears in the sidebar. Finally, click on the image that you want.
For more details, review:
If your document is more than one page, it can be helpful to add page numbers to your document. Page numbers can help people if the printed pages get out of order. People can also refer to information on a specific page easier.
For information on how to add page numbers to your Word document, read this tutorial:
You've been learning how to make a template in Word, which is certainly a useful skill. There's no reason to stop here as you're mastering Microsoft's powerful documents app.
On Envato Tuts+, we want to teach you everything you need to know to feel confident while using Microsoft Word. Make sure to check out our fully featured learning guide, Learn How to Use Microsoft Word (Beginner Tutorial Guide.)
Make sure to check out these three tutorials to continue learning how to use Microsoft Word. Each of these helps you add new skills that improve the way you save Word templates.
You don't have time to re-design every document in Word. That's why you just learned how to create a Microsoft Word template, to use your favorite designs, save them for the future, and share them with others.
If you're still searching for the best Word templates, don't forget about the premium options from Envato Elements. These advanced designs are the best way to set templates in Word with no work required. Lean on pre-built designs even while learning how to save a template in Word.
Now, it's your turn. You've just learned how to make a Word template and how to save a template in Word. Now, open Word, start designing, and turn your Word doc into templates.
Make sure to share with others when you get a chance—and don't forget to teach them how to create a Microsoft Word template too!
Editor's note: This tutorial was originally published on May 31, 2021. It's been updated to include a video with help from Andrew Childress. The content has been updated for relevancy and accuracy by Sarah Joy. Andrew and Sarah are freelance instructors for Envato Tuts+.
