What is a template?

What is a template?

A template is a document type that creates a copy of itself when you open it. In Microsoft Office Word 2007, a template can be a .dotx file, or it can be a .dotm file (a .dotm file type allows you to enable macros in the file).

For example, a business plan is a common document that is written in Word. Instead of creating the structure of the business plan from scratch, you can use a template with predefined page layout, fonts, margins, and styles. All you have to do is open a template, and fill in the text and the information that is specific to your document. When you save the document as a .docx or .docm file you save your document separately from the template on which it is based.

Templates are exactly like documents in that you can provide recommended sections or required text for others to use, as well as content controls such as a pre-defined drop-down list or a special logo. You can add protection to a section of a template, or you can apply a password to the template to help protect the contents of the template from changes.

How to create a Template?

1.     Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click New.

2.     Click Blank document, and then click Create.

3.     Make the changes that you want to the margin settings, page size and orientation, styles, and other formats.

You can also add instructional text, content controls such as a date picker, and graphics that you want to appear in all new documents that you base on the template.

4.     Click the Microsoft Office Button , and then click Save As.

5.     In the Save As dialog box, click Trusted Templates.

6.     Give the new template a file name, select Word Template in the Save as type list, and then click Save.

 Note    You can also save the template as a Word Macro-Enabled Template (.dotm file) or a Word 97-2003 Template (.dot file).

7.     Close the template.