How to Change the Startup Template in Word

If you don't like the size, color or type of font in Microsoft Word's startup template, it's easy to change it. Word uses a default template that determines the font, toolbars and other settings that display when you create a new document. You can easily create your own custom template to replace the default template.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Open Word. From the toolbar, choose the auto text properties, macros, toolbars, font, font size and text color to use as your default template. Click "Save as" on the menu.
2. Click "Save in" at the top of the window. Browse to the folder "C:\Documents and Settings." Look for your username folder. Open it. Open "Application Data," "Microsoft," "Templates."
3. Move your mouse to the arrow next to "Files of Type" on the bottom of the Window. Click the arrow. Choose "Document Templates." Save the file as "test.dot." Close Word.
4. Right-click the Windows Start button. Navigate to the folder "C:\Documents and Settings." Double-click your username folder to open it. Open "Application Data," "Microsoft" and "Templates."
5. Choose the file "Normal.dot." Right-click it and select "Delete" from the menu. Click "Yes" in the box that asks if you want to send the file to the Recycle Bin.
6. Select the file "test.dot." Right-click and select "Rename" from the menu. Name the file "normal.dot." Open Word.
7. Create a new blank document in Word. Make sure your changes to the template display in the new document.

Tips & Warnings

• Delete the "Normal.dot" file if you decide you want to change it. Word automatically recreates the standard "Normal.dot" file if it gets damaged or deleted.

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