How to Create Document Templates
Document templates are used for documents you might use over and over again. A document template contains repeated text, graphics placeholders, page setup and layout information, and document font specifications. A template can include anything you might have to add every time you start a document of the type the template is based on, saving you the time of having to enter the information and do the formatting each time you begin a new document. Most word processor and desktop programs allow you to create templates. You can create time-saving templates in just about any software you use on a regular basis.
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Instructions
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Open the software you want to create a template in. Create the document by going to the "File" menu and choosing the "New" command.
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Format the document by adding the text and graphic elements that will always appear each time you create a document from the template. This will save you time by eliminating repetitive tasks each time you create a new document based on your template.
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Go to the "File" menu and choose the "Save As" command, then select "Document Template." Name the template something you will recognize easily. Software programs use a different file extension for templates, so your working document won't be overwritten and the template will automatically be saved to the template folder of your software, ready to use the next time you need it.
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Tips & Warnings
If you use a program that doesn't allow you to save templates, save the document you need with a template identification (example: "manuscript template") and use that document each time you need it. Just make sure you save every new document started with your faked template as something else so you don't overwrite your original.
