What is a Template in Microsoft Word?

A template is a document type that creates a copy of itself when you open it. In Microsoft Word, you can create a template saving a document as a .dotx file, .dot file, or 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 predefined 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.

⇒ Open Microsoft Word Template File as Template

⇐ New Features of Microsoft Word 2013

⇑ General Questions on Microsoft Word

⇑⇑ MS Word - Frequently Asked Questions