In Word, a template is used to specify the default styles and text formatting for a document. When you first open a blank document, Word automatically attaches the Normal template, although you can specify a different template. After the file has been created, you can change the attached template by following these steps:
Figure 1. The Templates and Add-Ins dialog box.
If you don't see the Developer tab necessary for step 1, then you need to make the tab visible. You do that by first displaying the Word Options dialog box. (In Word 2007 click the Office button and then click Word Options. In Word 2010 or later versions, display the File tab of the ribbon and then click Options.) In Word 2010 and later versions, click Customize Ribbon at the left side of the dialog box. At the right side of the dialog box, under Customize the Ribbon and under Main Tabs, select the Developer check box. In Word 2007, click Popular at the left side of the dialog box, and then select the Show Developer Tab in Ribbon check box.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (5998) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Office 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Changing the Attached Template.
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2016-11-17 17:16:27
Digmen1
What happens to text that is formatted with a style that is not in the new template?
2016-11-17 17:08:38
Digmen1
This tip sort of works.
But the styles that were in the original template seem to stay with the document.
It is very hard and tedious to delete them.
This whole area is very flakely and MS need to tidy it up.
(or is it just me?)
2015-12-09 09:34:23
Paul Franklin Stregevsky
Jonathan,
You can add the Templates shortcut to your Quick Access Toolbar (QAT).
2015-12-09 04:01:33
Jonathan Gabriele-Hay
I can never find this option, but it is essential when working with old documents for which the original custom template is long gone. Google always brings me to this page when I've misplaced my bookmark.
Great tip, thank you.
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