What is a template?

How do I make a template?

Where are the standard templates?

How do I open a template?

What is a template?    

In computing a template is a pre-developed element which provides a generic platform on which to build a file.  The template remains the same and the file created from it has added content and design.  Templates are used in many different programs including desktop publishing, word processing, web design, CAD etc.

Microsoft Office uses templates in many of its applications including, Word, Excel, Frontpage, Powerpoint and Publisher.  Many are provided as standard, giving you different layouts.  They are normally given a different file extension to identify them from content files.

It is normal practice to have standard self developed template files within an organisation which enables people to use headed paper, write memos, send emails etc.  They establish the ‘house style’ for the organisation and ensure that everyone is presenting their work in a consistent manner.

How do I make a template?    

To create a template, you simply create a new file in whatever application you are using and place the content where and how you want it, the same as you would normally.  However when you save as  the file you choose the template option in the save as type dialog box.  Make sure you know where you saved it.

One of the most commonly used templates is in MSWord.  Whenever you open a new document in word, it defaults to blank document which is based on a template called normal.dot.  It is possible to customise this as well, so for example every new blank document has specific characteristics such as font, size and margins.  To make the editing of this simpler, Microsoft have included a default  button on the Font and Page Setup menu options.  Pressing that button will place your existing format (for those features) into the normal.dot  template.

Where are the standard templates?    

Templates are stored in a number of places and in later versions (2003+), choosing new from the menu will give you template options in the left hand pane of the application.  Generally, templates are specific to the logged on user and so are held in:

C:\documents and settings\username\application data\Microsoft\templates

However, this does vary and does not apply if you are using workgroup templates.

How do I open a template?    

To open a template, simply choose file, open from your application and then change the file of type option to template.

Links:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/default.aspx  -Microsoft templates

http://www.steves-templates.com/  - some free web templates

http://addbalance.com/usersguide/templates.htm - a guide to templates in Word