How to Create a Template in Excel

To create a reusable template in Excel, build your workbook the way you want it, then go to File → Save As and choose Excel Template (.xltx) as the file type. Excel automatically stores it in the default Templates folder so it appears under File → New → Personal whenever you start a new file.

Excel templates are a fantastic tool for streamlining your workflow and saving valuable time when working on lengthy projects. Whether you want to keep track of your business expenses, create a monthly budget, or generate an invoice, creating an Excel template can help you achieve these tasks with ease. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to create a template in Excel, which you can then customize and use for different purposes.

Step 1: Identify the Objective of the Template

Before creating an Excel template, it is crucial to identify its purpose. Knowing the goal of the template will help you determine the data you need to include and how to format it correctly. The following are some examples of common templates:

• Invoice templates
• Expense report templates
• Schedule templates
• Budget templates

Once you have determined the objective of your template, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Create a New Workbook

The first step to creating a template is to open a new workbook in Microsoft Excel. Go to the File tab, select New and choose Blank Workbook.

Step 3: Create Your Template

This is where the fun begins! Now you can start creating your template. Let’s say you want to create an invoice template. Begin by including the essential details, such as your business name, customer information, and invoice number. You can add more details, including the items sold, prices, and taxes. You can also include a section for notes if necessary.

It’s essential to format the cells correctly to make your template easy to use. You can use conditional formatting to highlight overdue payments or other specific details. You can also add drop-down lists and date pickers to make data entry easier.

Step 4: Save Your Template

After you have finished creating your template, it’s time to save it. Go to the File tab, click Save As, and choose Excel Template from the file type dropdown. This saves the file with the .xltx extension (or .xltm if your workbook contains macros). Give the template a unique name so that you can easily find it in the future.

When you pick the Excel Template type, Excel automatically switches the save location to its default Templates folder, so it’s best to leave that path as-is. On Windows that folder is usually Documents\Custom Office Templates, and on a Mac it’s ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates. Saving there means your template shows up under File → New → Personal (Windows) or File → New from Template (Mac) the next time you create a workbook.

Voila! You are now ready to use your Excel template for different purposes and save precious time. If you prefer to reuse an existing file without creating a formal template, you can also make a copy of an Excel workbook instead.

Conclusion:

Creating an Excel template may seem daunting, but it’s simple once you know the steps. By following these steps, you can create a template that will help you streamline your workflow, improve your productivity, and make your life easier. So go ahead and give it a try!

Additional Tips:

Here are some extra tips that will help you create professional and effective templates in Excel:

• Use clear and legible fonts: It’s essential to use a font that is easy to read and understand. Avoid using anything too fancy that may make reading difficult.
• Make it visually appealing: A template that looks good is often more inviting to use. Use colors and formatting to highlight essential details and make it easy to navigate.
• Use Excel shortcuts: Excel contains many shortcuts that can make your experience much faster and more efficient. Learn some of these shortcuts to streamline your workflow further.
• Save your template in a shared location: If you’re working with a team, save the template somewhere accessible to everyone, or share the workbook so colleagues can collaborate. That way, everyone can use it, and you avoid the hassle of emailing it around.

If you’d rather start from something pre-built, browse our roundups of the best Excel budget templates and the best Excel templates for small business, or learn how to make a template in Excel from another angle.

Final Thoughts:

Creating an Excel template may seem difficult, but it’s a practical skill to have, no matter where you work or what your industry is. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create custom templates that will save you time and improve productivity.

Templates can help businesses and individuals better manage their data and expenses and streamline workflows. They reduce the time it takes to perform repetitive tasks and allow people to focus on more important objectives.

So, what are you waiting for? Put your new knowledge into action and start creating your custom templates today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions you may have when creating an Excel template:

What file format does an Excel template use?

An Excel template is saved with the .xltx file extension. If your workbook contains macros, save it as a macro-enabled template with the .xltm extension instead. Both formats keep your layout, formatting, and formulas intact so you can spin up a fresh copy without overwriting the original.

Where does Excel save my templates by default?

When you choose Excel Template in the Save As dialog, Excel automatically points to its default Templates folder. On Windows that is typically Documents\Custom Office Templates, and on a Mac it is ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates. Templates stored there appear under File → New → Personal on Windows and File → New from Template on Mac.

Can I change a template after saving it in Excel?

Yes. To edit the template itself, open the .xltx file directly (File → Open) rather than double-clicking it, since double-clicking creates a new untitled copy. Make your changes and save again as an Excel Template. When you simply want a working file, double-click the template so Excel opens a fresh, unsaved workbook based on it.

How do I use a template after I’ve created it?

Go to File → New and click Personal (Windows) or File → New from Template (Mac), then select your template. Excel opens a brand-new workbook with all your formatting and formulas in place, leaving the original template untouched. You can then save the new file under any name you like.

Can I share my Excel template with others?

Yes. You can send the .xltx file directly, or share the workbook from a shared drive so your team can use it. For colleagues to see it in their Personal templates list, they need to place the file in their own default Templates folder. You can also create a read-only version to prevent accidental changes.

Can I use formulas in my Excel templates?

Yes, you can use formulas in your Excel templates. Formulas help automate calculations and make your template more versatile. Ensure that each formula is accurate and tested before sharing it with others, and consider locking those cells so users don’t overwrite them by mistake.