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How to Save a Template

If you have a particular workbook that you want to use as a skeleton or template for other workbooks you can save it as a template.

Select (File > Save As) and select "Template (".xlt") in the save as type drop-down box.

Templates will automatically be saved in the default Templates folder

You can only have a single worksheet in your workbook before saving it as a template ?? CHECK !

It is possible to change the directory used for your templates (Tools > Options) or you can specify an additional folder (although you have to use/ have it displayed the Office toolbar ??/)

If you save a workbook into the following directory it will automatically become an installed template:

These will then automatically appear under the "General templates" folder.

If you want to display an additional tab in the (File > New) dialog box then create a subfolder in the Templates folder.

Your Templates Folder

Any templates you save in the default folder will automatically appear on the General tab.

Any templates you add to this folder will automatically appear on the General tab.

Excel 2003 - C:\Documents and Settings\"user name"\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\

Excel 2002 - C:\Documents and Settings\"user name"\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\

Excel 2000 - C:\Documents and Settings\"user name"\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates\

Excel 97 -

This folder location has nothing to do with the xlstartup folder.

Creating a New Tab

You can quickly create a new subfolder using the folder in the top right corner.

You can create subfolders within the template folder to store additional templates.

Any templates saved in the templates folder will appear on the General tab.

Any templates saved in subfolders will be displayed on additional tabs.

Saving Workbooks

You do not have to save your workbooks as templates (".xlt") in order to use them as templates.

Any workbooks that are saved in the templates folder can be used as templates.

When you select a regular workbook a copy of the workbook is opened and a number is appended to the end of the file name.

Office Wide Templates

The templates folder is actually a Microsoft Office templates folder which is consistent across Word and PowerPoint as well.

Any files saved in this folder (or any subfolder) will be automatically displayed in the correct application.

For example you can could create a subfolder called Better Solutions which contains all the templates for Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

The tab is only displayed in an application if there are files with the relevant extensions in that folder.

Things to Remember