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How to Create a Template

You must always create a new template using (File > New) and only use (File > Open) when you want to change the original template.

You can save yourself a lot of time by saving your favourite workbooks as templates.

Open one of your workbooks. Remove all the numbers but leave the formatting and formulas intact.

The next time you want to use this workbook you just need to fill in the numbers.

To prevent over-writing the template file when you create a new workbook from a template, always save your templates in the Templates folder ot a subfolder within the Templates folder.

Creating a Template

Creating a template is easy - You just need to create a new workbook that consists of a single worksheet and then select (File > Save As). Ensure that you select "Template (*.xlt)" from the Saving as type drop-down list.

To create a template set up a worksheet as you want it (i.e. formatting, formulas etc) then delete all the other worksheets. Press (File > Save As), choose "Template (*.xlt).

The folder will automatically change to your default templates folder when you select this file format.

Select this folder or a subfolder. You can easily create a new subfolder within this folder.

Saving your templates in this default folder will ensure that your templates are available from the General Templates dialog box.

Type a name and press Save.

Now whenever you right click on the sheet tab and select Insert your worksheet should appear a template.

When you save a new template for the first time you have to supply a new file name.

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.

Template Wizard with Tracking add-in

This helps you to create worksheet templates. When installed it adds an additional "Template Wizard" button to the bottom of your Data drop-down menu.

Creating Workbooks

When you create a new workbook based on a template you are not opening the original template.

The workbook that is created is a completely separate file that just contains everything you put in the template.

The default file name associated with ANY template is Book#

The original template filename does not appear in the title bar.