Templates

A “template” is a workbook that is used as a guide for making other, similar workbooks. It is, putting it another way, a special workbook that you can use as a pattern to replicate new workbooks accurately and consistently. It contains the basic information that will be used again, you simply add the data for the specific case at hand. The basic information contained in the template would include all the styles, formatting, text, functions, and formulas you want and need. Once saved, as described below, and reopened, this information is already in place.

Let's say, for example, that you wanted to use the gradesheet we created for many different classes. After testing, but before entering real data, you would save this file as an Excel template. By doing so, you will have created a Gradesheet form that you could for every class.

To create a template in Microsoft Excel:

• create a worksheet that contains all of the styles, formatting, text, functions, and formulas you want and need
• test it to make sure it works, then clear all test data
• choose FileSave As
• enter the name you want for the template in the
  • Windows: [File Name] box
  • Macintosh: it is the [Name:] box in Excel 2001, the [Save As:] box in Excel X)
• select the folder and drive where you want to save the template
• now select the file type [Template]
  • Windows: in the “Save As Type” (Windows)
    • Windows users, the extension .xlt will be added automatically
  • Macintosh: in the “Save File As Type” (Excel 98) or “Format” (Excel 2001 and Excel X) box
    • Macintosh users, add the extension .xlt
  • Note: regular Microsoft Excel worksheets use the extension .xls while template worksheets use .xlt
• click thebutton

Saving a New File from a Template

When you open a template file, it opens with all of the basic information included with the same name as you gave it when you saved the template. To ensure that you do not accidentally lose your form, follow the steps in the order given.

• choose FileSave As
• give it a different filename
• in the “Save As Type”/ “Save File As Type”/“Format” box, select [Microsoft Excel Workbook]
• click thebutton
• add the data necessary
• choose FileSave

Copyright©2003
last updated August 13, 2003