How to add custom document templates to Microsoft Word

Table of Contents

Overview

This article explains how to add a custom Microsoft Word template file (.dotx) so it appears in Word under Personal or Custom templates when creating a new document.

Before You Start

• You must have received a Word template by email.
• The file must end in .dotx.
• Close Microsoft Word before starting (if it’s open).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download the Template from Email
   1. Open the email containing the template.
   2. Click the attachment.
   3. Select Download (or Save As).
   4. Save it to Downloads or Desktop.
2. Open File Explorer
   1. Click the File Explorer icon (folder) on your taskbar.
3. Navigate to Documents
   1. In the left-hand menu, click This PC.
   2. Double-click Documents (may appear as “My Documents”).
4. Open the Custom Office Templates Folder
   1. Inside Documents, double-click Custom Office Templates.
    
   If you do not see the Custom Office Templates folder, contact IT for assistance.
5. Move the Template into the Folder
   1. Go back to where the file was saved (Downloads or Desktop).
   2. Drag the .dotx file into Custom Office Templates.
      OR right-click the file → Copy, then right-click inside Custom Office Templates → Paste.
6. Copy the Folder Path
   1. While you are inside the Custom Office Templates folder, click once in the address bar at the top of File Explorer.
   
   
   2. When the folder path becomes highlighted, right click and click copy or press Ctrl + C to copy it.
      

   Reference path (for IT use / verification):
   \\PAC-HMF-01\User Files$\*INSERTUSER*\My Documents\Custom Office Templates

7. Set Word to Use This Folder (Word Options → Save)
   1. Open Microsoft Word.
   2. Click File → Options.
   
   
   3. In the left menu, click Save.
   4. Find Default personal templates location:
      
   
   
   5. Click inside that box and press Ctrl + V to paste the folder path you copied.
   6. Click OK.
8. Verify the Template in Microsoft Word
   1. In Word, click File → New.
   2. Select Personal or Custom.
   3. Click the template to create a new document.
      

Troubleshooting

• Template not showing in Word: Close Word completely and reopen it.
• Personal/Custom section not visible: Confirm the folder path was added under Word Options → Save → Default personal templates location.
• Wrong file type: Confirm the template ends in .dotx.
• Saved in the wrong place: Ensure it is in Documents → Custom Office Templates (not a subfolder).
• Folder missing or not accessible: Contact IT for assistance.

What if I need additional assistance?

SJRstate IT is here to help! Reach out to us by:

• Calling the Helpdesk at (386)312-4142
• E-mailing Helpdesk@SJRState.edu
• Using the Help Portal at help.sjrstate.edu and submitting a request.

Submit General I.T. Helpdesk Ticket (Staff And Faculty)

For students: call or email the Helpdesk using the contact information above.