Free Source of Microsoft Templates

Online Source for Free Templates for Microsoft Office Applications

Sep 29, 2009

When Microsoft Office is installed on a system, a collection of templates is also installed for each application. If those prove to be inadequate, there are more online.

Templates are installed along with applications in Microsoft Office. The included templates represent the most common formats, Faxes and resumes for Word, expense reports and loan amortization tables in Excel. But sometimes the templates included are just not enough.

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel and create a bill of lading from square one. Templates for this and hundreds of additional templates are available online. These templates are found at Microsoft’s website.

What is a Template?

Templates are pre-designed files that have formatting, layout, and formulas already prepared. All the user has to do is fill in blanks, or type data into designated locations. This allows the user to concentrate on data entry instead of layout, design, format, formula, etc.

As an example, a typical fax cover sheet would contain information about the source and recipient like name, phone, fax, and company. There would also be a date, and comment section. Rather than spending time designing this form, the user can simply access a fax form when they request a new document. At this point the user is given an option to go with a blank file or look for a template. In most of the applications the user can choose between installed, personal, or online templates. Accessing online templates is the focus of this article.

Online Location of Microsoft Templates

The Microsoft website has an entire section devoted to templates for its applications. So the first step is to go to the Microsoft Office Online—Templates Home Page. This page represents the gateway to access Microsoft templates The templates are referenced and cross-referenced so the user can find what he is looking for in an efficient manner.

Browse Templates

If a user wants to get a broad overview of a particular category of templates they can go to the Browse Templates section of the templates home page. Nearly 40 categories are listed with each category having anywhere from 1 to dozens of templates. A list to all categories will take the user to a list of even more categories. Some of the categories are:

Using this method allows the user to see all templates in that category. For example, flyer templates are available for Publisher, Word, and PowerPoint. If the user has all these applications with her version of Office and is comfortable using all of the applications, this browsing method is fine.

Cross Referenced Browsing

Just below the heading of the template home page is a section marked with four tabs. Each focuses on templates in a different way.

New Templates (Currently Small Business Templates developed by Hewlett-Packard)

Template Collections (Templates of many varieties for use in specific fields, specialties, or events)

Miscellaneous

In addition to these primary sections of the template page, there are what appear to be display advertisements for third party templates, i.e. Monster.com templates, TemplateWise, etc. These are all Microsoft sites containing additional templates designed by third parties.

More Templates

For those seeking even more templates performing a Google search for “Microsoft templates free” will result in hits to numerous locations where templates are available. While the word “free” was part of the search many of the sites offer a minimal number of free templates while others are available for purchase.

Depending on the complexity of the template the prices can range from a few dollars to hundreds. A user looking for examples of files being used for a specific purpose or with a very particular topic should read Google Filetype Command.

While Microsoft Office provides a variety of templates at installation, it provides hundreds more online. The user is sure to find a visit to the Microsoft Office Template home page a rewarding experience.

Resources

The copyright of the article Free Source of Microsoft Templates in Freeware/Shareware is owned by Joe Nowak. Permission to republish Free Source of Microsoft Templates in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.