This document describes how templates can be used to quickly and
easily produce high-quality documents in a variety of word-processing
applications.
Introduction
Every word processing program ships with at least a few standard
templates. This is because most documents are fairly standard in
format. Let's examine the features of templates common to all word
processing programs.
The Template Remains Unchanged
When you use a template, you're actually opening a copy of the
template. In this way you'll always have a fresh copy of the template
when you need it, and the original is always safe. This is because of
the way the template was saved.
You create a template by choosing the Document Template choice in your program's save options (In Microsoft Word you would go to File > Save As > Choose Document Template from the Save as Type option.) If you are working in Microsoft Word with a PC, you will notice that the file extension will now read .dot instead of .doc
indicating it is a template. Every time you double click on the
template it will open a new document with the attributes you set up in
the template.
Templates allow you to save time, because unchanging elements can be
saved in the template. For example, in a letterhead template, your
project's name, address, phone number, and Web address are already
entered every time you open a copy of your letterhead template.
You can change a template, but you'll probably want to do so very
infrequently. By creating a few basic templates of your own (or
modifying some of the templates that come with your word processing
program), using the same type styles, colors, and layout, you can
maintain a uniform look to all of your documents. This will make your
project look more professional. (To edit an existing template on a PC,
you will need to to right-click on the template, and choose Open from the pop-up menu, and a Mac you will need to click-and-hold, and choose Open from the pop-up menu. This way, you will be editing the template and not just opening a new document from that template.)
Templates Are Straighforward
Because they're designed to be fast and easy to work with, templates
generally offer layouts that aren't particularly complex. This is also
important because while some documents need nonstandard formatting, for
the most part all of your documents will follow generally proscribed
formats.
Not only does this make things easier for you as the document
creator, it also makes it easier on the person reading your document,
because most templates are designed to be legible and visually
effective.
Templates Are Easy To Use
For example, in Microsoft Word, you can download new templates for your own use from Microsoft's website. Simply double-click on it to begin using it, or use the instruction above to modify it to your own purpose.
Though AppleWorks is an integrated package offering drawing and
other tools in addition to word processing, accessing templates
involves a similar interface. When AppleWorks starts up, you'll see a
"Starting Points" screen like this:
Templates can be modified, but every word processor handles template
modification somewhat differently It's a good idea to use your
application's help viewer to find out more. For further treatment of
templates, see the resources listed below. |
