Editing the Normal Template in Word 2007

You can save a lot of time in Word by using templates. With templates, you can specify formatting options such as font size and typeface. You can also set margins and other page layout options. Additionally, you can include boilerplate text and headers and footers, if you wish.

Every document you create in Word is based on the Normal template. Any changes you make to this template will be applied to all new documents in Word. Unlike earlier versions of Microsoft Word, it is easy to make changes to the Normal template in Word 2007.

To change Word 2007’s default template, follow these steps:

Click the Office button

Select Open

In the Open dialog box, click Templates

Double-click the Normal template

The Normal template will open so you can edit it. Make changes as you would to any Word document. Keep in mind, though, that any changes you make will be applied to all new documents.

When you’re done making changes to the Normal template, click Save on the Quick Access toolbar.

Note: If you are using Word’s compatibility mode, you may have two Normal templates on your computer. Edit the Normal.dotm template.