The term template, when used in the context of
word processing A word processor (WP) is a device or computer program that provides for input, editing, formatting, and output of text, often with some additional features.
Word processor (electronic device), Early word processors were stand-alone devices dedicate ...
software
Software consists of computer programs that instruct the Execution (computing), execution of a computer. Software also includes design documents and specifications.
The history of software is closely tied to the development of digital comput ...
,
refers to a sample
document
A document is a writing, written, drawing, drawn, presented, or memorialized representation of thought, often the manifestation of nonfiction, non-fictional, as well as fictional, content. The word originates from the Latin ', which denotes ...
that has already some details in place; those can (that is added/completed, removed or changed, differently from a fill-in-the-blank of the approach as in a
form) either by hand or through an automated iterative process, such as with a
software assistant. Once
the template is completed, the user can edit, save and manage the result as
an ordinary word processing document. Word processing templates enable the ability to bypass
the initial setup and configuration time necessary to create standardized
documents such as a
resume. They also enable the automatic configuration of the
user interface
In the industrial design field of human–computer interaction, a user interface (UI) is the space where interactions between humans and machines occur. The goal of this interaction is to allow effective operation and control of the machine fro ...
of the word processing software, with features such as
autocompletion
Autocomplete, or word completion, is a feature in which an application predicts the rest of a word a user is typing. In Android and iOS smartphones, this is called predictive text. In graphical user interfaces, users can typically press the t ...
,
toolbars,
thesaurus, and
spelling
Spelling is a set of conventions for written language regarding how graphemes should correspond to the sounds of spoken language. Spelling is one of the elements of orthography, and highly standardized spelling is a prescriptive element.
Spelli ...
options.
Word processing templates are ordinarily included as a regular feature
in most word processing software. In addition, users of such software
often have the option to create and save their own templates, to acquire
them from the original vendor of the software, or from third parties.
Overview
Word processing templates provide functionality for:
* "Fill-in-the-blank" completion of routinely used document classes or (a stencil/master copy)
*
Mail merge
Mail merge consists of combining mail and letters and pre-addressed envelopes or mailing labels for mass mailings from a form letter.
This feature is usually employed in a word processing document which contains fixed text (which is the same in ...
to produce personalized mailings
* Time-saving document-fragment creation (for items such as
headers footers and
boilerplate)
* Time-saving GUI-configuration (for configuring the desktop GUI with precisely the desired standard look and feel, usually tailored to a given profession or industry)
* Time-saving user standardization (for ensuring a specific user or work group has access to documents that are unique to the user's role in the organization)
* Quick means of preparation of meeting data in presentable way.
Uses
Word processing templates have the standard "fill-in-the-blank" features similar to other kinds of templates in computer software. They also have features that specifically leverage the functionality of the word processor user interface.
Specific examples include ability to:
* Copy macros,
styles, and auto completion entries from one template (or document) to another;
* Reuse a
page header
Page most commonly refers to:
* Page (paper), one side of a leaf of paper, as in a book
Page, PAGE, pages, or paging may also refer to:
Roles
* Page (assistance occupation), a professional occupation
* Page (servant), traditionally a young mal ...
,
watermark
A watermark is an identifying image or pattern in paper that appears as various shades of lightness/darkness when viewed by transmitted light (or when viewed by reflected light, atop a dark background), caused by thickness or density variations i ...
, structure, and many forms of repeated document contents;
* Create and remove entries (from the
New > File menu) for fast access to frequently used templates;
* Save automation scripts in languages such as
Visual Basic for Applications;
* Save and configure the toolbar, menus, or keyboard shortcuts to work across editing sessions, or on a user-by-user basis;
* Configure up and use work group templates, or a default template applied automatically whenever a new document is created;
* Quickly write
résumés and
Curricula Vitae;
* Easily write
reports for work or study;
* Create single or multiple sheet templates such as list templates, agenda templates and business templates;
* Quickly recreate already used files in terms of amendments and changes;
Additionally, support may exist for other native features unique to the word processing application.
[{{cite web, url= https://www.officeresumes.com/resumes/4-reasons-why-you-should-use-resume-templates/, title= Office Resume Templates Wednesday, 5 September 2018 ]
Specific commands and file formats
Word processing document creation may ordinarily (although not necessarily) begin with selecting a template with a menu command such as:
File > New > Templates (and select the template you wish to use), where the user is given the option of selecting a pre-existing template. Similar commands are provided for creating and editing templates.
Template files may restrict users from saving changes with the original file name, such as with the case of
Microsoft Office (
.dot)
filename extensions. In those cases, users are prompted to save the file with a new name as if it were a new file.
See also
*
Word processing A word processor (WP) is a device or computer program that provides for input, editing, formatting, and output of text, often with some additional features.
Word processor (electronic device), Early word processors were stand-alone devices dedicate ...
*
Comparison of word processors
*
List of word processors
*
Template (disambiguation)
*
Normal.dot
Related comparisons
*
Configuration file
A configuration file, a.k.a. config file, is a computer file, file that stores computer data, data used to configure a software system such as an application software, application, a server (computing), server or an operating system.
Some applic ...
(similar application configuration features for preserving the state of toolbars and menus, as well as other settings).
*
Style sheet (a very similar tool)
*
Web template (similar fill-in-the-blank and mass-production features, in the context of web development)
*
Template (file format) (similar fill-in-the blank and GUI configuration features, but for spreadsheets, image processing software and other desktop applications)
References
External links
Example template: Collaborative Protocol for Translations
Word processors