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Fix Custom Word Cover Pages Disappearing After Sharing
Question details
Users report that custom cover pages created using building blocks are missing when they share a Word document with other people.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a document containing a custom cover page with a recipient via email, cloud, or external drive.
- Observed behavior
- The custom cover page disappears or fails to display for the recipient when they open the document on their device.
Ensure you have access to the original computer where the custom cover page was created, as the necessary building blocks are saved locally on that machine's template files.
Embed the Cover Page Content Directly into the Document
The easiest way to ensure your cover page travels with your document is to design it directly on the first page rather than saving it as a reusable local building block.
Building blocks are often stored in your local 'Building Blocks.dotx' file. When you share the standard document, that local file does not travel with it, causing the cover page to vanish for the recipient.
Access the original document on the computer where the custom cover page was initially created and applied.
If you used a Quick Part or Building Block to insert the cover page, recreate or paste the contents of that cover page directly onto the first page of the document as standard text and shapes.
Do not save this newly designed page back into the cover page gallery. Leave it strictly as document content.
Save the file as a standard Word Document (.docx) and share it. Because the elements are now regular document contents rather than referenced building blocks, they will remain visible to all recipients.
Share the Custom Template File with the Recipient
If you must use custom building blocks, you can save them in a specific template (.dotx) and distribute that template alongside your document.
Create and Share Cover Pages Easily with WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive way to add and share cover pages without worrying about missing local building blocks. The cover pages are embedded directly into the document so your recipients always see exactly what you designed.
- 1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document you want to add a cover page to.
- 2. Access the Section tab: Navigate to the 'Section' tab located on the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Insert a Cover Page: Click on 'Cover Page' and select one of the built-in professional templates from the drop-down menu.
- 4. Customize and Save: Edit the text, layout, and images to fit your needs, then simply save the document. Your cover page is now securely embedded and ready to share.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some elements of my Word document disappear when sent to someone else?
This usually happens when document elements like custom cover pages, macros, or specific fonts are stored in local templates (like Normal.dotm or Building Blocks.dotx) on your computer, rather than being embedded within the document file itself.
Where are Word building blocks stored by default?
By default, Microsoft Word stores custom building blocks in the Building Blocks.dotx template or the Normal.dotm template. Both of these are stored locally on your hard drive and do not travel with the shared document.
Can I recover a missing cover page from a document sent to me?
No, if the cover page was created as a local building block by the sender, the data is not inside the document you received. You must ask the sender to either share the template containing the building blocks or embed the cover page as standard document content.
