Fix Custom Word Template Not Appearing in New Document List
Question details
The user is unable to find a newly created custom .dotx template in the New Document list.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2016
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new document based on a custom .dotx template saved on the computer.
- Observed behavior
- The new custom template is missing from the New Document screen, even though it is saved in the user's Templates folder alongside other functioning templates.
Ensure you know the exact folder path on your computer where your newly created .dotx template is saved.
Configure the Default Personal Templates Location
Fix the issue by explicitly setting your personal templates location in Word Options to match the folder where your templates are stored.
In Word 2016, custom templates are categorized under the 'Personal' tab in the New Document screen. If the default personal templates path is not configured correctly, Word will not display your locally saved .dotx files.
Open Microsoft Word, click on 'File' in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the left menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, click on 'Save' in the left-hand menu pane.
Locate the text box labeled 'Default personal templates location'. Enter or paste the exact folder path where your .dotx templates are stored (e.g., C:\Users\Username\Documents\Custom Office Templates).
Click 'OK' to apply the changes. Go back to 'File' > 'New' and select the 'Personal' tab. Your custom .dotx template should now appear in the list.
Use the Classic New Dialog via Quick Access Toolbar
Bypass the modern Start screen by adding the classic 'New Document' dialog to your Quick Access Toolbar, giving you direct access to all user templates.
Manage Document Templates Hassle-Free with WPS Office
If you are tired of complex folder configurations just to use your own templates, try WPS Office. It provides an intuitive interface for managing custom templates and ensures high compatibility with all your existing Word files.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
- 2. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Writer and click on 'Menu' > 'New' to access the template center.
- 3. Load Custom Template: Simply drag and drop your existing .dotx file into WPS or open it directly to create a new document instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Featured and Personal templates in Word?
Featured templates are pre-designed templates provided by Microsoft that you can download from the internet. Personal (or Custom) templates are the templates you have created yourself or downloaded locally and saved onto your computer.
Why does my custom template show up on one computer but not another?
Template folder paths are tied to each specific computer's user profile. If you move your template to a new computer, you must ensure the 'Default personal templates location' in Word Options is updated to point to the new folder where the template is stored.
Can I use .dotx templates created in Microsoft Word with WPS Office?
Yes, WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Office template formats. You can seamlessly open, edit, and create new documents from your existing .dotx files in WPS Writer without losing formatting.
