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Fix Microsoft Visio Custom Templates Not Appearing Under New Menu
Question details
Users are unable to locate their custom Visio templates under the New menu when attempting to create a new diagram.
- Product
- Microsoft Visio
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new Visio document and trying to access a previously saved custom template stored in OneDrive, My Shapes, or a local folder.
- Observed behavior
- Custom templates do not display in the New template gallery because Visio is not looking in the folder where the files are stored.
Before proceeding, locate the exact folder path on your computer or network where your custom Visio template files (.vst or .vstx) are currently saved.
Configure Visio Template File Locations
Update Visio's advanced settings to point to the exact folder where your custom templates are saved so they correctly populate in the New menu.
By default, Visio relies on specific folder paths to load templates. If your templates are saved in generic folders like My Shapes or OneDrive without Visio being explicitly configured to check those locations, they will not appear.
Launch Microsoft Visio. Click on 'File' in the top-left corner, select 'Options' at the bottom, and then click on 'Advanced' in the left pane of the Options dialog.
Scroll down to the 'General' section within the Advanced options menu and click on the 'File Locations' button.
In the File Locations dialog window, locate the 'Templates' field. Type the correct folder path where your .vstx or .vst files are saved, or click the ellipsis (...) button to browse and select the folder. Click 'OK' to apply.
Ensure your template files are physically located in the folder you just specified. Restart the Visio application, click on 'File', select 'New', and check the Templates tab to confirm your custom templates are now visible.
Discover a Lightweight Office Suite with Built-in Templates
While Visio is designed for specialized diagramming, if you are looking for a fast, free, and robust alternative to the broader Microsoft Office suite for your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, WPS Office is an excellent choice. It offers extensive built-in template libraries and seamless compatibility without the heavy subscription costs.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free suite on your device.
- 2. Access Free Templates: Open WPS Office, click on 'New', and browse thousands of pre-designed templates for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
- 3. Save in Standard Formats: Customize your chosen template and easily save it in standard Microsoft Office formats to share with others seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct file extension for a Visio custom template?
Modern Visio custom templates use the .vstx file extension, while older versions (Visio 2010 and earlier) use the .vst file format.
Why don't templates saved in OneDrive appear in Visio automatically?
Visio strictly searches for templates in the local directory configured in its File Locations settings. Even if your templates are stored and synced via OneDrive, you must manually point Visio's Template path to your local OneDrive folder.
Can I store Visio custom templates in the 'My Shapes' folder?
The 'My Shapes' folder is specifically intended for saving custom stencils (.vssx or .vss), not full document templates. It is highly recommended to store your templates in a dedicated template folder and configure Visio to look there instead.
