Template Issues

Fix Missing Create an Outline Template in Word for iPad

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is trying to find or restore the "Create an Outline" starter template that has disappeared from Microsoft Word on their iPad.

Product: Microsoft Word for iOS
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Attempting to create a new outline document using the built-in starter templates on an iPad.
Observed behavior: The "Create an Outline" starter template is no longer available in the template gallery after being there for several years.

Before you start

Ensure you are signed into your Microsoft account with OneDrive or SharePoint active, and try to locate any older outline documents you previously created.

Solution 1Recommended

Reuse a Previous Outline Document via OneDrive or SharePoint

Since Microsoft periodically updates and removes starter templates, the most reliable workaround is to reuse an existing outline document stored in your cloud storage.

Microsoft frequently refreshes the starter documents in Word for iOS, meaning older templates are sometimes removed without notice. You can bypass this limitation by using an older file as your own manual template.

Locate an old outline

Find a previous document that you created using the original "Create an Outline" template on your iPad or computer.

Upload to cloud storage

Save this previous outline document to your OneDrive or SharePoint account so it is accessible from your iPad.

Save a Copy

Open the file in Word for iPad, tap the File icon, and select 'Save a Copy' to create a fresh outline document without overwriting your original file.

Creating a Template Folder: Consider creating a dedicated folder in your OneDrive called 'Templates' to store your favorite document layouts securely.

Solution 2

Copy from Another iPad and Pin Offline

If you have access to another device that still has the template or a document based on it, you can transfer the file and pin it to your recent list.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Free iPad Templates

Frustrated by missing templates in Microsoft Word? WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative that offers a massive library of built-in templates, including outlines, resumes, and reports. It seamlessly handles Word formats (.docx), ensuring your documents look perfect on your iPad.

1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office from the Apple App Store on your iPad.
2. Access the Template Gallery: Open the app, tap the '+' icon to create a new document, and select the Template option.
3. Select an Outline Template: Browse or search for 'Outline' in the gallery, select your preferred layout, and tap 'Use Now' to start editing.

Access a vast, built-in gallery of free templates for outlines and more directly on your iPad.Seamlessly open, edit, and save Microsoft Word (.docx) formats with 100% compatibility.Lightweight and highly optimized for iPadOS, saving battery and storage space.Easily sync your customized templates and documents across devices with WPS Cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Microsoft remove the Create an Outline template from iPad?

Microsoft periodically updates and changes the starter documents and templates available in Word for iOS to refresh the gallery and streamline the app. Unfortunately, this means older templates are occasionally retired.

Can I install custom templates (.dotx) in Word for iPad?

Word for iPad does not natively support adding custom template files (.dotx) directly into the app's starter gallery. You must open custom templates as regular documents and use the 'Save a Copy' feature to duplicate them.

Where are pinned documents saved on my iPad?

Pinned documents in Word for iOS are kept at the top of your Recent list for quick access. If you also selected 'Make Available Offline', a cached copy is saved locally on your iPad's internal storage within the Word app.

Document & File Issues