SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Library Using Default Content Type Instead of Template

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

When creating new documents in a SharePoint library configured with multiple content types, the system ignores the custom templates and applies the default content type instead.

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating new documents using custom content types within a SharePoint document library.
Observed behavior: The newly created document always opens with the library's default content type format, failing to load the specific template assigned to the selected content type.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions in the SharePoint library to modify Document Library settings and Advanced Content Type settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure Content Type Template via Relative Site URL

Use the relative SharePoint site URL to link an existing accessible document as the content type template.

Often, absolute URLs or improperly linked documents cause SharePoint to fallback to the default template. Linking an existing, accessible document via its relative site URL resolves this issue and allows you to edit the linked template without re-uploading.

Access Library Settings

Navigate to your SharePoint library, click the Gear icon in the top right, and select Library settings. Click on 'More library settings' if prompted.

Select the Content Type

Scroll down to the 'Content Types' section and click on the specific custom content type you want to modify.

Open Advanced Settings

Under the Settings list, click on 'Advanced settings' to access the document template configuration.

Enter the Relative URL

In the Document Template section, choose 'Enter the URL of an existing document template' and input the relative site URL (e.g., /sites/YourSite/Shared Documents/Template.docx). Click OK to save.

Relative URL Format: A relative URL omits the domain name (https://yourdomain.sharepoint.com) and starts directly with /sites/ or the specific site path.

Solution 2

Use the Add Template Option via OneDrive Sync

Leverage OneDrive folder synchronization to reliably add and map templates to your SharePoint library.

Solution 3

Test Setup with DOCX Format

Ensure format compatibility by manually uploading and testing standard DOCX templates.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Create and Edit SharePoint Templates with WPS Office

While resolving SharePoint library configuration issues, you can use WPS Office to create, edit, and perfect your custom document templates. WPS Office is a highly compatible, feature-rich alternative that easily handles DOCX files used in SharePoint.

1. Install the Software: Download and install the free version of WPS Office on your computer.
2. Create Your Template: Open WPS Writer to design your document template with the required formatting and placeholders.
3. Save as DOCX: Go to Menu > Save As, and choose the Microsoft Word (.docx) format to ensure full SharePoint compatibility.
4. Upload to SharePoint: Upload the newly created DOCX template to your SharePoint library's content type settings.

High compatibility with Microsoft Word DOCX formats used in SharePointFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeFamiliar ribbon-style user interface for easy transitionSupports extensive document formatting and template creation

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does SharePoint ignore my custom document template?

SharePoint typically ignores a custom document template if the file path is broken, the template file is inaccessible due to permissions, or an absolute URL was used instead of a relative URL. Updating the template URL in the Advanced Settings usually fixes this.

Can I edit a linked SharePoint template without re-uploading it?

Yes. If you link the template using a relative SharePoint site URL pointing to an existing file in a hidden or dedicated templates folder, you can directly open and edit that file. Any changes made will automatically apply to newly created documents.

Does the document format affect SharePoint content types?

Yes, it can. Using outdated formats like .doc or unsupported macro-enabled formats might cause template rendering issues in SharePoint Online. It is highly recommended to use standard .docx formats for content type templates.

Document & File Issues