Template Issues

How to Copy Normal.dotm Styles, Macros, and Shortcuts in Word

Bushra Parveen Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to create a fresh Normal.dotm template while preserving existing Word customizations, requiring a method to selectively transfer styles, macros, AutoText, themes, and keyboard shortcuts.

How to Transfer Normal.dotm Styles, Macros, and Settings in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a new global template (Normal.dotm) and migrating previous customized settings to the new file without corruption.
Observed behavior: Customizations are not uniformly managed; while some items transfer easily through the Organizer, others like keyboard shortcuts, themes, and global templates require separate manual handling or VBA solutions.

Before you start

Locate your existing Normal.dotm file (usually in the AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates folder) and make a backup copy before attempting to overwrite or transfer any settings to a new template.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Word Organizer to Transfer Styles, Macros, and AutoText

Word's built-in Organizer tool allows you to safely copy supported customizations between your old and new Normal templates.

The Organizer is the safest way to migrate formatting and automation settings without bringing over potential file corruption from an old template.

Access the Organizer Tool

Open Word, go to the Developer tab (or View tab > Macros > View Macros), and click on 'Organizer'.

Select the Target and Source Templates

In the Organizer dialog, you will see two lists representing open documents or templates. Click 'Close File' on the side you want to change, then click 'Open File' to browse for your old Normal.dotm backup.

Copy Desired Customizations

Navigate through the Styles, Macro Project Items, and AutoText tabs. Select the specific items you wish to transfer and click 'Copy' to move them to your new Normal.dotm file.

Use the Word Organizer to Transfer Styles, Macros, and AutoText

Keyboard Shortcuts Limitation: Custom keyboard shortcuts cannot be transferred via the Organizer and must be recreated manually or transferred using a custom VBA script.

Solution 2

Manually Recreate Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Since the Organizer does not support keyboard shortcuts, you will need to reassign them manually in Word's options.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for a Streamlined Document Experience

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1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download and install the free software suite.
2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx or .dotm files with complete formatting preservation.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren't my custom keyboard shortcuts copying over to the new Normal.dotm?

Word's built-in Organizer tool does not support the transfer of custom keyboard shortcuts. These must be recreated manually in the 'Customize Ribbon' options or transferred using a specialized VBA script.

Where is the Normal.dotm template located on Windows?

By default, the Normal.dotm file is located in the 'C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates' folder. You may need to enable hidden files and folders in Windows Explorer to see it.

Can third-party add-ins affect my Normal.dotm template?

Yes, third-party add-ins like EndNote can sometimes cause unexpected template behavior or lock the Normal.dotm file, preventing your customizations from saving properly. If you experience saving issues, try disabling your add-ins temporarily.

Document & File Issues