How to Copy Quick Parts to Another Word Template
Question details
The user wants to transfer or copy existing Quick Parts from one Microsoft Word template (such as Normal.dotm) to another template without deleting or losing the original entries.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Distributing and organizing frequently used text snippets across multiple specific document templates or sharing them with other users.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs a reliable method to duplicate Quick Parts into a target template file instead of manually recreating them.
Ensure that both your source template containing the Quick Parts and the target template you wish to copy them into are open or loaded in Microsoft Word.
Copy Quick Parts by Re-saving the Selection
The safest way to copy a Quick Part without removing it from its original template is to insert it into a document and save it as a new entry directed at the target template.
While Word's Building Blocks Organizer allows you to edit properties and move entries, it does not have a native 'duplicate' button. Re-saving the inserted content ensures the original entry remains intact in its source template.
Open a blank document in Word. Go to the Insert tab, click on Quick Parts, and insert the building block you wish to copy into the document.
Highlight the inserted text, image, or content block within your document exactly as you want it saved.
Press the keyboard shortcut 'Alt + F3', or navigate to Insert > Quick Parts > Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery.
In the 'Create New Building Block' dialog box, locate the 'Save in' drop-down menu and select your target template. Click OK to save the copied Quick Part.
Move Quick Parts via the Building Blocks Organizer
Use the Building Blocks Organizer to transfer entries to a new template, then intentionally decline saving changes to the original template upon closing Word to retain the originals.
Store Shared Quick Parts in a Global Template
For shared content across multiple users, bypass copying individual parts by storing them in a single global template.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Quick Parts stored by default in Word?
By default, Microsoft Word stores newly created Quick Parts in either the Normal.dotm template or the Building Blocks.dotx file, which is located in your user AppData directory.
Why is my target template not showing in the 'Save in' drop-down list?
A template will only appear in the 'Save in' drop-down list if it is currently open in Word or loaded as an active global add-in from the Startup folder.
Can I share my Quick Parts with another user?
Yes. The most efficient way is to save your Quick Parts into a separate global template file (.dotx or .dotm) and share that specific file with the other user. They can then place it in their Word Startup folder to access the entries.
