How to Create a Quick Access Toolbar Shortcut for a Word Template
Question details
The user wants to create a shortcut on the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) or a keyboard shortcut to quickly access and open personal templates.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Streamlining the process of creating new documents from frequently used personal templates without navigating through multiple menu layers.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants a one-click or keyboard shortcut solution to access the template dialog or launch a specific template directly.
Ensure that your personal templates (.dotx or .dotm) are already created and saved in your computer's designated custom Office templates folder.
Add the 'New Document or Template' Command to the Quick Access Toolbar
This is the easiest built-in method to add a one-click button to your toolbar that immediately opens the classic template selection dialog.
By modifying the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT), you can bypass the standard File menu and open your template selection window instantly.
Launch Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Quick Access Toolbar' from the menu on the left side.
Under the 'Choose commands from' drop-down list at the top-left, change the selection from 'Popular Commands' to 'All Commands'.
Scroll through the alphabetical list, select 'New Document or Template...', click the 'Add' button in the middle, and then click 'OK' to save your changes.
Record a Macro to Open a Specific Template
If you want a button or keyboard shortcut that opens one exact template instantly, recording a macro is the best approach.
Easily Manage Templates with WPS Office
If you frequently work with templates and find Microsoft Word's setup tedious or restrictive, try WPS Office. It provides a massive built-in template library and an intuitive interface that makes creating professional documents effortless without needing complex macros.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your computer to access the main dashboard.
- 2. Access the Template Library: Click on 'New' to immediately view a wide selection of free, ready-to-use templates or open your own custom .dotx files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'New Document or Template' missing from the Quick Access Toolbar list?
By default, Word only shows 'Popular Commands' in the options list. You must click the 'Choose commands from' drop-down menu and select 'All Commands' to reveal the 'New Document or Template...' option.
Can I share my template macro with my colleagues?
A standard recorded macro relies on the specific local file paths of your computer. To share it, you would need to edit the macro using VBA to ensure the file paths point to a shared network drive accessible by your team.
Where are personal templates saved in Word by default?
By default, Microsoft Word saves your custom templates in the 'Custom Office Templates' folder, which is usually located within your user Documents folder on Windows.
