Template Issues

How to Create an Excel Master Template from an Existing Workbook

Bushra Parveen Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to convert an existing workbook into a reusable master template for future projects.

How to Create an Excel Master Template from an Existing Workbook

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a standardized spreadsheet layout to avoid manually copying files for new projects.
Observed behavior: The user cannot locate the correct saving or copying options to officially designate the workbook as a master template.

Before you start

Before saving your workbook as a master template, make sure to delete any project-specific data or sensitive information so that your template is completely blank and ready for future use.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Save As Feature to Create a Template

The most effective way to create a master template is to save your current workbook as an Excel Template file (.xltx). This ensures that any new file generated from it will open as a fresh document.

Saving a file as a template prevents accidental overwriting of your master layout. When you open a template file, Excel automatically generates a new workbook based on its contents, forcing you to save the new document under a different name.

Open the existing workbook

Launch Excel and open the specific workbook you want to use as your master template.

Access the Save As menu

Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon, then select 'Save As' from the left sidebar.

Select the template file format

Click the file format dropdown menu. Choose 'Excel Template (*.xltx)' from the list. If your workbook contains macros, choose 'Excel Macro-Enabled Template (*.xltm)' instead.

Save the file

Give your template a recognizable name. Excel will automatically redirect the save location to your default Custom Office Templates folder. Click 'Save' to finalize the process.

Template Ready: Your master template is now saved. You can access it anytime by going to File > New and clicking on the 'Personal' or 'Custom' tab.

WPS Spreadsheet Templates

Easily Create and Manage Spreadsheet Templates in WPS Office

WPS Office provides a highly compatible and intuitive spreadsheet application where you can instantly save any existing workbook as a reusable template. It handles master templates seamlessly, allowing you to streamline your workflow without a steep learning curve.

1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the file you want to turn into a master template.
2. Click Save As: Navigate to the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner and click on 'Save As'.
3. Choose template format: Select 'WPS Spreadsheet Template (*.ett)' or 'Excel Template (*.xltx)' from the file type dropdown menu, name your file, and click 'Save'.

Easily save and manage your own custom master templates.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx, .xltx, .xltm).Access a massive built-in library of free, professionally designed templates.Lightweight, fast, and features a familiar user interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are custom Excel templates saved on my computer?

By default, on Windows, custom Excel templates are saved in the 'Documents\Custom Office Templates' folder. On a Mac, they are typically stored within the user's Library/Group Containers directory.

How do I create a new spreadsheet using my saved master template?

Open your spreadsheet software, navigate to 'File' > 'New', and look for a tab labeled 'Personal' or 'Custom' (instead of 'Office' or 'Featured'). Click on that tab to view and select your saved master template to start a new document.

Can I edit the master template itself after saving it?

Yes. To edit the actual template instead of creating a new document from it, go to 'File' > 'Open', navigate to the folder where the template is stored, and open the .xltx file directly. Any changes you make and save will update the master template.

Document & File Issues