How to Create and Save a Company Letterhead Template in Word
Question details
The user needs to create and save a reusable company letterhead template, but is unable to locate the 'Save As' command in the menu after a recent update.

- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating and saving a reusable custom company letterhead format.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Save As' command is no longer visible in the File menu, preventing the document from being saved as a standard .dotx template.
Verify whether you are using the Word desktop application or Word for the Web, as template saving capabilities and menu layouts differ significantly between the two versions.
Disable AutoSave to Restore the Save As Command
If your document is saved in OneDrive or SharePoint and AutoSave is enabled, the traditional 'Save As' button is replaced. Turning off AutoSave will bring it back.
In recent versions of Microsoft Word, cloud-synced documents prioritize real-time saving. When AutoSave is toggled on, Word intentionally hides the 'Save As' command to prevent accidental branching of cloud files.
Locate the AutoSave switch in the top-left corner of the Word window (above the ribbon) and toggle it to the 'Off' position.
Click on the 'File' tab located in the top-left corner of the main ribbon.
Click 'Save As', choose your desired folder, and select 'Word Template (*.dotx)' from the file format dropdown menu before clicking Save.

Use the Save a Copy Command
If you want to keep AutoSave enabled for your cloud document, you can use the 'Save a Copy' feature to achieve the exact same result as 'Save As'.
Transition from Word for the Web to Desktop
Word for the Web has restricted template functionality and completely lacks the ability to save custom .dotx files. You must download the file and use the desktop app.
Create Letterhead Templates Effortlessly with WPS Office
Avoid confusing menu changes and cloud restrictions. WPS Writer offers a straightforward, intuitive interface for designing and saving custom company letterhead templates without burying the 'Save As' button.
- 1. Design the Letterhead: Open WPS Writer, insert your company logo, and format the header and footer to match your brand requirements.
- 2. Open Save Options: Click the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner and select 'Save As' from the dropdown list.
- 3. Save as Template: In the format dropdown, choose 'Word Template (*.dotx)' or 'WPS Writer Template (*.wpt)', enter your file name, and click 'Save'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Save As button completely missing in Word?
In recent Microsoft Office updates, if you are working on a document saved to OneDrive or SharePoint with AutoSave enabled, the 'Save As' option is dynamically replaced by 'Save a Copy'. Turning off AutoSave will restore the traditional 'Save As' button.
Can I save a .dotx template using Word for the Web?
No, Word for the Web has limited template features and does not allow you to save a document as a .dotx template. You must download the file using 'Save As > Download a Copy' and then use the desktop version of Word to save it as a template.
What is the difference between a .docx and a .dotx file?
A .docx file is a standard Word document used for everyday editing, whereas a .dotx file is a Word Template. When you open a .dotx file, Word automatically creates a brand-new document based on that template, ensuring your original letterhead formatting is never accidentally overwritten.




