Template Issues

How to Create Documents from Templates in a SharePoint Library

Rana Garcia Sep 28, 2026 871 views

Question details

Users need to know how to upload Word templates into a SharePoint document library so that team members can create new documents directly from the library's New menu.

How to Add and Use Word Templates in a SharePoint Document Library

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A team wants to standardize document creation by making predefined Word templates readily available within a SharePoint workspace.
Observed behavior: Users are looking for step-by-step instructions on adding DOCX or DOTX files to the library and how to handle conversion prompts when opening DOTX templates.

Before you start

Ensure you have at least Edit or Owner permissions in the target SharePoint document library to add new templates or modify library settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Add a Template Directly via the New Menu

This is the quickest method for adding a single Word template to a specific document library.

Navigate to the library

Open the SharePoint site and navigate to the specific document library where you want the template to be available.

Upload the template

Click on 'New' in the top command bar, scroll down, and select 'Add template'. Choose the desired .docx or .dotx file from your computer.

Refresh and use

Refresh the SharePoint page. Click the 'New' button again, and your uploaded template will now appear in the dropdown menu for users to select.

Add a Template Directly via the New Menu

Handling .dotx Prompts: If you upload a .dotx template, SharePoint may prompt users to convert it to a standard document upon opening. Simply instruct your team to select 'Yes' so it creates a new editable document without altering the original template.

Solution 2

Manage Templates Using SharePoint Content Types

Best for organizations that need to centralize template management and reuse the same template across multiple document libraries.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Your SharePoint Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While SharePoint is excellent for storing and managing your team's templates, you don't need an expensive Microsoft 365 subscription to edit the actual documents. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative that perfectly handles .docx and .dotx files downloaded from your SharePoint libraries.

1. Download the document: Select the template or document from your SharePoint library and download it to your local device.
2. Open with WPS Office: Launch WPS Office Writer and open the downloaded file. All standard Word formatting and layouts will be perfectly preserved.
3. Edit and upload: Make your necessary edits, save the file as a .docx, and upload the finished document back into your SharePoint library.

100% compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx, .dotx) formats used in SharePoint.Free, lightweight, and fast installation on Windows, Mac, and Linux.Familiar user interface requires zero learning curve for new users.Built-in PDF editing tools for comprehensive document management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between using a DOCX and a DOTX file for a SharePoint template?

A DOCX is a standard document format, while DOTX is explicitly designed as a template. Using a DOTX file adds a layer of protection, as the software will natively force the user to save the file as a new document rather than accidentally overwriting the original template file.

Why does SharePoint show a warning message when opening my template?

When launching a .dotx file from the New menu, SharePoint recognizes the template format and asks if you want to convert it into a standard document. Clicking 'Yes' is the correct behavior, as it ensures you are creating a new working copy based on the template.

Can I add multiple templates to the same SharePoint library?

Yes. You can add multiple templates by repeatedly using the 'Add template' option in the 'New' menu. Alternatively, you can configure multiple SharePoint content types in your site settings and add all of them to the same document library.

Document & File Issues