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How to Edit the Normal Template (Normal.dotm) in Word for Mac
Question details
The user needs to locate and customize the default Normal.dotm template in Word for Mac to change default blank document settings.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Customizing the default document layout, fonts, and styles for all new Word documents.
- Observed behavior
- Opening the Normal.dotm file directly from Mac's Finder does not open the template for editing, but instead creates a new document based on it.
Before modifying the Normal.dotm template, it is recommended to create a backup copy of the original file so you can easily restore the factory default settings if needed.
Open Normal.dotm directly from within Microsoft Word
Bypassing Finder and opening the template directly through Word's File menu ensures you are editing the actual template file rather than generating a new document.
By default, double-clicking a template file in macOS prompts the application to create a new instance (document) from that blueprint. To alter the blueprint itself, you must open it directly from the application's native dialog.
Launch Microsoft Word for Mac. Go to the top menu bar, click on 'File', and select 'Open...'.
In the Open dialog, navigate to the following path: /Users/username/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates. (Be sure to replace 'username' with your actual Mac user profile name).
Locate the file named 'Normal.dotm' in the Templates folder, select it, and click 'Open'. The title bar should now display 'Normal.dotm' indicating you are editing the template.
Make your desired formatting, font, or style changes to the blank document. Once finished, click 'File' > 'Save' and close the document. All newly created documents will now inherit these updated settings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does double-clicking Normal.dotm in Finder create a new document instead of opening the template?
By default, macOS treats template files (.dotm) as blueprints. Double-clicking them automatically generates a new blank document based on the template to prevent accidental overwriting. To edit the template file itself, you must use the 'File > Open' dialog from within Word.
How do I restore the default Normal template if I make a mistake?
To restore the factory default Normal template, simply close Word, navigate to the Templates folder, and delete or rename the existing Normal.dotm file. The next time you open Word, the application will automatically generate a fresh, default Normal.dotm template.
Can I save macro-enabled settings in the Normal template?
Yes. Because the Normal template is saved in the .dotm (macro-enabled template) format, it inherently supports macros. Any macros you record and save to the Normal template will be available across all new Word documents created on your Mac.
Where is the Library folder located on my Mac?
The Library folder is hidden by default in modern macOS versions to protect system files. To access it easily, open a Finder window, click on 'Go' in the top menu bar, and hold down the 'Option' (Alt) key. The 'Library' option will appear in the dropdown menu for you to click.
