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How to Find the Microsoft 365 Template Folder on macOS Ventura
Question details
The user needs to locate the system directory where Microsoft 365 custom templates are stored on macOS Ventura.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 / Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS Ventura
- Scenario
- Managing, backing up, or deleting custom document templates in Microsoft Office on a Mac computer.
- Observed behavior
- The macOS user Library folder is hidden by default, preventing users from easily navigating to the Office Group Containers directory via standard browsing.
Ensure you have saved and closed any active templates or documents in Microsoft Word before moving, modifying, or deleting files within the system template directory.
Use Finder's 'Go to Folder' Shortcut
The fastest and most reliable way to bypass the hidden Library folder and jump directly to your Microsoft 365 templates.
By default, modern macOS versions, including macOS Ventura (and updates like 13.6.1), hide the user Library folder to protect critical app data. Using the 'Go to Folder' command allows you to access the Microsoft Office template path directly without having to unhide any system folders.
Click on the Finder icon in your Mac's Dock. In the top Apple menu bar, select 'Go' and then click 'Go to Folder...' (alternatively, you can press Shift + Command + G on your keyboard).
Copy and paste the exact Microsoft 365 template path into the search box: ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates
Press the Return key. The Finder window will immediately navigate to the hidden folder containing your custom Word, Excel, and PowerPoint templates.
Reveal the Folder via Microsoft Word
Use Microsoft Word's built-in save dialog to automatically locate where your templates are stored.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
If you are frustrated by hunting through hidden system folders for templates, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly alternative to Microsoft Office for macOS, managing templates intuitively without complicating your workflow.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for Mac from the official website or Mac App Store and install it on your device.
- 2. Open a Document: Launch WPS Writer. You can immediately open your existing .dotx or .docx Microsoft Word templates natively.
- 3. Manage Templates Easily: Use the integrated template library in the New Document screen to manage your custom designs securely and visibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Library folder hidden on macOS Ventura?
Apple hides the user Library folder by default to prevent users from accidentally modifying or deleting critical application and system files, which could cause apps like Microsoft 365 or macOS itself to malfunction.
Can I change the default save location for Microsoft Word templates on Mac?
Yes. Open Microsoft Word, go to Word > Preferences > File Locations in the top menu bar. Here, you can select 'User templates' and click 'Modify' to choose a new, easily accessible folder (like a folder in your Documents) as your default template location.
Are templates created in older versions of Office compatible with Microsoft 365?
Generally, yes. Templates saved in the older .dot format can still be opened in Microsoft 365. However, it is highly recommended to save them as the newer .dotx format to ensure maximum compatibility with the latest features.
What happens if I delete a template from the User Content folder?
Deleting a custom template file from this folder permanently removes it from the 'Personal' templates tab in Microsoft Word's new document gallery. It will not affect the standard, built-in templates provided by Microsoft.
