How to Fix Word Template Missing from the New Dialog on Mac
Question details
Users are unable to locate their custom templates within the template gallery when trying to create a new document in Microsoft Word for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Creating a new document based on a custom user-created template.
- Observed behavior
- Custom template files do not appear in the 'New from Template' dialog box, even when they have been saved on the computer.
Verify that your custom template file is saved with the correct template extension (.dot, .dotx, or .dotm) rather than a standard document extension (.docx).
Move the Template to the Correct Mac Library Folder
Microsoft Word for Mac requires custom templates to be placed in a specific, hidden Library folder in order to populate them in the template gallery automatically.
On macOS, system security hides certain Library folders by default. You will need to use a keyboard shortcut in Finder to access the correct path where Office templates are stored.
Open Finder on your Mac. Click on the 'Go' menu in the top menu bar, hold down the 'Option' key on your keyboard, and click on 'Library' when it appears in the dropdown list.
From the Library folder, navigate through the following path: Group Containers > UBF8T346G9.Office > User Content > Templates.
Drag and drop or copy your custom .dotx or .dotm file into this Templates folder.
Open Microsoft Word, select 'File' > 'New from Template', and verify that your custom template is now visible.
Check the Personal Templates Category
Custom templates are separated from Microsoft's built-in templates and must be accessed through a dedicated tab in the gallery.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Template Experience on Mac
If managing custom template paths in Microsoft Word for Mac is frustrating, WPS Office offers a streamlined, free alternative with built-in template management, extensive free template libraries, and seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word documents.
- 1. Launch WPS Office: Open the WPS Office application on your Mac and click on 'Docs' to open the word processor.
- 2. Access the Template Library: Click 'New' on the home screen to browse thousands of built-in templates covering resumes, letters, and reports.
- 3. Import Custom Templates: Simply drag your existing .dotx or .docx custom templates directly into the WPS interface to open them without navigating complex hidden folders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular .docx file as a template on Mac?
While you can open and edit a .docx file, it will not appear in the 'New from Template' gallery. You must save the document explicitly as a Word Template (.dotx or .dotm) using the 'Save As' dialog for it to be recognized as a reusable template.
How do I make the Mac Library folder permanently visible?
Open Finder, go to your Home folder, and press Command+J to open View Options. Check the box at the bottom that says 'Show Library Folder'. This prevents you from having to use the Option key shortcut every time you want to add a template.
Why does my template open as a standard document instead of creating a new one?
This happens if you double-click the template file directly from Mac Finder. To create a new, untitled document based on your template, you must open it from within Word by selecting 'File > New from Template'.
