Template Issues

How to Insert New Excel Worksheets Using a Custom Template

Emma Brown Oct 14, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to create a custom worksheet template in Excel so that newly inserted sheets automatically contain preferred formatting, text, and styles.

How to Insert New Excel Worksheets Using a Custom Template

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Standardizing spreadsheet layouts by applying predefined templates when inserting new worksheets.
Observed behavior: Instead of starting from a blank sheet, the user aims to automatically apply a pre-designed layout or select a custom template when inserting a new worksheet.

Before you start

Ensure you have designed a single worksheet with all your desired fonts, colors, column widths, and boilerplate text before saving it as a template.

Solution 1Recommended

Create and Apply a Custom Worksheet Template

Save a pre-formatted worksheet as a template file and insert it whenever you need a new sheet with those exact settings.

By saving your customized layout into the designated Microsoft Templates folder, you can quickly insert a replica of that worksheet into any active workbook.

Design the worksheet

Open a new workbook containing only one worksheet. Apply all the required formatting, styles, text, and structural content you want to reuse.

Save as a template

Click File > Save As. Choose 'Excel Template (*.xltx)' from the file type dropdown menu.

Choose the correct location

Save the file in the default Templates folder. This is typically located at C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates (or type %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates in the address bar).

Insert the custom template

In your active workbook, right-click any worksheet tab and select Insert. Choose your newly created custom template from the dialog box and click OK.

Create and Apply a Custom Worksheet Template

Tip for multiple templates: You can create as many custom templates as you need for different scenarios. Just be sure to give them descriptive names when saving.

Solution 2

Set a Default Template for All New Worksheets

Name your template file specifically so Excel automatically uses it every time you add a new worksheet to your workbook.

Efficient Spreadsheet Tool

Create Custom Worksheet Templates with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet makes it simple to design and deploy custom worksheet templates, helping you maintain consistent formatting across all your data projects without hassle.

1. Customize your sheet: Open WPS Spreadsheet and set up a blank sheet with your preferred fonts, cell styles, and default text.
2. Save as a Template: Navigate to Menu > Save As, and choose 'WPS Spreadsheet Template (*.xltx)' from the file type drop-down list.
3. Insert into your workbook: Right-click any existing sheet tab, choose Insert, and select your saved template to instantly add a perfectly formatted new worksheet.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel template formats (.xltx and .xltm)Rich built-in template library to jump-start your spreadsheet creationLightweight, fast, and easy-to-use alternative for everyday office tasksFamiliar tabbed interface requiring zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Microsoft Templates folder located?

By default, the templates folder is located at C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates. You can quickly access it by typing %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates into your Windows File Explorer address bar.

How do I stop Excel from using my custom template as the default?

If you saved a template named 'Sheet.xltx' to act as the default, navigate to your Templates folder and rename or delete that file. New sheets will immediately revert to the standard blank Excel layout.

Can I include macros in a custom worksheet template?

Yes. If your custom worksheet requires macros, you must save the file as an Excel Macro-Enabled Template (.xltm) instead of a standard template (.xltx).

Document & File Issues