How to Load a Word Macro Template Automatically on Mac
Question details
The user needs a Word macro template (.dotm) to load automatically every time Microsoft Word starts on a Mac without having to manually enable it.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- A user attempts to use a global macro template (.dotm), but the file becomes unchecked in the Global Templates and Add-Ins list upon restarting the application.
- Observed behavior
- The macro template fails to load persistently and requires manual checking in the Add-Ins menu on every Word launch.
Ensure you have saved your macro-enabled template in the .dotm format and fully quit Microsoft Word before modifying the Startup folder.
Move the Template to the Official Mac Word Startup Folder
Due to macOS sandboxing, Word requires startup files to be stored in a specific Group Containers folder to load automatically without losing permissions.
macOS sandboxing restricts where applications can automatically pull active files from. Microsoft uses a designated group container identifier (UBF8T346G9) for this process.
Open Finder, hold down the 'Option' key on your keyboard, and click the 'Go' menu at the top of the screen. Select 'Library' from the dropdown menu.
In the Library folder, navigate through the following path: Group Containers > UBF8T346G9.Office > User Content > Startup > Word.
Drag and drop (or copy and paste) your .dotm template file directly into this Word folder.
Launch Word again. The template will now load automatically without needing to be manually checked in the Global Templates and Add-Ins menu.
Create an Alias for Centralized Templates
If you prefer keeping your original templates in a different directory (like Documents), you can place a renamed alias in the Word Startup folder instead.
Confirm the Startup File Location in Word Preferences
Use Word Preferences to verify the exact path where Word is instructed to look for startup templates.
Experience a Simpler Template Workflow with WPS Office
Tired of dealing with complex macOS library paths and sandboxing issues? WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It seamlessly handles Word formats and provides an intuitive template management system without the hassle of hidden folders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Word template become unchecked every time I restart Word on Mac?
If a template is not stored in the designated Startup folder, Word treats it as a temporary add-in for that specific session. Storing it in the proper Startup folder ensures it loads persistently on every launch.
Where is the Word Startup folder located on a Mac?
Due to macOS sandboxing, the default Startup folder is deeply nested in your user Library at `~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Startup/Word`.
How do I access the hidden Library folder on macOS?
Open Finder, click the 'Go' menu at the top of your screen, and hold down the 'Option' key. The 'Library' option will appear in the dropdown list for you to click.
