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How to Make SharePoint Template Links Create New Documents
Question details
The user wants to configure SharePoint Quick Links so that clicking a Word or PowerPoint template link automatically creates a new document instead of opening the template itself for editing.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Adding document templates to a SharePoint Quick Links web part to give team members easy access to create standardized documents.
- Observed behavior
- Clicking the template link in the Quick Links web part opens the source template file directly for editing, failing to trigger the new document creation process.
Ensure you have Site Owner or Full Control permissions in your SharePoint environment to manage document library settings and create site content types.
Use SharePoint Content Types for Templates
This is the native and most reliable method to allow users to create new documents from templates directly within a SharePoint document library.
While the Quick Links web part does not natively support creating new documents from direct template URLs, setting up Content Types in your document library adds your custom templates directly to the library's 'New' dropdown menu.
Navigate to your Document Library, click the Gear icon, select 'Library settings', and go to 'More library settings'. Click 'Advanced settings' and select 'Yes' under 'Allow management of content types'.
Go to Site Settings, select 'Site content types' under Web Designer Galleries, and click 'Create'. Name your template and select 'Document' as the parent content type.
Click on your newly created content type, select 'Advanced settings', and choose the option to upload a new document template. Upload your Word (.dotx) or PowerPoint (.potx) file here and save.
Return to your Document Library settings, look under the 'Content Types' section, click 'Add from existing site content types', and add your new template content type to the library.
Instruct Users to Create a Copy via Quick Links
A simple workaround if managing multiple content types becomes too cumbersome for a large library of templates.
Utilize Custom SPFx Web Parts or Submit Feedback
Since standard SharePoint web parts lack this specific feature, organizations with development resources can build custom solutions.
Looking for a simpler way to manage document templates? Try WPS Office
If SharePoint and Microsoft Office template management feels too complex for your team, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a massive built-in template gallery and seamless document management without the hassle of configuring web parts and content types.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your PC or mobile device.
- 2. Open Template Gallery: Launch the WPS Office application and click on 'Templates' from the home screen sidebar to access the extensive library.
- 3. Create a New Document: Browse or search for your desired template, select it, and click 'Use Now' to instantly generate a new document based on that design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does clicking a SharePoint template open it for editing instead of creating a new document?
By default, SharePoint treats templates linked via the Quick Links web part as standard files. When clicked, it bypasses the document creation workflow and opens the source file directly for editing, unlike the behavior triggered by the native 'New' dropdown menu in a document library.
Can I use DOTX or POTX files in SharePoint?
Yes, SharePoint fully supports Word template (.dotx) and PowerPoint template (.potx) formats. However, to utilize their unique template generation properties effectively in SharePoint online, they are best deployed as SharePoint Content Types rather than standalone clickable links.
Is there a way to get the exact URL used by the templates under the 'New' button?
No, SharePoint dynamically handles the document creation action when using the 'New' menu within a library. It does not expose a static, copyable URL that can be pasted into a standard Quick Link to replicate that exact same new-file generation behavior.
