How to Open Excel Templates as New Workbooks Instead of XLTX Files
Question details
The user wants to create a new workbook based on an existing Excel template rather than opening the template file itself for editing.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new spreadsheet by utilizing a pre-formatted custom Excel template (.xltx).
- Observed behavior
- When the .xltx template file is opened directly, it opens the template itself for editing instead of generating a new .xlsx workbook with the template's formatting.
Ensure your custom Excel template (.xltx) is saved in the default Custom Office Templates folder on your computer so it can be easily located within the application interface.
Create a New Workbook Using the Excel File Menu
Use Excel's built-in New command to properly initiate a fresh workbook from your saved template without overwriting it.
By design, opening an .xltx file directly from your recent files list or double-clicking it under certain system configurations may open the template in editing mode. To utilize the template correctly as a mold for a new document, you must access it through the 'New' document interface.
Launch the Microsoft Excel application from your desktop or Start menu.
Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the window, then select 'New' from the left-hand sidebar.
Click on the 'Personal' or 'Custom' tab located below the search bar to view your custom saved templates.
Click on your desired .xltx template. Excel will generate a new, unsaved .xlsx workbook based on the template's formatting and data.
Use the Right-Click 'New' Option in File Explorer
If you prefer navigating through your folders, you can use the Windows context menu to force a new workbook creation from the template file.
Easily Manage Templates and Workbooks with WPS Office
If you frequently work with custom templates and want a more straightforward, intuitive file management experience, WPS Office is an excellent choice. It handles .xltx files seamlessly, ensuring you always create new workbooks safely.
- 1. Launch WPS Spreadsheet: Open WPS Office and click on 'Spreadsheet' from the main dashboard.
- 2. Start a New File: Click on the 'New' tab to open the document creation screen.
- 3. Open Your Template: Select 'Blank' or browse your local files to select your .xltx template, and WPS will automatically format your new spreadsheet safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does double-clicking my XLTX file open the template for editing?
Depending on your Windows file association settings or if you open the file from Excel's 'Recent Files' list, the system registers the action as an 'Open' command instead of a 'New' command, thereby editing the master template itself.
Where should I save my custom Excel templates so they appear in the menu?
By default, custom templates should be saved in the 'Documents\Custom Office Templates' folder on your PC. This ensures they automatically populate under the Personal or Custom tab when you navigate to File > New.
How do I intentionally edit my XLTX template to update its layout?
To update the template itself, open Excel, go to File > Open, and browse to select the .xltx file. Alternatively, right-click the file in File Explorer and select 'Open' rather than 'New'.
