'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Save an Excel Workbook as a Template in Microsoft 365 Web
Question details
Users operating Microsoft 365 E1 Web Excel want to know if it is possible to save a workbook as an Excel template directly from the web browser.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 E1 Web Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to create and save a reusable Excel template (.xltx) while working in the Office Online web application.
- Observed behavior
- The option to save the workbook as an Excel template is entirely missing because web apps have limitations on template creation.
Ensure you have access to a desktop version of Microsoft Excel or a compatible desktop office suite like WPS Office. If your current file is in the web app, make sure to save your latest changes before attempting to export it.
Use a Desktop Version of Excel to Save the Template
Since Excel for the Web does not support saving files as templates, you must open the workbook in a full desktop application to complete this action.
Office Online web apps, including Excel for the Web, do not support saving documents as template file types (.xltx). This is a functional limitation of the web platform itself, meaning the option will be unavailable regardless of your Microsoft 365 license type.
Ensure your workbook is saved normally within Excel for the Web so no recent data is lost.
Click on the 'Editing' dropdown menu on the top ribbon and select 'Open in Desktop App' to launch the local Excel application. Alternatively, download the file to your computer.
In the desktop version of Excel, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner and select 'Save As' from the left sidebar.
Choose your desired save location. Click the 'Save as type' dropdown menu, select 'Excel Template (*.xltx)' from the list of formats, and click 'Save'.
Create and Save Excel Templates Easily with WPS Office
If your Microsoft 365 E1 license does not include the desktop version of Excel, you can use WPS Office as a lightweight, free alternative. WPS Spreadsheet is fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats and allows you to create and save templates directly on your desktop.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free desktop application and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open your Web Excel Workbook: Download your standard workbook from Excel for the Web to your local drive and open it using WPS Spreadsheet.
- 3. Save as an Excel Template: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner, select 'Save As', and choose 'Excel Template (*.xltx)' to save your reusable file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the option to save as a template missing in Excel for the Web?
Excel for the Web is a lightweight browser application designed for quick edits and collaboration. It does not include the advanced functionality to create or save template files (.xltx), which is a feature exclusively reserved for full desktop office applications.
Does my Microsoft 365 E1 license restrict me from making Excel templates?
The restriction is based on the web platform, not your specific license tier. While an E1 license primarily provides access to web apps, even premium E3 or E5 users cannot create templates within the web interface. A desktop application is required for everyone.
How can an E1 user create an Excel template without a desktop MS Office license?
You can download your Excel file from the web browser to your local computer and use a free desktop alternative, such as WPS Office, to open the workbook and save it locally as an Excel Template (.xltx).
