SharePoint Document Issues

What Does the SharePoint Upload Template Option Do?

Muhammad Talha Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to understand the function of the Template option under the Upload menu in SharePoint document libraries, including how it works and whether templates can be added to multiple libraries.

Understanding the SharePoint Upload Template Option

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Standardizing file creation by uploading and managing document templates within SharePoint libraries.
Observed behavior: SharePoint displays Files, Folder, and Template options under the Upload menu, allowing users to make predefined templates available under the New button.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary Edit or Owner permissions for the SharePoint document libraries where you intend to upload and manage team templates.

Solution 1Recommended

Using the Upload Template Feature in SharePoint

Use the Template option to add an Office file to a document library, making it available as a reusable blueprint under the 'New' menu.

When you upload a file using the Template option, SharePoint registers it as a standard template for that specific library. Users can then select this template from the 'New' dropdown menu to instantly generate new, pre-formatted documents. The original uploaded template remains intact and safely stored for future use.

Open your SharePoint Document Library

Navigate to your SharePoint site and open the specific document library where you want the template to be available.

Access the Upload menu

Click the 'Upload' button located in the top command bar of the document library.

Select the Template option

From the dropdown menu, choose 'Template' instead of the standard Files or Folder options.

Upload your file

Select the desired Office document from your local device and complete the upload process.

Verify template availability

Click the 'New' button in the command bar to confirm that your newly uploaded template now appears as a selectable option for creating new files.

Using the Upload Template Feature in SharePoint

Multiple Libraries: Templates are library-specific. If you want the same template to appear in multiple file paths or different SharePoint document libraries, you must upload it individually to each relevant library.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Create High-Quality SharePoint Templates with WPS Office

Before uploading templates to SharePoint, you need reliable software to design them. WPS Office is a free, lightweight suite that lets you create professional Word, Excel, and PowerPoint templates. It offers seamless format compatibility with Microsoft Office, ensuring your templates work perfectly when uploaded to SharePoint.

1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and choose to create a new Writer (Word), Spreadsheets (Excel), or Presentation (PowerPoint) document.
2. Design your template: Add your standardized text, company branding, headers, and necessary formatting to the document.
3. Save as a Microsoft format: Go to Menu > Save As, and select a standard Microsoft Office format (e.g., .docx or .xlsx) to ensure complete SharePoint compatibility.
4. Upload to SharePoint: Navigate to SharePoint and use the Upload > Template option to distribute your newly created WPS file to your team.

Perfectly compatible with Microsoft Office formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) for seamless SharePoint integration.Free and lightweight, allowing you to create document templates without expensive software subscriptions.Familiar user interface ensures a smooth transition with zero learning curve for your team.Rich formatting tools to design professional and standardized corporate templates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upload multiple templates to the same SharePoint document library?

Yes, you can upload multiple templates to a single SharePoint document library. Each uploaded template will appear as a separate, selectable option under the 'New' dropdown menu in that library.

Do I need to upload the template to every SharePoint library separately?

Yes. Templates uploaded via this method are bound to the specific document library. If you want the template to be available in multiple file paths or libraries, you must upload the template file to each relevant library individually.

Does editing a document created from a template alter the original template?

No. When a user creates a new document from the 'New' menu using your template, SharePoint creates a fresh copy for them to work on. The original template file remains unchanged and available for others.

Document & File Issues