Office for Mac Issues

How to Create a Pleading Paper in Microsoft Word for Mac

Phi Hung Vo Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to locate and use the pleading paper template within Microsoft Word on a Mac.

How to Create a Pleading Paper in Microsoft Word for Mac

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: macOS
Scenario: Preparing a legal document formatted as a pleading paper for court submission.
Observed behavior: The user needs to generate a properly formatted pleading paper without manually configuring line numbers and margins from scratch.

Before you start

Before drafting your document, ensure you know the specific formatting rules for the court where you will file, as pleading requirements (like margin sizes and line numbering) vary by jurisdiction.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Built-in Pleading Template in Word for Mac

Microsoft Word for Mac includes a pre-installed pleading paper template that saves you from manually setting up line numbers and borders.

Using a pre-existing template is the fastest way to format a legal pleading. Microsoft Word provides a default layout that serves as a good starting point for most standard legal documents.

Open the Template Gallery

Launch Microsoft Word on your Mac. Click on 'File' in the top Apple menu bar and select 'New from Template' from the dropdown list.

Search for Pleading

In the search bar located at the top right of the template gallery window, type the word 'pleading' and press Enter.

Create the Document

Select the pleading paper template that appears in the search results and click the 'Create' button to open a new, pre-formatted document.

Use the Built-in Pleading Template in Word for Mac

Jurisdiction Compliance: Always double-check the generated template against your local Clerk of Court's rules, as line spacing, fonts, and margin requirements can differ significantly between local courts.

Solution 2

Download External Legal Templates

If the built-in template does not meet your local court's specific requirements, you can find and use specialized legal templates online.

Create Legal Documents Easily

Use WPS Office to Create and Edit Pleading Papers

WPS Writer offers an extensive template library and precise formatting tools, making it easy to create professional legal documents and pleading papers that are fully compatible with Microsoft Word.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and open a new WPS Writer window.
2. Access Templates: Click on 'New' to access the WPS Template library and search for 'legal' or 'pleading' to find suitable layouts.
3. Customize Document Layout: If building from scratch, go to the 'Page Layout' tab to precisely adjust margins, enable continuous line numbers, and apply page borders according to your local court's requirements.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsRich built-in template gallery for various professional and legal document typesPrecise control over document margins, line numbers, and custom headersLightweight, fast, and completely free to use on Mac

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all courts accept the default Word pleading template?

No. Pleading requirements vary widely by state and local jurisdiction. Always check with your local Clerk of Court for specific rules regarding exact margins, acceptable font sizes, and specific line numbering alignments.

Can I manually create a pleading paper in Word for Mac?

Yes. You can manually create a pleading paper by adjusting the document margins in the Layout tab, adding line numbers, and inserting a vertical line shape into the header to act as the pleading border.

Where can I find the 'New from Template' option in Word for Mac?

You can find this option by clicking on the 'File' menu at the very top of your Mac screen (the Apple menu bar) while Word is open, then selecting 'New from Template'. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Shift+Command+P.

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