Office Settings & Configuration

How to Store Word Macros in a Custom Global Template

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to store macros in a custom template rather than the default Normal.dotm and make that template available for recording macros in other documents.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing custom macros into a specific template file so they can be accessed or recorded globally across different documents.
Observed behavior: Seeking a way to load a non-default template globally or attach it properly to allow saving and using macro recordings outside of Normal.dotm.

Before you start

Ensure the Developer tab is enabled in your Word ribbon and save a backup of your current macros before altering your template folder structure.

Solution 1Recommended

Save the Template in Word's Startup Folder

Place your custom template into the Startup folder to load it automatically as a global template whenever Word opens.

By saving a template in the Startup folder, its macros become globally available across all documents. However, templates in the Startup folder cannot directly store new recordings while they are actively loaded globally.

Locate the Startup Folder

Find Microsoft Word's Startup folder on your computer. This is typically located at %appdata%\Microsoft\Word\STARTUP.

Move the Custom Template

Save or copy your custom macro-enabled template file (.dotm) into this Startup folder.

Restart Microsoft Word

Close all instances of Word and reopen the application. The template will now load globally, granting access to its stored macros.

Edit Outside the Folder (When Needed)

To add new macros to this global template later, you must edit it outside of the Startup folder, and then copy the updated file back into the Startup folder after closing Word.

Global Template Limitations: Global templates in the Startup folder must be opened directly to save new macro recordings; they will not appear in the 'Store macro in' dropdown while loaded simply as an add-in.

Solution 2

Attach the Template via the Developer Tab

Manually attach your custom template to the active document to store new macro recordings directly into it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit a global template while it is loaded from the Startup folder?

No, you cannot directly store new macro recordings or edit the template while it is actively loaded as a global template from the Startup folder. You must edit the file externally and copy it back into the folder after Word is closed.

Why isn't my custom template showing up in the 'Store macro in' list?

A template must be directly attached to the active document (via Developer > Document Template) or be the active document itself to appear in the 'Store macro in' dropdown menu. Global templates loaded via the Startup folder do not show up here.

Where does Word store macros by default?

By default, Microsoft Word stores new macro recordings in the Normal.dotm template, which automatically makes those macros available across all new documents you create.

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