How to Use Windows Word Building Blocks on a Mac
Question details
The user needs to insert specific preset text boxes and footers into a document for a class assignment.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac, Windows
- Scenario
- Working on a school assignment that specifically requires formatting elements like Austin Sidebar, Whisp Quote, and Accent Bar 2.
- Observed behavior
- Word for Mac does not display these preset text boxes and footers because they are Windows-only default building blocks.
You will need temporary access to a computer running the Windows version of Microsoft Word and a USB drive to transfer the template file.
Copy the Building Blocks Template from Windows to Mac
Transfer the native Windows Word template file containing the missing presets into your Mac Word Startup folder.
Features like Austin Sidebar or Accent Bar 2 are stored in a specific template named Built-in Building Blocks.dotx, which is installed by default on Windows but omitted from the Mac installation. By manually migrating this file, you can access these missing presets.
On a Windows PC, open File Explorer, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Document Building Blocks\1033\16\ in the address bar, and press Enter to access the hidden folder.
Find the file named 'Built-in Building Blocks.dotx' and copy it to a USB flash drive or a cloud storage folder accessible from your Mac.
On your Mac, open Finder. Hold down the Option key, click the 'Go' menu at the top of the screen, and select 'Library'.
Navigate to the Word Startup folder (typically under Group Containers > UBF8T346G9.Office > User Content > Startup > Word) and paste the copied template file here.
Restart Word for Mac. Go to 'Tools' > 'Templates and Add-ins' from the top menu, locate the new template, and ensure it is checked and enabled to load the building blocks.
Try WPS Office for Consistent Cross-Platform Formatting
If you are frustrated by the differences between Mac and Windows versions of Microsoft Word, consider switching to WPS Office. It delivers a highly consistent user experience and robust formatting tools across all operating systems without the missing feature gaps.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the correct installer for macOS.
- 2. Open Your Assignment: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx file. The layout and formatting will remain perfectly intact.
- 3. Apply Custom Elements: Navigate to the Insert tab to easily add and customize text boxes, headers, footers, and shapes that look great on any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Austin Sidebar and Whisp Quote missing in Word for Mac?
These specific text box presets are stored in a Windows Word template file called 'Built-in Building Blocks.dotx'. Microsoft does not include this template in the Mac installation by default.
Can I use AutoText instead of Building Blocks on Mac?
Yes, Word for Mac fully supports AutoText. You can create your own custom text boxes or layouts, select them, and save them as AutoText entries to use across different documents.
How do I find the hidden AppData folder on Windows?
The AppData folder is hidden by the operating system. You can open it instantly by pressing Windows Key + R, typing %appdata% into the Run dialog box, and pressing Enter.
How do I unhide the Library folder on a Mac?
To view your user Library folder, click on the Finder icon. Then, hold down the 'Option' (Alt) key on your keyboard while clicking the 'Go' menu at the very top of your screen; the Library option will appear in the dropdown list.
