How to Plan and Create WordPerfect Templates

Templates are invaluable if you create documents with the same elements

What to Know

  • Plan template: Choose pre-made/make your own. Create outline of the different elements you'll be reusing.
  • Create template: Select File > New from Project > Create New > Options > Create WP Template.
  • Save template: Ctrl+S > enter description and template name > enter template category.

This article explains how to create templates in WordPerfect. Templates save you time formatting and entering text in similar documents.

Planning Your WordPerfect Template

A WordPerfect template can contain formatting, styles, boilerplate text, headers, footers, and macros, in addition to other customized settings. There are pre-made templates available, and you can create your own templates.

WordPerfect 2021 screenshot.

Before you create your WordPerfect template, outline what you want to include in it. You can always go back and edit your template or make changes to elements in the documents created from a template, but the time you spend planning will save you a lot in the long run.

Here are some tips on what to include:

  • If you're creating a WordPerfect template to use as a letter, insert a date field that updates automatically each time the template is opened.
  • When creating a letter template, include your address and contact information, so you don't have to enter it with each copy.
  • For headers and footers, use fields for information that may change but will always contain the same type of information (for example, page numbers, document title, and the file path).
  • Any text that will be included in all documents based on the template.
  • Columns, margins, tab stops, endnotes, footnotes, and similar elements.
  • If you want to use macros with the document, include them with the template.
  • If your document contains sections with different formatting, use descriptive placeholder text, such as TITLE or HEADING, that you can type over in the copy created from the template. This way, it will have the formatting specific to that section.

Creating Your WordPerfect Template

Begin work on your WordPerfect template by opening a blank template file:

  1. From the File menu, select New from Project.

    Selecting a new template creation in WordPerfect.
  2. On the Create New tab of the PerfectExpert dialog box, click the Options button.

    Selecting Options on new template creation in WordPerfect.
  3. On the pop-up list, select Create WP Template.

    Selecting Create WP Template in WordPerfect.

A new document opens. It appears and functions the same as any other WordPerfect document, with the exception that the Templates toolbar is available, and when you save it, it has a different file extension.

Saving the Template

Once you have edited the file and inserted the elements from your plan, save the document using the Ctrl+S shortcut key. The Save Template dialog box opens:

  1. In the box beneath Description, enter a description of the template that can help you or others know its purpose.

    Entering a description for the new template in WordPerfect.
  2. Enter a name for your template in the box labeled Template name.

    Naming the template in WordPerfect.
  3. Beneath the Template category, select a category from the list. It is important to select the best category for your document because it will help you return to it quickly the next time you need it.

    Choosing a template category for the new template in WordPerfect.
  4. When you have made your selections, click OK.

    Selecting OK to complete template creation in WordPerfect.

Congratulations, you have successfully created a template that you can use over and over again.

What Is a Template?

A template is a file type that, when opened, creates a copy of itself, including all of the formatting and text of the template. Each newly opened document can be edited and saved as a standard document file without altering the original template file.

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