The term template, when used in the context of word processing

Word processing

Word processing is the creation of documents using a word processor. It can also refer to advanced shorthand techniques, sometimes used in specialized contexts with a specially modified typewriter.-External links:...

 software,
refers to a sample "fill-in-the-blank" document

Document

The term document has multiple meanings in ordinary language and in scholarship. WordNet 3.1. lists four meanings :* document, written document, papers...

 that can be completed either by hand
or through an automated iterative process, such as with a software assistant. Once
the template is completed, the user can edit, save and manage the result as
an ordinary word processing document. Word processing templates enable the ability to bypass
the initial setup and configuration time necessary to create standardized
documents such as a resume

Résumé

A résumé is a document used by individuals to present their background and skillsets. Résumés can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment. A typical résumé contains a summary of relevant job experience and education...

. They also enable the automatic configuration of the user interface

User interface

The user interface, in the industrial design field of human–machine interaction, is the space where interaction between humans and machines occurs. The goal of interaction between a human and a machine at the user interface is effective operation and control of the machine, and feedback from the...

 of the word processing software, with features such as autocompletion,
toolbar

Toolbar

In a graphical user interface, on a computer monitor, a toolbar is a GUI widget on which on-screen buttons, icons, menus, or other input or output elements are placed. Toolbars are seen in office suites, graphics editors, and web browsers...

s, thesaurus

Thesaurus

A thesaurus is a reference work that lists words grouped together according to similarity of meaning , in contrast to a dictionary, which contains definitions and pronunciations...

, and spelling

Spelling

Spelling is the writing of one or more words with letters and diacritics. In addition, the term often, but not always, means an accepted standard spelling or the process of naming the letters...

 options.

Word processing templates are ordinarily included as a regular feature
of most word processing software. In addition, users of such software
often have the option to create and save their own templates, or to acquire
them from the original vendor of the software, or from third parties.

Overview

Word processing templates provide functionality for:

• "fill-in-the-blank" completion of routinely used document classes or (a stencil/master copy)
• time-saving document-fragment creation (for items such as headers
  Page header
  A page header or simply header in typography is text which is separated from the main body of text and appears at the top of a printed page...
  
   footers and boilerplate
  Boilerplate (text)
  Boilerplate is any text that is or can be reused in new contexts or applications without being changed much from the original. Many computer programmers often use the term boilerplate code. A legal boilerplate is a standard provision in a contract....
  
  
• time-saving GUI-configuration (for configuring the desktop GUI with precisely the desired standard look and feel, usually tailored to a given profession or industry)
• time-saving user standardization (for ensuring a specific user or workgroup has access to documents that are unique to his role in the organization)

Uses

Word processing templates have the standard "fill-in-the-blank" features similar to other kinds of templates in computer software, and they also have features that specifically leverage the functionality of the word processor user interface.

Specific examples include ability to:

• copy macros, styles, and autocompletion entries from one template (or document) to another;
• Reuse of a page header
  Page header
  A page header or simply header in typography is text which is separated from the main body of text and appears at the top of a printed page...
  
  , watermark
  Digital watermarking
  Digital watermarking is the process of embedding information into a digital signal which may be used to verify its authenticity or the identity of its owners, in the same manner as paper bearing a watermark for visible identification. In digital watermarking, the signal may be audio, pictures, or...
  
  , structure, and many forms of repeated document contents;
• create and remove entries (from the New > File menu) for fast access to frequently used templates;
• save automation scripts in languages such as Visual Basic
  Visual Basic
  Visual Basic is the third-generation event-driven programming language and integrated development environment from Microsoft for its COM programming model...
  
   for Applications;
• save and configure toolbars, menus, keyboard shortcuts to work across editing sessions, or on a user-by-user basis;
• configure up and use workgroup templates, or a default template that automatically gets applied whenever a new document is created;
• quickly write résumé
  Résumé
  A résumé is a document used by individuals to present their background and skillsets. Résumés can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment. A typical résumé contains a summary of relevant job experience and education...
  
  s and curricula vitae.
• Creation of single or multiple sheet templates like list templates, agenda templates and business templates etc.

Additionally, there may exist support for other native features unique to the word processing application.

Specific commands and file formats

Word processing document creation may ordinarily (although not necessarily) begin with selecting a template with a menu command such as: File > New > Templates (and select the template you wish to use), from which point the user is given the option of selecting a pre-existing template. Similar commands are provided for creating and editing templates.

Template files may restrict users from saving changes with the original file name, such as with the case of Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office is a non-free commercial office suite of inter-related desktop applications, servers and services for the Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, introduced by Microsoft in August 1, 1989. Initially a marketing term for a bundled set of applications, the first version of...

 (.dot) filename extension

Filename extension

A filename extension is a suffix to the name of a computer file applied to indicate the encoding of its contents or usage....

s. In those cases, the users are prompted to save the file with a new name as if it were a new file.

More general

• Word processing
  Word processing
  Word processing is the creation of documents using a word processor. It can also refer to advanced shorthand techniques, sometimes used in specialized contexts with a specially modified typewriter.-External links:...
  
  
• Comparison of word processors
  Comparison of word processors
  -General information:This table provides general information about selected word processors.-Characteristics:This table gives characteristics of each word processor.-Operating System Compatibility:...
  
  
• List of word processors
• Template (disambiguation)
• Normal.dot

Related comparisons

• Configuration file
  Configuration file
  In computing, configuration files, or config files configure the initial settings for some computer programs. They are used for user applications, server processes and operating system settings. The files are often written in ASCII and line-oriented, with lines terminated by a newline or carriage...
  
   (similar application configuration features for preserving the state of toolbars and menus, as well as other settings).
• Style sheet  (a very similar tool)
• Web template
  Web template
  A web template is a tool used to separate content from presentation in web design, and for mass-production of web documents. It is a basic component of a web template system.Web templates can be used to set up any type of website...
  
   (similar fill-in-the-blank and mass-production features, in the context of web development)
• Template (file format)
  Template (file format)
  The term document template when used in the context of file format refers to a common feature of many software applications that define a unique non-executable file format intended specifically for that particular application....
  
  (similar fill-in-the blank and GUI configuration features, but for spreadsheets, image processing software and other desktop applications)
• Example template: Collaborative Protocol for Translations