Using Templates in Excel 2016

Excel 2016 templates are pre-designed spreadsheets that help you get started quickly. Instead of building everything from scratch, you can choose a template that fits your task — like a budget, invoice, or attendance sheet — and customize it as needed. Templates save time and give your work a clean, professional look.

What is a Template in Excel?

A template in Excel is a ready-made workbook with built-in formatting, formulas, and layouts. It’s perfect for repetitive tasks such as creating monthly reports or invoices. Templates make your work easier, faster, and more consistent.

Tip: Templates are ideal for beginners who want to focus on entering data instead of formatting or creating formulas.

How to Create a Workbook from a Template

Step 1: Open Backstage View

Click the File tab at the top-left corner of Excel. This opens the Backstage view, where you can manage your workbooks.

Step 2: Choose “New”

Select New from the side menu. You’ll now see several built-in templates below the “Blank Workbook” option.

Step 3: Pick a Template

  • Click on any template to preview it.
  • The preview window shows details about the template and how it looks.
  • You can also use the search bar to find a specific template (for example, type “budget” or “invoice”).

Step 4: Create the Workbook

Once you find the right template, click Create. Excel will open a new workbook based on that template. You can now enter your own data and save it as a normal Excel file.

Using Online and Built-in Templates

  • Go to File → New.
  • Browse the available templates or search for one online by typing keywords.
  • Select the desired template and click Create.

Excel 2016 automatically downloads the selected online template and opens it in a new workbook. You can edit it just like any other file.

Using Your Custom Templates

If you’ve saved your own templates before, you can access them easily:

  • Click File → New → Personal.
  • Double-click your saved template to create a new workbook from it.
Note: When you open a template, Excel creates a new untitled workbook (like “Book1”). Your original template file stays unchanged.

How to Edit a Template

  • Open the template file directly (not a new workbook based on it).
  • Go to File → Open and locate your template file, or right-click it in File Explorer and select Open.
  • Make your changes, then save it again as Excel Template (*.xltx).

Important Tips for Working with Templates

  • Always save your work with a new file name to avoid overwriting the original template.
  • Review templates before using them — not all are created by Microsoft.
  • Use descriptive names for your templates, like “Monthly_Budget_Template” or “Project_Tracker.”

Why Use Templates?

Templates save you time, reduce manual setup, and help maintain consistency in your data. Whether you’re a student, accountant, or small business owner, templates make your Excel tasks smoother and faster.

5 FAQs on Using Templates in Excel 2016

What is the purpose of using templates in Excel 2016?

Templates help you start quickly with pre-made layouts and formulas. You just enter your data instead of building from scratch.

Can I create my own Excel templates?

Yes. Design a workbook, then save it as “Excel Template (*.xltx)” using File → Save As.

How do I edit an existing template?

Open the template file directly, make changes, and save it again as a template to keep the updated version.

Where can I find my saved templates?

Go to File → New → Personal. All your custom templates are listed there.

Do templates change when I use them?

No. Each time you open a template, Excel creates a new file. Your original template stays safe and unchanged.

Conclusion

Using templates in Excel 2016 is one of the best ways to save time and work efficiently. Whether you use a built-in, online, or custom template, you can quickly create professional-looking workbooks with minimal effort. Explore different templates and customize them to fit your needs — and you’ll never have to start from scratch again!

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