If you find yourself recreating the same document over and over, or if you use a common theme in your business images for branding purposes, templates can save you a lot of time. You may have already been offered templates when creating a new document, as Microsoft and Google maintain template libraries for common document types, like budgets, gift certificates, and invitations.
Throughout this post, I have linked to articles and webinars from Tech-Talk (and other sources) for learning about templates for a variety of platforms. More links are listed at the end.
When to Use a Template
I create many slideshows to teach tech classes at the library, and I often share those slideshows with attendees afterward. To ensure the library branding is consistent across my classes, I have created a PowerPoint template that uses the same colors, fonts, and backgrounds for every presentation I write.
Another good use of templates would be for a business that issues invoices. Having a consistent brand will not only elevate your credibility as a business, but having the information in the same place on every document will help those handling the invoices efficiently process them.
Do you find yourself sending the same email again and again to answer a common question? Templates work for email, too!
The most common use of templates is to save your favorite settings (font, spacing, margins, headings, etc.) to Word/Docs so every document you create will automatically use them. Word/Docs | PowerPoint | Excel
Where Can I Use Templates?
Microsoft Office and Google Workspace may be the first platforms to come to mind when considering templates for email and documents, but Canva can create templates, as well. This is helpful if you create a series of materials to advertise an event or service and want them all to have the same look and feel.
