Step 1: Open the New Dialog Box 

Open the File menu and select New to display the New dialog box. (You can't use the New button on the Standard toolbar as a shortcut. If you click the New button, Word assumes you want to start a new document based on the Normal template; it doesn't give you the chance to choose a different template.) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Choose a Tab Category 

The New dialog box has several tab categories to choose from, such as Letters & Faxes. Depending on the type of document you want to create, click each tab and see what is available. (Depending on how Word was installed and whether anyone has created new templates, the tabs and templates you see may differ from those shown here.) 

 

 

Step 3: Preview a Template 

When you locate a template you want to use, select it (by clicking just once on the icon); the Preview area lets you see what the design looks like. 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4: Open the Template 

If you decide you like the template, double-click its name or select it and choose OK. 

 

 

 

Step 5: Fill It In

Word creates a new document based on the template you chose. Many templates, such as the one shown here, include placeholder text with instructions to "Click here and type" to help you fill in your text. You may also see some cross-hatched boxes. Word uses these for formatting purposes only: they won't print. Click the placeholder text and type your own text. 

 

 

 

Step 6: Save, Print, and Close 

The text you typed replaces the "click here" text. Continue replacing all the "click here" instructions with the text you want in the document. When you have completed the document, use the regular methods to save, print, and close it.