How to Create a Template in Google Docs

Last Updated : 13 Apr, 2026

Using templates in Google Docs saves time, ensures consistency, and simplifies tasks like creating reports, invoices, or resumes. It helps streamline work, maintain consistency, and speed up document creation.

Steps to Use Built-in Templates in Google Docs

Google Docs offers a variety of Google document templates that can help you get started quickly. Here’s how to use them:

Step 1: Visit Google Docs Templates

Go to Google Docs and open the Template Gallery. Here, you'll find a range of options, including Google Sheets budget templates, CV templates in Google Docs, Google Docs cover letter templates, and even schedule templates for Google Docs.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Visit Google Docs Templates Website

Select a template based on your needs. For example, you can choose an invoice template in Google Docs or a Google Docs resume template free.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Choose your Template

Step 3: Edit and Save

Once you’ve selected a template, edit it to suit your requirements and save it for future use.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Edit the template

Steps to Create a Custom Template in Google Docs

If none of the Google templates fits your specific needs, you can create your own template on Google Docs by following these steps:

Step 1: Open Google Docs and Select a Document

Go to Google Docs and select a document you want to create a template.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Select a Document

Step 2: Access the "Format" Menu

Customize the document's layout by accessing the Google Docs format options in the toolbar. Adjust margins, fonts, and text styles to your liking.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Click on "Format"

Step 3: Select Text and Choose Format Type

Now from the menu appeared dropdown, select the "Text" and choose your desired tool to format your text such as Bold, Italic, Underline, Strikethrough, Subscript, Superscript etc.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Select Text >> Choose Format Type

Step 4: Insert Header & Footers

Use the Format menu to insert headers and footers or use the Insert menu to add tables. This is particularly useful when creating an invoice format on Google Docs or a schedule template on Google Docs.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Select "Headers & Footers"

Step 5: Specify Inches and Click on "Apply"

Now specify the inches from up and bottom in order to make margins, you can also select the Page Layout. After specifying the inches and selecting the page layout click on the "Apply" button to apply it on your page.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Specify Inches >> Click on "Apply"

Step 6: Insert Table, Select Table and Specify Rows & Columns

To insert tables into your template, click on the "Insert" menu and select the "Table" option and after specifying the rows and columns your table will be inserted into the document.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Click on Insert Menu >> Select Tables >> Choose Rows & Columns

Step 7: Rename Google Docs and Type Template

When you are done with customizing the template now rename your template by clicking on the document name located on the top-left side of the interface. After clicking on the document name enter edit it by entering the template name to it.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Rename your Google Docs

Step 8: Choose Template Location

By default, all the Google documents are stored in the drive but still you can change your template's location by clicking on the File icon located next to the template name. To store it in your desired location, navigate to it and click on the "Move" button.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Choose Template Location

Step 9: Download your Template

In the case you want to use your template later or want to store it in your phone's location you can download the template. To do so, click on the "File" menu and select the "Download" option, also choose your download type and your template will be downloaded.

Create a Template on Google Docs
Click on File Menu >> Select Download >> Choose Download Type

Steps to Create a Template in Google Docs with a Personal Google Account

Follow the steps to create a Template in Google docs with a Personal Google Account:

Step 1: Click on File Menu and Select "Make a Copy"

If you have a personal Google account, then you can make a copy of a template. To do so click on the File" menu and select the "Make a Copy" button.

How to Create a Template in Google Docs
Click on File Menu >> Select "Make a Copy"

Step 2: Give Document Name and Click on "Make a Copy"

Enter your template name and click on the "Make a Copy" button.

How to Create a Template in Google Docs
Give Document Name >> Click on "Make a Copy"

Steps to Manage Template in Google Docs

Learn how to manage your templates in Google Docs to keep your documents organized and accessible.

Go to the Google Docs home screen and click on the "Template Gallery."

Step 2: Submit Your Template

You can submit your custom template to the Template Gallery for others to use.

Step 3: Organize Templates

Organize your templates in Google Drive by creating folders and categorizing them.

Steps to Open a Google Docs Template on the Web

Find out how to open and use Google Docs templates on the web for easy document creation.

Step 1: Open google Drive and Upload the Template

First you have to upload the template into your Google Drive so that you can open it in Google Docs. To upload the template click on the "+" icon and click on "File Upload".

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Open Google

Step 2: Click on Three Dots

Now click on three dots located next to the template name.

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Click on Three-Dots

Step 3: Select "Open With" and Click on Google Docs

When you will click on the three dots a drop-down menu will appear, from the menu select "Open With" >> Google Docs" and your template will be opened.

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Select "Open With" >> "Google Docs"
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