How to Create Templates in Google Docs

Creating documents from scratch every time can be time-consuming and inefficient. Whether you’re writing blog posts, invoices, reports, resumes, or meeting notes, templates in Google Docs can save you hours of repetitive work.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create templates in Google Docs, customize them for personal or team use, and share them efficiently. This tutorial is perfect for beginners, bloggers, freelancers, teachers, and business owners.

What Is a Template in Google Docs?

A template is a pre-designed document layout that includes formatting, styles, placeholders, and structure. Instead of starting from a blank page, you reuse a template and simply replace the content.

Examples of Google Docs templates:

  • Blog post layout

  • Resume or CV

  • Invoice

  • Business proposal

  • Meeting agenda

  • Lesson plan

Why Use Templates in Google Docs?

Using templates helps you:

  • Save time and effort

  • Maintain consistent formatting

  • Reduce errors

  • Improve productivity

  • Standardize documents across teams

Templates are especially useful if you create similar documents regularly.

Types of Templates in Google Docs

1. Built-In Templates

Google Docs provides ready-made templates like:

  • Resume

  • Report

  • Letter

  • Project proposal

  • Notes

2. Custom Templates

User-created templates designed for specific needs, branding, or workflows.

How to Access Google Docs Templates

  1. Open Google Docs

  2. On the homepage, click Template gallery

  3. Browse templates by category

How to Create a Custom Template in Google Docs (Step by Step)

Step 1: Open a Blank Document

  1. Go to Google Docs

  2. Click Blank to open a new document

Step 2: Set Page Layout

Before adding content, configure the layout.

  1. Click File → Page setup

  2. Choose:

    • Page size (A4, Letter, etc.)

    • Orientation (Portrait or Landscape)

    • Margins

  3. Click OK

This ensures consistency in every document created from the template.

Step 3: Add Headings and Structure

Use Heading styles instead of manual formatting.

  1. Select text

  2. Click Normal text

  3. Choose:

    • Heading 1 (Title)

    • Heading 2 (Main sections)

    • Heading 3 (Subsections)

Example structure:

  • Title (Heading 1)

  • Introduction (Heading 2)

  • Body sections (Heading 2)

  • Conclusion (Heading 2)

This is especially useful for blog posts and reports.

Step 4: Customize Fonts and Styles

  1. Select text

  2. Choose:

    • Font type

    • Font size

    • Line spacing

    • Text color

To save styles:

  1. Format text

Now every new document using this template will follow the same style.

Step 5: Add Placeholders

Placeholders guide users on what to enter.

Examples:

  • [Enter title here]

  • [Your name]

  • [Date]

  • [Client details]

Use brackets or italic text to clearly identify placeholders.

Step 6: Insert Tables, Lists, or Sections

Templates often include reusable elements:

  • Tables for invoices

  • Bullet lists for tasks

  • Checklists for workflows

To add:

  • Click Insert → Table

  • Or use bullet and numbered lists

Step 7: Add Header and Footer (Optional)

Headers and footers are useful for branding.

  1. Click Insert → Headers & footers

  2. Add:

    • Logo

    • Page numbers

    • Company name

    • Website URL

How to Save a Google Doc as a Template (Personal Use)

Google Docs doesn’t have a “Save as template” button, but there’s a simple workaround.

Method: Make a Copy

  1. Open your template document

  2. Click File → Make a copy

  3. Rename the copy

  4. Use the copy for new documents

Always keep one master version untouched.

How to Create a Template Using Google Drive (Recommended)

  1. Open Google Drive

  2. Create a folder named Templates

  3. Store all template documents there

  4. When needed:

    • Right-click → Make a copy

This keeps templates organized and easy to find.

How to Share a Template with Others

Option 1: View-Only Link

  1. Click Share

  2. Set permission to Viewer

  3. Share the link

Recipients must click File → Make a copy before editing.

Option 2: Team Templates (Workspace Users)

If you use Google Workspace:

  1. Open Google Docs

  2. Go to Template gallery

  3. Click Submit template

  4. Choose category and submit

Your template becomes available to your organization.

How to Create a Blog Post Template in Google Docs

A blog template may include:

  • Title placeholder

  • Meta description section

  • Headings structure

  • Call-to-action

  • Author bio

Example layout:

  • H1: Blog Title

  • H2: Introduction

  • H2: Main Content

  • H2: FAQs

  • H2: Conclusion

This is perfect for bloggers publishing frequently.

Include:

  • Company name & logo

  • Client details

  • Invoice number

  • Date

  • Table for items

  • Total amount

Use tables and alignment to keep it professional.

How to Create a Resume Template

Key sections:

  • Name & contact info

  • Summary

  • Skills

  • Experience

  • Education

Use clean fonts and spacing for readability.

Best Practices for Creating Templates

  • Keep design simple and clean

  • Use headings consistently

  • Avoid hard-coding specific details

  • Clearly label placeholders

  • Test the template before sharing

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Editing the original template instead of a copy

  • Using inconsistent fonts

  • Over-designing the layout

  • Forgetting placeholders

  • Not setting permissions correctly

Advantages of Using Google Docs Templates

  • Free and cloud-based

  • Easy collaboration

  • Accessible from any device

  • Auto-save enabled

  • Easy sharing and duplication

Templates vs Normal Documents

Feature Template Normal Doc
Reusable Yes No
Standardized format Yes No
Time-saving Yes Limited
Collaboration Easy Easy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I sell Google Docs templates?

Yes, many creators sell templates online.

Can templates be edited?

Yes, after making a copy.

Are templates available offline?

Yes, if offline mode is enabled.

Who Should Use Google Docs Templates?

Templates are ideal for:

  • Bloggers

  • Freelancers

  • Teachers

  • Students

  • Small businesses

  • Marketers

  • Content writers

Final Thoughts

Learning how to create templates in Google Docs is a powerful productivity skill. Whether you’re managing a blog, running a business, or handling repetitive documents, templates help you work faster, stay consistent, and reduce mistakes.

Once you create a few well-designed templates, you’ll never want to start from a blank page again.

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