Template (file format)
The term document template when used in the context of file format refers to a common feature of many software applications that define a unique non-executable file format intended specifically for that particular application.
Template file formats are those whose file extension indicates that the file type is intended as a very high starting point from which to create other files.
These types of files are usually indicated on the File menu of the application:
For example, the word processing application Microsoft Word uses different file extensions for documents and templates: In Microsoft Word 2003 the file extension .dot
is used to indicate a template, in Microsoft Word 2007 .dotx
(in contrast to .doc
, resp. .docx
for a standard document).
In Adobe Dreamweaver the file extension .dwt
is used to indicate a template.
Microsoft Word Templates
MS Word allows creating both layout and content templates.
A layout template is a style guide for the file styles. It usually contains a chapter which explains how to use the styles within the documents.
A content template is a document which provides a TOC. It might be modified to correspond to the user's needs.