How to Create iWork Templates

There are no iWork templates on the Apple Computer website. It is definitely a shortcoming of this suite of programs.

If you are used to Microsoft Office - then you are used to having a huge selection of free templates at your fingertips on the Microsoft website. So it is a bit frustrating to switch to iWorks - only to find that there are just a few choices available.

At first I was pretty irritated by this discovery. I didn't really want to start from scratch every time I needed to create a document.

But then I realized how much time I actually wasted browsing for just the right template - and it dawned on me that creating exactly what I needed is probably the best use of my time.

Call it an "aha!" moment.

In this tutorial I will focus on creating a template in Pages. The process is similar for Numbers and Keynote - but if you would also like to see a tutorial in those programs just let me know.

Also - if making your own iWork templates for Mac computers is just not for you - skip to the end, where I have a listed a few free resources that might help you out.

And, I know this pointer is as plain as the nose your (or my) face - but don't forget to browse the options that are included with the software. These are easy to modify and are quite professional looking as well.

The Nuts and Bolts

I usually choose Blank under the Page Layout heading in the left sidebar. This gives me complete control over the different elements that I will add to my page.

Upon double clicking "Blank Canvas" - your blank document will pop open.

You will now want to open the "inspector" to customize to your heart's content.

If this item is not in your toolbar - then take a look at the customizing toolbar tutorial here.

Once you open the inspector, click on the first button across the top that looks like a piece of paper with the corner folded down. This is the document inspector - and this is where you will set the size of your template. Automatically the size is set to 8.5 by 11 inches - but if you are creating a card or something else, then you can specify the size here.

Now be it known that I am not a creative type - either on or offline. So while Pages has some pretty good options for using shapes and colors and the like - I prefer to add objects that have ALREADY been created by someone else to my personal iWork templates.

Keep in mind all the copyright issues out there. If you are creating something for personal use - then you will generally have more freedom to use "free" clipart, photos, and templates online. If you are using something for business - then you should make sure that you have the right to use the creative.

Personally - I purchased the Art Explosion Image Library for Mac - just so I could have a large selection of clipart and photos for all my various projects. The art is somewhat dated - but it meets my needs.

So - back to our template.

Just grab an image file that you have saved on your computer and drag it onto your blank canvas. Grab the corner handles and stretch the image to fit your canvas.

Add a text box and fill it with your sample text.

Add a few more boxes objects or whatever.

Once you are finished customizing the document - save it as a template.

When you open a new Pages file from the Template Chooser - the template the you created will now be located in the "My Templates" section - ready to be used over and over again.

And that is how you create iWork templates - easy isn't it?

Resources

Many people will not want to create their own template - I know. Here are some sites that offer free iWork templates for you to choose from:

• StockLayouts - This site is good for business - and they actually charge for their designs. But they do have a page of free samples that are very professional looking. I have linked directly to that page.
• iWork4School - This site has some useful and practical documents for school and home.
• iWorkCommunity - I just love this site. It has lots to choose from - for the entire suite: Pages, Numbers, and Keynote.

Return from this page about iWork Templates to the Mac Tutorials page.

Wondering what Apple iWork software is all about? This page will explain.

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Return from this page about How to Create a Template in iWork on Mac Computers to the Mac Software Tutorials homepage.