How many times, when you've needed a new resume or a thank you card or a fax cover sheet, have you thought you could just reuse something you've made before - only to find that it's not actually very easy to modify? (Hopefully in that case you've discovered the free, downloadable templates on Office Online! )

Or maybe, like me, you're an old hand with document projects and templates but find yourself with a new version of Microsoft Word and a handful of new features to try.  

Guidelines are now available on Office Online. They are intended to help Word 2007 users craft functional and easy-to-use templates by providing:

  •  Information about what to do and what not to do with familiar features such as text boxes, tables, and pictures
  •  Suggestions for how to use some of the new features in Word 2007 such as themes, Quick Parts, and customized building blocks 
  •  Recommendations for testing your templates and inserting sample or placeholder text so you don't need to use personal information
  •  A quick reference guide for creating Word 2007 templates
  •  Basic information about online audiences and ease of use requirements (if you're submitting a Community template)

So whether you're learning to create a template or interested in tips for how to make better templates, check them out!