Unable to save change to a header and how to make letterhead header only appear on the first page

Are you trying to change one of the headers that is in the drop down Insert > Header?

If so, that is a Building Block.

Select it after you have made the changes and then, under Insert > Header, choose to save it to the Header Gallery.

To change an existing header in that Gallery, you have to give your header the same name and category and save it in the same template where it currently resides. The ones that come with Word are in the Built-In Building Blocks.dotx template. I would instead give it a name like _MyLetterhead and save it in a custom category named _MyBuildingBlocks. That way, it would show up at the top of the menu.

• Automated Boilerplate Using Microsoft Word
• Where can Building Blocks be stored?

Far better than saving it as a building block, though, in my opinion, would be to save your letterhead as a template and use that template as the basis for new letter documents.

That is the easiest way to implement the "Different First Page" setting for all of your letters. It makes it much more likely that your letters will have a consistent look. It is far easier for others to use, as well.

I can't provide you with a "sample" because that's the problem!

Let's say the header says "ABC" and I now want it to say "ABCD"; not just for this document, but to save it so it says "ABCD" when used in the future. I certainly know how to edit it to make that change. My problem is I cannot seem to save the change- when I close the letterhead and reopen it it is the original ABC.

So I guess the question is more properly phrased as how do I save changes in a header for future use?

1. I am trying to permanently edit a saved header in Word but after I make the change and click "close header" the change is not there when I try to reopen and use the header. I have tried clicking "edit header" before opening the particular header to edit it and have also opened it first and then hit "edit header" and neither one works to allow me to save the changes.

I'm not sure I understand your first question. Could you perhaps provide a sample of a document where you are having this problem?

Why a sample file is important for troubleshooting. How to do it.

2. I have a "letterhead" header that I use often. However I would like it to only appear on the first page of the document (letter) that I am creating and have been unable to find anything that allows for such an option. If I put it on the first page it appears on every page.

Thank you...

See:

• Setting Up Letter Templates - Ribbon by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP
• How can I get a different header/footer on the second page?

Create the header you want to appear on every other page, if any. Then click the option for "Different First Page." The header you just created will disappear and you will see the one for the first page in the section. Create/edit that and save your template. Both headers should then appear on the appropriate pages in any documents created from your template.

And in case there are more than two questions, see (for answers to many potential questions):

• Header/Footer Settings Recap
• StyleRef Field

If you create a header (the primary Header) and then later enable "Different First Page," you will be unable to access that primary Header unless you add a second page to the document. The letterhead should properly be in the First Page Header, and the primary Header will appear when a letter runs to an additional page. For more information, see my article that Charles referenced, especially http://wordfaqs.ssbarnhill.com/LetterheadRibbon.htm#MultiPage.