Template - Normal spacing not being applied in new document

This can be confusing, I know.

Normal template = Normal.dotm

This is a special template. While you can modify it, you should not try to create it from a blank document.

Normal Style is a style in every document and template.

You created and saved a custom template.

That will be the basis of the formatting in every new document you create based on that template.

It has no effect on new documents created based on the Normal template.

You can make and save changes to the Normal template which is the default base template for new documents but should not put any text or images in it.

Change Default Settings by Suzanne Barnhill, MVP

You can make it even easier to create new documents based on your template.

You could record a macro creating such a document and assign a keyboard shortcut to it.

You could put that macro on your Quick Access Toolbar.

• Install/Employ VBA Procedures (Macros) by Greg Maxey
• Modifying the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in Microsoft Word
• Assigning Keyboard Shortcuts in Microsoft Word 2007-2021 (365)

The template I made does have the Normal settings I modified but any new doc does not pickup on the spacing.

Go to "Normal> Modify" and the Format button> Paragraph. I had under Spacing After: 2pt
yet in a new blank document I create as described above the spacing is not there.

Using "New documents based on this template," you can't copy a style from a template (*.dotx or *.dotm) into another template, if that is what you are trying to do.

Instead, modify the Normal style in a new, blank document (Ctrl+N) and use the "New documents ..." option. This should copy the style into the Normal template. If it fails, open Normal for editing and modify the style directly.

The "New documents based on this template" setting is never sticky. It is a one off. You just select it when it is needed, and your style is copied into the attached template.

Note that when you apply one of Microsoft's built-in style sets, the Normal style will change as well, and you will lose your modifications.

If you want to create a custom style set, just make sure that your style set includes the Normal style, with the desired settings. This is almost always necessary, because many other styles are based on the Normal style, and may be affected by (undesired) changes that are applied to Normal.

I am a bit dense but I think I may have got the steps.... : )

I save my template as described here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-template-86a1d089-5ae2-4d53-9042-1191bce57deb

"Tip: To change where your application automatically saves your templates, click
File > Options > Save and type the folder and path you want to use in the Default personal templates location box.
Any new templates you save will be stored in that folder, and when you click File > New > Personal, you'll see the templates in that folder".

I am guessing I open that template under Personal and just start typing in that new doc and use the Styles as I create new Headings and Normal text under Home> click on arrow in lower right corner of the Styles to open the panel and then save as a different name.

The spacing now works After: 2pt

I saved the template to: C:\Users\david\Documents\Custom Office Templates

The template I made does have the Normal settings I modified but any new doc does not pickup on the spacing.

Go to "Normal> Modify" and the Format button> Paragraph. I had under Spacing After: 2pt
yet in a new blank document I create as described above the spacing is not there.