Suggestions for implementing a shared normal.dotm template for my office

Question

I've developed a normal.dotm template for my office to use. I'm looking for suggestions on the best way to implement it. It will be up to me to ensure everyone knows how to access it, so I'm wondering if I need to import it onto each individual computer in the office, or if there's a way of sharing it on our server. I want it to be the default (obviously) for when all staff members open Word.

It includes a custom style set and macros, if that makes any difference.

Answer 1

Yes, you can rename normal.dotm and use it as a Global Template.

Global Templates

It will be rather large though.

Which customizations are you trying to share? You can easily share the following in a global template:

macros

keyboard shortcuts

QAT modifications

Styles are usually best shared via document templates but can be shared through a global template using VBA:

A Global StyleSheet in Microsoft Word?

Any template becomes a global template when placed in a user's Word Startup Folder .

Answer 2

How do I create/configure a global template?

Is it possible to save my normal.dotm template as a global template to save having to customize it again?

Answer 3

See the article "Distributing macros to other users” at:

http://www.word.mvps.org/FAQs/MacrosVBA/DistributeMacros.htm

Answer 4

You can not share a normal template.  It is a local file.  Yes, you could copy the normal onto each computer, but generally this is not a good idea.  It prevents any individual configuration of Word.

Fortunately you do not need to do that.  Use a global template.  This can be on a server, although you could also put it on each computer.