Definition: A template is a master copy of a publication used as a starting point to design new documents. A template may be as simple as a blank document in the desired size and orientation or as elaborate as a nearly complete design with placeholder text, fonts, and graphics that need only a small amount of customization of text.
A template can be used to jumpstart the design process or as a way to help insure that individuals in an organization create memos, brochures, business cards, Web sites, and other documents in a uniform fashion. Most word processing and desktop publishing software comes with a template (or several templates) for different types of documents. Template packages and sets are available for purchase and for free download from the Web.
Here are some free template lists:
- Find a Template for Specific Software
Get templates to use in PageMaker, InDesign, Illustrator, Word, PowerPoint and other software used for or in conjunction with desktop publishing. - Find a Template for a Specific Project
Explore tutorials and templates for ads, brochures, business cards, calendars, envelopes, and other documents. - Find a Template for Print or Web Publishing
This comprehensive directory covers all the templates on this site and many on other About.com sites for print, Web pages, blogs, email, and digital scrapbooks.
Join the discussion and answer the question, Is it real design if you start with a template?
Also Known As: samples | go-bys | master pages | pre-designed pages
Examples:
The image in the sidebar shows a template file open in Adobe PageMaker. The template has a box where the graphic goes and placeholder text to be replaced with the actual headlines and copy. Tips and instructions appear on the pasteboard. The inset (lower right) shows an ad created from the template.
