I've created a template featuring the styles I commonly use, but have to go in and apply it through the organizer every time I open a new document. Is there any way to make this template the default style set, so that it shows up automatically any time a new document is opened? I'm using Word 2011 for Mac.

Is there some reason to not create a new document based on the template? That is how templates are intended to be used. You could open the normal template and import your styles there, but that seems a bit like overkill.

See also:

1. Letterhead AddIn(s) - Default New Document
2. Templates in Microsoft Word
3. Understanding Styles in Microsoft Word
4. Normal Template in Microsoft Word - How to Find or Open the Normal Template

Thanks, Charles. Your suggestion that I revise the normal template is exactly what I was looking for. I'm not sure why that looks like "overkill" to you—since I use the same, self-defined styles for every document I create, it makes sense to have them automatically available instead of having to go through the organizer every time. Or am I missing something?

As it turns out, however, your proposed Mac path to the Microsoft user templates doesn't pan out on my machine. I get as far as "Microsoft," after which there's no "Office" or anything resembling a templates folder. Now that I know I'm looking for the "normal" template, however, I can get some guidance from a Mac forum.

Appreciatively

W

I expect, without experience, that you can still use the vba immediate window to open the template. Otherwise, you can locate it under advanced options - file locations.