It's easier to delete information than add it in, so err on the side of adding too much versus too little. Here are a few guidelines to follow.įirst, templates should be comprehensive. Not all templates are created equal-and some things don't need a template. With a template, you know the update will always have the same formatting, design, and general structure. Perhaps you send regular project updates to clients or investors. For example, if you need to send freelance writers a contributor agreement, modifying a standard contract template (instead of writing a new contract each time) ensures you won't leave out that crucial clause about owning the content once you've paid for it. That's not all: using a template means you're less likely to leave out key information, too.

It's the difference between copying and pasting some text, or retyping it. Editing a template is much faster than formatting something from scratch. Templates take time to build, and it's easy to wonder if they're worth the investment. Here's how to use templates in your favorite apps-and how to automatically create documents from a template-so you can get your common tasks done faster. Templates work everywhere: in word processors, spreadsheets, project management apps, survey platforms, and email. Once you save a separate version of the template, just add, remove, or change any info for that unique document, and you'll have the new work completed in a fraction of the time. Instead, use templates-standardized files with text and formatting as the starting point for new work. Don't reinvent the wheel every time you start something new.

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