Create and use custom templates

You can create a custom template to share with others. A custom template can include the stencils built-in to Visio or even your own custom stencils.

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Create a custom template

Use a custom template

Create a custom template

1. On the File tab, click New, and then under Other Ways to Get Started, click Blank Drawing.

2. To add stencils to your template, do the following:

   • To open one of the stencils built-in to Visio, see Use the Shapes window to organize and find shapes.

   • To open a custom stencil from your computer, in the Shapes window, click More Shapes, point to Open Stencil, select the stencil that you want, and then click Open.

3. Continue adding as many stencils as you want in your template.

4. To save your file as a Visio template, click the File tab, click Save As.

5. In the Save As dialog box, do the following:

   • In the right pane, navigate to the folder where you want to save your template.

   • In the File name box, type a name for your template

   • In the Save as type list, click Template.

   • Click Save.

You can share your Visio template with others just like any other Visio file, by e-mail, USB storage device, etc.

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Use a custom template

1. On the File tab, click New.

2. Under Other Ways to Get Started, click New from existing.

3. In the New from Existing Drawing dialog box, navigate to the custom template that you want, and then click Open.

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