Microsoft Outlook 2003
Automating Content with Templates
If you have a standard message that is sent out periodically, email templates, or forms, can save time. Templates allow you to create a base message, which may include designated recipients and subject line if you wish. As you are using a template, you can further customize the message before sending.
Creating a Template
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From the Actions menu, select New Mail Message
A new message window appears. -
Add the content for the template
EXAMPLE: message text, font size, signature -
OPTIONAL: If you would like the template to contain specific recipients and subject line, complete the To... and Subject text boxes
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From the File menu, select Save As...
The Save As dialog box appears. -
From the Save as type pull-down list, select Outlook Template (*.oft)
NOTE: Outlook will automatically save your file to the default templates directory (i.e., C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates) -
In the File name text box, type an appropriate filename
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Click SAVE
Your template is saved and ready for use.
Using the Template
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From the Tools menu, select Forms » Choose Form...
The Choose Form dialog box appears. -
From the Look In scroll list, select User Templates in File System
A list of your templates appears. -
Select the appropriate template
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Click OPEN
A new message window with a copy of your template appears. -
Complete the message
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Click SEND
Editing a Template
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From the Tools menu, select Forms » Choose Form...
The Choose Form dialog box appears. -
From the Look In scroll list, select User Templates in File System
A list of your templates appears. -
Select the appropriate template
-
Click OPEN
A new message window with a copy of your template appears. -
Edit the message as appropriate
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From the File menu, select Save As...
The Save As dialog box appears. -
From the Save as type pull-down list, select Outlook Template (*.oft)
NOTE: Outlook will automatically save your file to the default templates directory (e.g., C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates). -
In the list of filenames that appears, select the name of the template you are editing
-
Click SAVE
Your newly edited template is saved and ready for use.
Deleting a Template
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Navigate to the Outlook Templates folder
NOTE: This is probably located at C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates -
Select the filename of the template you wish to delete
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Press [Delete]
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In the Confirm File Delete dialog box, click YES
The template is deleted.
