How To Apply and Use MS Project 2010 Template Files
One of the defining attributes of a project is that it is a unique undertaking, and hence has never happened before. But everyone can think of a project that was somewhat similar to a previous project…
Indeed, there are many types of project that have a similar structure to each other in terms of stages and tasks – even though the details may differ…
With this in mind, Microsoft Project 2010 has set up a range of templates which consist of standard files already populated with typical tasks and stages of a typical type of project. Not only that, the templates also contain typical task dependencies and some contain typical resources as well.
So there are many occasions when you will not need to start from the very beginning and reinvent the wheel, but instead to just open a template and modify that to suit your unique project details…
To open MS Project 2010 Templates use the Backstage View:
Choose File, then New.
You are presented with two choices, either click a category icon in the Office.com Templates section where you will be taken to options of different templates, or….
Enter the name of a plan type in the ‘Search Office.com for templates’ box, and you will again be taken to one or more choices. Simply select the template of your choice, and then click on the download icon on right-hand side to download the template onto your PC.
The template opens in the MS Project Template Format (MPT), and you can then use ‘Save As’ to save the file as a regular .MPP file with a new name. Don’t forget that you will probably have to go to File, Options and set up your own settings such as start date and calendar settings, etc.
If you have now modified it, and feel it is worth saving – then save it as a new custom template via File, Save As, select project template in the Save As Type list.
Once you have downloaded a template (refer to the first diagram above), you can select it without downloading it for a second time by selecting File, New, My Templates in the Available Templates screen, and double-click that template in the Personal Templates tab within the New dialog box.
Simple!
