Tired of re-formatting spreadsheets for every project? Learn how custom Google Sheets templates can save you time and boost your productivity!
What sets Google Sheets apart is the ability to create and use custom templates, making your workflow seamless and ensuring consistency across various projects.
No more manual editing, tweaking every detail, or stressing about how to present your data exactly the way you want it.
This article is your go-to guide, walking you through the art of crafting, designing, and effectively using custom Google Sheets templates.
Ready to streamline your spreadsheet game?
Let’s get started!
Creating a Custom Template
Step 1: Accessing Google Sheets:
Open your Google Drive and navigate to Google Sheets. Click on the “+ New” button and select “Google Sheets” to open a new spreadsheet.
Step 2. Designing the Template:
a. Layout and Structure – Consider the purpose of your template and design a clear layout. Determine the types of data and information you want to include, as well as the overall structure of the sheet.
b. Formatting and Styling – Apply formatting and styling to enhance the visual appeal and usability of your template. Customize fonts, colors, and cell borders to create a professional and cohesive look.
c. Data Validation and Formulas – Implement data validation rules and formulas as needed to ensure accurate and consistent data entry. This can help prevent errors and improve the efficiency of data processing.
d. Inserting Headers and Footers – Include headers and footers with relevant information, such as the document title, date, and page numbers. This adds a professional touch to your template.
Step 3. Saving as a Template:
a. Once satisfied with the design, go to the “File” menu and select “Save as template.”
b. Provide a name for your template and choose a location to save it, typically in the “Templates” folder within Google Drive.
You can also opt to do the following instead in case where you cannot find the “Save as Template” button
- Go to the “File” menu and choose the “Move” tab.
- It will then direct you to a new tab where it gives you choices on where you can save your file. Let’s just say you want to have it online so you can share it with your colleagues. You can choose your drive and have it in a separate folder that says, “Custom Templates”.
In this video, I walked you through the process of making your own timesheet template—it’s a straightforward one, and I made sure all the columns only accept specific time entries.
You can also see that once you input data that is beyond the rules that you set, it will show a warning indicating that the input is invalid. Nonetheless, you can definitely have it modified to your liking.
Get a copy of this Custom Template.
Using Custom Templates Effectively:
Step 1. Making Copies:
When working on a new project, make a copy of the custom template to preserve the original. This ensures that the template remains intact for future use.
Step 2. Updating Templates:
Regularly review and update your templates to accommodate changes in data requirements or formatting preferences. This helps maintain relevance and effectiveness.
Step 3. Sharing Templates:
Share your custom templates with team members or collaborators by providing them with access to the template file. This promotes consistency and standardization across projects.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – a simple yet powerful solution to the spreadsheet monotony!
No more wrestling with manual edits, no more sweating over consistent presentations of your data.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be able to create templates that match your needs perfectly. This not only guarantees a professional aesthetic but also fosters seamless collaboration with your team.
So, let’s kick the old habits and boost productivity with custom Google Sheets templates.
It’s time to take your data game up a notch!
