A Word template is a reusable starting document; a theme is a coordinated set of colors, fonts, and effects that controls a document’s overall look. Choose a template when you need a ready-made structure or sample content. Choose a theme when you want to coordinate the appearance of a document, whether it is new or already written. Styles are a third tool for consistently formatting elements such as headings.
What is the difference between a Word template and a theme?
| What you need | Use | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| A ready-made layout, document structure, sample content, or reusable form | Template | Provides a file to start a new document from. Microsoft lists resumes, invitations, and newsletters as examples. |
| A coordinated palette, font set, or visual treatment | Theme | Applies a consistent visual design through theme colors, theme fonts, and effects. |
| Consistent formatting for headings, paragraphs, or other text sections | Style | Applies reusable formatting to selected text; heading styles can also support a table of contents. |
The difference is mainly one of purpose and scope: templates provide a starting file and can include structure and content, while themes coordinate visual formatting. They are complementary, not competing choices.
When should you use a template instead of a theme?
Choose a template to start a document
Use a template when you want a prepared layout, reusable form, or sample content instead of building the document from scratch. Templates can include design elements as well as content. Microsoft says Word templates come ready to use with preset themes and styles, so a template may already establish both the document’s structure and much of its appearance.
Choose a theme to coordinate appearance
Use a theme when you want to change or align the colors, fonts, and effects across a document. Themes can be applied to an existing document, so you do not need to start over with a different template just to give written content a coordinated look.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Do Word templates include themes?
They can. A template may include a theme and styles alongside its layout or content. For example, a template can provide page layout, fonts, margins, and styles as a starting point. You can then create a document from it and save that document separately, keeping the reusable template available for later work.
What are Word styles for?
Styles apply consistent formatting to selected text, such as headings or paragraphs. If you change a style, the text using it updates as well. Heading styles also provide structure that Word can use to create a table of contents. In short, use a style to format a type of text consistently, a theme to coordinate the document’s visual design, and a template to supply a reusable starting file.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Can you change a Word theme without changing the template?
Yes. A document created from a template is a separate file, so you can change the document’s theme without changing the template file itself. To reuse a custom theme, Microsoft’s guidance says it can be saved as a .thmx file. Word also provides an option on the Design tab to make a theme the default for new documents. The available controls and menu steps can vary by Word platform.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Word template and theme files work
Template formats
In Microsoft’s documented Word for Windows desktop workflow, templates can be saved as .dotx, .dot, or .dotm. The .dotm format allows macros. A document made from a template is saved separately, typically as .docx or .docm, rather than replacing the template.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Theme customization
Microsoft describes a theme as a set of colors, fonts, and effects. Its guidance allows users to customize theme colors and fonts and select effects, but not create a custom effects set through the documented controls. Custom themes can be saved as .thmx files.
Platform differences
The template-saving steps above are specifically for Word for Windows desktop. Microsoft warns that Mac and web steps may differ; menu names and available options are not necessarily identical across platforms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
