Templates give you the basic information for size, margins and sometimes even the style of items you create. You might use templates for desktop publishing, crafting, web design and more. You can find templates online . . . from hand drawn to digitally created versions.
Steps
1. larajla creates.
I started creating templates in 1996 for a site called desktoppublishing.com in Quark XPress, Adobe PageMaker and Adobe Illustrator. These were all based on creating desktop publishing projects such as stationary and newsletters. Check out the latest templates I’ve created at my Scribd collections for craft, game and design templates.
2. Enrichment Project.
The Enrichment Project (formerly the Adult Enrichment Project) features many templates for you to use. Check out the Scribd collections for a variety of templates including paper beads, fairy wings and more.
3. Software template providers.
Microsoft, Adobe and many software providers supply templates to make working with their software easier. Instead of learning everything, a template gives you a basic design to build on. Check the software on your computer as well as the manufacturer’s Web site. Did your software come with templates? Do any of the Web sites have templates for you to use?
4. Supplier providers.
Companies that supply paper and peripheral products often have templates for you to use that support what they are selling. Check out your paper, printer and other suppliers for free templates.
5. Design providers.
Some designers provide templates as a way to promote themselves. Start with deviantART. What other sites can you find?
6. Craft template providers.
Usually, craft templates mean that you’ll be creating the item for yourself. Craft templates are usually the outlines for a shape or item you wish to create. Sometimes you’ll find pieces that are already decorated, but those fall into the category of printables.
NOTE: Printables are items that you print and use “as is” with no adjustments.
Items you can find as a craft template include:
- Cards
- Envelopes
- Boxes
- Bag toppers
- Labels
- Shapes
- Faux postage
- Flowers
- Beads
- Appliques
- Scrapbook layouts
- Masks
In case you’re confused about templates, let’s look at an envelope template. An envelope template from a software provider would provide you a document to put in the information you want printed on your envelope in their software. A supplier provider would provide you with a template for a variety of software packages to put in your information so it will print on their envelope. A craft template would be a full envelope to print and assemble, decorating as you wish. Each of them is the basic information, but how you go about using it is completely different.
7. Kid activities.
Some templates are designed to print, allowing you to add your own creative mark. This is especially true for color sheets, outline sheets and stencils.
How to use a template
8. Digital layouts.
For most digital layout templates, you merely need to download the file and open it in the appropriate software. Digital layout templates may include the following:
- Poster
- Newsletters, print
- Newsletters, email
- Web site design
- Postcards
- Envelopes
- Cards
- Mailers
- Stationary
- Signs
- Packaging
Using templates can help you save time, provide function over design, maintain consistency and offer a professional look to your designs. You are free to change fonts, colors and layout if you wish. Download a template for your software or open one provided with it. Make adjustments and create your own final piece.
NOTE: Some software does not allow you to save over a template file. You will need to do a “save as” when you adjust the template to your design.
9. Print.
Some templates are designed to be printed. If it is a piece you plan to use multiple times, be sure to print it on card stock or heavier weight paper. Templates may be cut out and used to draw around on paper or fabric to provide the shape you need. You also could print the outline of a template on a preprinted sheet of paper. Experiment with printing and using templates.
10. Stencil.
A stencil can be used for painting or inking a design. You print out and cut out the areas where you’ll be applying paint / ink to another surface. For stencils, printing on acetate or transparency material will allow it not to be damaged by applying wet materials. Print and use a stencil as a template.
11. Keep exploring.
What else can you do with templates?
Supplements Available
See larajla_Templates Collection on Scribd.
Sites to Explore
- www.scribd.com/collections/4153298/larajla-Templates-Craft (larajla_Templates_Craft)
- www.scribd.com/collections/4153299/larajla-Templates-Game (larajla_Templates_Game)
- www.scribd.com/collections/4021069/larajla-Templates-Design (larajla_Templates_Design)
- www.scribd.com/collections/3734316/AEP-Craft-Supplements (EP_Craft Supplements)
- www.scribd.com/collections/4130993/AEP-Fairy-Supplements (EP_Fairy Supplements)
- office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates
- www.acrobat.com/formscentral/en/templates/web-forms-builder.html
- www.avery.com/avery/en_us/Templates-%26-Software
- www.usa.canon.com/CUSA/assets/app/html/PosterArtist/newtemplate_poster.html
- usa.canon.com/app/html/Scrapbooking/Templates/index.html
- www.certificatestreet.com/templates.html
- www.brighthub.com/multimedia/publishing/articles/82434.aspx
- www.sheknows.com/kids-activity-center/list/craft-templates
- www.activityvillage.co.uk/templates.htm
- papercraftinspirations.themakingspot.com/category/tags/free-templates
- www.ruthannzaroff.com/mirkwooddesigns/templates.htm
- melstampz.blogspot.com/search/label/*TEMPLATEs
- www.paperscrapz.screentastic.ca/templates.html
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