How to Create Files from Templates in Windows File Explorer

Keep the starter file once. Create a fresh copy wherever you need it.

Quick answer: Windows' New menu creates a limited set of registered file types; copying a starter file also works. For a reusable template menu, put your starter file in the New++ templates folder. Right-click the destination folder, choose New++ and select the template to create a fresh copy with its contents already in place.

A recurring file does not have to start empty. Keep your usual document outline, configuration or checklist as a template and create a new copy from Explorer.

For example, save a reusable docker-compose.yml containing your own starter configuration. Creating the file does not run Docker or start any services.

Step by step

  1. Prepare the starter. Create and save a sample file with the content you want to reuse. For the configuration example, make sure the filename is docker-compose.yml, not docker-compose.yml.txt. Keep credentials and project-specific secrets out of reusable templates.
  2. Open the template location. Open Settings > New++ and open the configured templates folder. Copy your starter file into it.
  3. Create a copy. Right-click empty space in the destination folder, choose New++, and select your template. You can also press Ctrl+Alt+N in File Explorer to open the templates menu.
  4. Finish the new file. Open the created copy and enter the values specific to this project. The original template stays available for the next project.
New++ menu showing reusable file and folder templates
New++ lists the files and folders in your templates folder. The entries depend on your own templates.

Ways to do it

Use what's built into Windows, the tools you already have, or Productivity Plus Pack — they work well together.

Built into Windows

Copy and paste a starter file manually, or use a registered file type from the New menu.

With New++

Choose your own starter files from one menu. Add date variables or prompts when you want to personalize each copy.

With PowerToys New+

New+ and New++ are very similar and come from the same team. The extra + stands for extra features that New++ gets first; see how they work alongside your other tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

More about New++ · Full New++ guide · More how-to guides

Can templates contain existing content?

Yes. A template is a starter file, so the new copy includes its contents.

Can I put today's date in its name?

Yes. For example, <code>Meeting $YYYY-$MM-$DD.md</code> uses the current date. The <a href="../../Support/New-Plus-Plus/">New++ guide</a> covers variables and prompts.

Can I create a whole folder structure?

Yes. See <a href="../Create-Project-Folder-Template/">how to create a project folder from a template</a>.

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