Creating master pages in MS Word 2011

[sfort]

I'm trying to create a master page in a word document. I have my document open in Publishing Layout view showing the page I want to make a master page from, but when I select add page “New Master”, it only adds a blank page. Not sure what I’m doing wrong. It should be creating a master page or copy of the existing page... not creating a blank page?

Thanks for any help.

 

[lclev]

Normally you select New Master it adds in new pages to the document. I am not sure what you are doing or what the issue is. If you want to duplicate the page select the page then select the duplicate page option under insert.

Lisa

 

[sfort]

I want to make a master of one of the pages in my document... when selecting add page "new master", shouldn't it create a copy or master of the current page?

Thanks

 

[lclev]

The master is the page size and margin setup. So when you select New Master you should get a blank page that is the same size and settings as the one selected which is usually the first page. I use Indesign which works differently for creating print materials so I am having to open Word and play with it to see what your issue is. I do know if you want to duplicate a page and it's content you select duplicate page. Sorry I am not much help.

Lisa

 

[chscag]

I want to make a master of one of the pages in my document... when selecting add page "new master", shouldn't it create a copy or master of the current page? Thanks

I think you're confusing a "Master Page" with a template. The Master Page in Word is created just as Lisa pointed out. What you want is a template of that particular page in your document. Creating a template from any page in a Word document is easy but you first have to separate the page from the document (make a copy), name it, and save it as a template.

 

[sfort]

I tried creating a template but using a template just opens a new document and I want to duplicate a page layout so I don't have to recreate it 35 times... unless there is a way of creating a page template? All my attempts failed. My client needs the document done in word so they can input/update content... I wish I could use Indesign... it would have been done by now,

Thanks for help.

 

[lclev]

I understand your issue. Sometimes it is hard to get people to understand that what they want is not always possible with the program they want to use. I remember watching one of the ladies in my office struggle to create a multi-page booklet using PrintShop. She would print each page spread then feed the pages back into the copier to print the backs and follow up by using a folding machine to fold each page then hand assemble and hand staple. I took the whole project transferred it to Indesign and had the copier print - on both sides, assemble and staple the booklets. Needless to say I now do all booklet projects. Never could get the other ladies to learn indesign - no friendly wizards to hold their hand. Oh, well....

Why not create the page layout - save it as your main layout and then duplicate it 35 times and save it as your new changeable publication?

Lisa

 

[sfort]

Yes, i'm thinking I shot myself in the foot agreeing to do this in word but I keep hoping I can find a solution. I thought of creating a form for each page but since there are too many photos in the layout... the document size (60+ pages) ends up unmanageable. I'm disliking Word more and more. Thanks again for your help.

 

[lclev]

60+ Pages!!!! Yikes!!!! In Word! You shot yourself in both feet! Word is so not the program to tackle that with. I was luck to convince them at a work that Adobe CS6 was a wise investment. I have created magazines that we "package" and send to a commercial printer (we can only handle a fold and staple on 8 1/2 x 11 size sheets) that consisted of 60+ pages. InDesign does that SO well. In Word... I can't even imagine.

So Sorry...

Lisa

 

[sfort]

I'm going to suggest I break it up somehow into smaller documents... like 30 files. They insist on MS Word (PC) as that is the program they work with. I've used Indesign and QuarkXpress for many publications too but I have no choice for this one because they have to input so much information themselves. I am surprised how well the layout converts over from the Mac version of Word to the PC version without any problem.

 

[lclev]

I am surprised how well the layout converts over from the Mac version of Word to the PC version without any problem.

Well that is one small bright spot in such a large headache!

Lisa

 

[chscag]

60+ Pages!!!! Yikes!!!! In Word! You shot yourself in both feet! Word is so not the program to tackle that with.

I've known seminary goers working on their Doctor's dissertation to use Word for documents even larger than that. Word can handle it but you better have plenty of backups!

 

[lclev]

I wrote my thesis using WordPerfect 5.1 and it had way over 60 pages. It did not have WYSIWYG or a spell checker. I would have LOVED today's Word.

Lisa

 

[chscag]

LOL, I still have my copy of WordPerfect 5.1 on a set of 6 x 3.5" floppy disks with my original serial number from the good folks in Utah. I just couldn't bare to throw them away. Maybe I'm really a pack rat!