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Non-designers must sometimes resort to relying on Microsoft for templates when trying to create flyers, brochures, certificates, awards, business cards and more. And why not? It’s easy and allows people to stay within an allotted budget. Graphic designers are probably less inclined in recommending Word templates, but I really feel like the graphically skilled and the aesthetically challenged may both find Microsoft’s template source quite convenient in certain circumstances.
Why would a graphic designer ever recommend Word? Graphic designers have friends and some of them are…well…technically ignorant. However, that person might have enough ability to play around in Word. Forget Photoshop templates. Graphic designers also have clients that sometimes want to whip up a brochure by the end of the day which likely doesn’t fit into our schedule. That client might have Microsoft Office and can download a quick template themselves.
Anyways…here are some flyer, poster, card and brochure templates that actually look pretty good for general purposes.
Winter Event Flyer
This event flyer template looks easy to edit and has a clean feel to it. Most flyer templates that I personally think look eye-pleasing are clear, simple and concise. This specific color scheme is winter motivated, but other “seasons” are available. As of the date of this post, there have been almost 200,000 downloads demonstrating that many Microsoft Word 2013 users agree.
Holiday Event Flyer
The holidays have recently passed, but this particular, and popular with almost a half million downloads, flyer template appears festive and sophisticated enough for any business holiday party, Christmas party or winter party. Most people imagine cheesy clip art when thinking “Word templates” and most of those haters will never know this template actually came from Microsoft. With the white border, any home printer, commercial printer or online printer can easily handle this file as long as it is converted to a PDF first.
Technology Poster
Here is another fine example of a Microsoft Word template that doesn’t look so … Microsofty … Wordish … templated … clip artish. This 11×17 (tabloid) business / technology poster is compatible with Word 2003 or later and was created by StockLayouts. Web developers, IT professionals and technical service companies can easily whip up a professional poster/flyer within minutes. A leaflet version is also available that allows a larger amount of information to be added.
Business Brochure
This a a pretty generic double-sided brochure template, but still looks good for general marketing purposes. It looks clean and fairly easy to modify. Almost 2 million downloads indicates that entrepreneurs everywhere would agree.
Technology Brochure
Technology buffs are clearly not always design oriented. This tri-fold brochure appears professional and “techy” and is easy for industry related business owners and freelancers to display services and products quickly. This template is compatible with Word 2003 or higher and has been downloaded almost 650,000 times.
Birthday Card
This colorful birthday card or postcard template can be personalized by switching out text and images. Colors, text and photos can be modified in any way making this a nice invitation template for almost any event or occasion. The postcards are 4 x 6 inches and work with Avery 5389, 5889, and 8386. If exported as a high quality PDF, the file can be sent off to any commercial printer. This template is compatible with Word 2013 or higher.
Black Flyer
I actually passed on this template a few times before deciding it should make it on this list. With an image or two, I can visualize this flyer being implemented by bands, clubs, parties and numerous special events. It’s dark, simple and extremely easy to edit. Downloaded almost 70,000 times, this template is compatible with Word 2013 or higher.
Birthday Flyer
This 8 x 8 flyer template might work nicely for announcing to the world about a special person’s upcoming birthday party. Fonts and colors can be customized using Word’s built-in themes. Downloaded by almost a half million people, this flyer template is compatible with Word 2007 or later.
Business Thank You Card
By searching for technology, I found this nice thank you card designed for business purposes. This half-fold card folds to 8.5 x 5.5 (A9 size) and contains a customizable inside greeting. The template works with Avery 3251, 3265, 3378, and 8316.
Conclusion
Microsoft Word obviously has thousands of templates available. Many of them use clip art and serves a purpose, but there are a handful of well designed templates also available that can be used for a number of personal and professional settings. Conveniently, these templates can be printed on home printers or sent to a commercial printer of choice. Good luck!
