The term template when used in the context of file format refers to a common feature of many software applications that define a unique file format intended specifically for that particular application. Template file formats are those whose file extension indicates that the file type is intended as a starting point from which to create other files. These types of files are usually indicated on the File menu of the application:
File -> Save As ... -> Document (for printing or emailing, etc.) File -> Save As ... -> Template (for specifying future documents)
For example the word processing application Microsoft Word uses different file extensions for documents and templates. In Microsoft Word 2003 the file extension .dot is used to indicate a template, and the file extension .doc to indicate a standard document. In Microsoft Word 2007 the file extension .dotx is used to indicate a template, and the file extension .docx to indicate a standard document.
