Search for Templates in Word, Excel & PowerPoint for iOS

Search for Templates in Word, Excel & PowerPoint for iOS

Skip the blank page.  Microsoft 365 now lets you search templates on iOS, giving your presentations, budgets, and reports a polished head start.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 23, 2025

Caught in a Coffee Shop, Deadline Looming?

There’s nothing quite like trying to build a presentation on your iPhone with one thumb and a ticking clock. 

Whether you’re on the train, between meetings, or working from a park bench, starting from scratch isn’t just time-consuming.

It’s a creativity killer.

Here's a Cool Tip: Search for Templates in Word, Excel and PowerPoint for iPhone and iPad.

Microsoft has added a deceptively powerful feature to its Word, Excel, and PowerPoint mobile apps for iOS: searchable templates.

What You’ll Gain

• Find ready-made templates with one search
• Save time creating business documents on the go
• Instantly add polish to your mobile work

What’s New?

In the iOS versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, you can now search for templates directly from the app’s start screen. 

This update removes the friction of endlessly swiping through featured templates or waiting to switch to a desktop.

Templates are organized by category and searchable by keyword, whether you need a resume, invoice, calendar or lesson plan. 

Just type, filter and start editing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

iOS (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on your iOS device - iPhone or iPad.
2. Navigate to the Create (+) page.
3. To search for a template, type a keyword or phrase in the Search box at the top of the page.
4. Select a template to preview, then tap Create.
5. The file opens, preformatted and ready for use.

fig. 1 - Search for Templates - Word, Excel PowerPoint on iPhone and iPads

Android

1. Currently unavailable. Android users can still browse featured templates from the home screen but don’t have access to the full template search experience—yet.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Perfect for mobile professionals who need to work on the fly
• Streamlined interface with intuitive keyword filtering
• Broad range of well-designed templates, including options for educators, freelancers, and team leads

Cons:

• Requires internet access to search and retrieve templates.
• Android version not available (at least for now).
• Previewing templates on small screens can be tight,

Configuration Guide

To access the new search feature, ensure the following:

• You’re signed in with an active Microsoft 365 account
• The apps are updated to the latest version via the App Store
• You’re online and templates are cloud-based
• No additional configuration needed.

Feature Access

This feature is currently available in Word, Excel and PowerPoint for iPhone and iPad with an active Microsoft 365 subscription. 

Users on the free tier may see limited template access or functionality.

Score

Value: 9

It boosts on-the-go productivity with instant polish

Usability: 10

Familiar search interface, no setup required

Wow Factor: 7

It’s the kind of feature you wish had been there all along

Total: 26/30 🌟 Excellent – Highly recommend.

Key Takeaways

Microsoft 365’s new iOS template search isn’t flashy.  

It’s just smart. 

It cuts through the clutter of mobile document creation and gives you professionally designed starting points in seconds. 

Fast, accessible, and worth using regularly.

Try It Yourself

Fire up Word, Excel, or PowerPoint on your iPhone or iPad and type “invoice,” “brochure” or “calendar” into the search bar. 

Your next polished doc is waiting. 

Share your favorite templates, subscribe to One Cool Tip, and spread the time-saving love with your team.

READ MORE

• Microsoft Excel for the Web Now Lets You Share Links to Sheet Views
  
• How to Use Version History in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  
• Share Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files Without a Microsoft Account
  

Please LIKE and SHARE OneCoolTip.com!

Subscribe to the FREE OneCoolTip Newsletter.

Visit the OneCoolTip YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@onecooltip

X: https://x.com/OneCoolTip    Threads:   https://www.threads.net/@onecooltip

Do you have a Cool Tip or question? Email us at onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

One Cool Tip

http://www.onecooltip.com

Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life!

#OfficeTemplates #ExcelTips #WordMobile #PowerPointHacks #MobileOffice #BacktoWorkMonday 

#TechGuide #TechTips #OneCoolTip @OneCoolTip 

Copyright © 2008-2025 | www.OneCoolTip.com | All Rights Reserved