A classic feature worth revisiting, today’s focus is Word Templates in Dynamics 365 CE/CRM. This tool remains a powerful option available for any table in Dynamics 365, with several out-of-the-box templates to help you get started quickly.

That said, the interface can be unstable at times, occasionally even causing Word to crash when editing or creating templates. The good news: the issue is common and easily resolved.

The Problems

If you check out the Microsoft Learn article that walks you through how to add a new Word Template, you are immediately greeted with this in-your-face warning:

Specifically, there are two big problems you may run into:

1. You insert a content control other than Picture or Plain Text. This one is frustrating, because inside of Word you have these options, and it may be tempting to select one of the other options listed:
    
2. You make a textual change. Typically, this is done accidentally through AutoCorrect settings that are turned on in default.

The Fixes

Insert Content Control

No matter how badly you may be tempted to insert rich text, checkbox, combo box, dropdown list or date picker as a content control – do not ever do this! Limit your Word templates to use ONLY Plain Text of Picture and you will not have any problems.

Formatting Limitations

You can bold and italicize your content control fields inside of work, but do not make other textual changes (like capitalization). You may also need to disable AutoCorrect.

Disable AutoCorrect Settings

Rather than turning off AutoCorrect entirely, you can toggle three conditions to Off. Here’s where you can make these quick changes:

1. In Word Options, click on Proofing, then click the AutoCorrect Options button:
   
2. On the AutoCorrect tab, uncheck boxes for Capitalize first letter of sentences (1) and Automatically use suggestions from the spelling checker (2).
   
3. Next, open the AutoFormat As You Type tab. Uncheck the box for Hyphens with dash.
   
   
   

Once you follow all of these rules inside of Word, you should have no problem editing and adding your own Word templates!