Q&A with Morena: The Art of Building Templates That Work
At Timplates, building templates is about more than making something look good. It’s about creating tools that work effortlessly for businesses and teams.
As one of our expert template builders (or “Templators,” as we like to say), Morena brings a unique blend of graphic design skills and technical know-how to every project.
In this Q&A, Morena shares her approach to building templates that are intuitive, functional, and as she puts it: “hard to break.”
Q1: Morena, can you tell us about your role at Timplates?
My role is all about turning creative designs into functional templates that teams can use every day. I work on platforms like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Suite, and Canva. Each project is different, but the goal is always the same. Make templates that not only look great, but are also easy to use and adaptable to the client’s needs.
Q2: What’s your process for starting a new template build?
I always start by understanding the client’s goals and the specifics of their design. If the client provides existing layouts, I evaluate how they translate to the platform whether that’s Word, PowerPoint, or another format.
From there, I plan the build to make sure it stays true to the visual design and works well for the end user. That includes locking key elements, setting up editable fields, and testing the usability before handover.
Q3: What’s the biggest challenge when building templates?
Working within the limitations of each platform. For example, Microsoft Office allows more advanced design features than Google Suite. But even Office has its quirks.
The key is knowing where to simplify and where to push the boundaries, finding creative solutions that protect the design while keeping the template practical.
Q4: How do you make templates “hard to break”?
It’s about locking the right elements while allowing flexibility where it’s needed. I protect fonts, layouts, and colours that should stay consistent, and leave clearly defined areas for editing.
We also test templates under real-world conditions. What happens when someone pastes in content? Or changes the page size? We make sure the structure holds up.
Q5: What’s the difference between templates for Word, PowerPoint, and Google Suite?
Each platform has its strengths and quirks.
Word is ideal for reports, letters, and documents. It offers advanced formatting but requires careful design to avoid layout shifts.
PowerPoint is great for presentations, as well as posters and flyers, thanks to its drag-and-drop flexibility. It handles layout well but needs structure for brand consistency.
Google Suite is excellent for collaboration, but simpler design tools mean templates need to prioritise usability over complexity.
We design with these nuances in mind to get the best result for the client and their team.
Q6: Can you share an example of a particularly challenging project?
One project involved building templates for both Microsoft Office and Google Suite. The designs were highly detailed, and keeping them visually aligned across two very different platforms was a challenge.
Jobs that require accessibility compliance can also be complex. The challenge is finding the right balance. Retaining the client’s brand look and feel while meeting accessibility standards.
Both types of builds require collaboration, creative problem-solving, and deep understanding of the platforms involved.
Q7: What’s your favourite part of building templates?
The problem-solving. Every project is like a puzzle. I enjoy figuring out how to turn a design into something that looks great and works seamlessly within the platform’s constraints.
When I see a client using their template confidently and it’s making their job easier, that’s the most rewarding part.
Q8: Any advice for businesses or designers working on templates?
Think about the end user first. A beautiful layout is only effective if it’s easy to use. Don’t assume what works in InDesign will translate perfectly into Word or Google Docs.
If you’re unsure, get help early in the process. We can advise on how to bring your design to life in a functional format without compromising its integrity.
With Morena’s thoughtful approach, Timplates creates templates that not only look good—but hold up under pressure. Her technical and creative skills ensure that clients get tools they can trust, use, and build on every day.
