How to Make/Create an Outline [Templates + Examples] 2023

An outline is a document that helps structurize essays, reports, presentations, projects, and other academic and business documents. It is one’s best option when you need to arrange a set of key points into one document represented via a paragraph, in bullet form or numerical format.

Build an Outline – Step-by-Step Instructions

An outline is used by various organizations as a means to create a background for a particular topic or summarize the major key points making it easier for the reader to understand. That said, the following steps below will be able to help you create an outline document. 

Step 1: Look for an Outline Template

To make it easier for you to create an outline, your best option is to look for an outline template on Template.net. You will find a variety of options to choose from. 

Step 2: Search Text Box

Another alternative, especially if you have a particular outline template in mind, is to use the search text box. Simply type the keywords and click enter.

Step 3: Select a Template

To select a template, click on the image to be redirected to a new page just like the sample above. 

Step 4: Choose a File Format

To be able to access and edit the template, you have the option to do it online or select a file format (these are editing or word processing tools) from the drop-down menu. Afterwards, you can now download the template.

Step 5: Open the File

After successfully downloading the file, you may start editing the outline template.

Step 6: Add a Cover Page

Begin by adding a cover page that contains the title in bold and a large font size that should be easy to understand for the reader. You have the option to add subtle designs as well such as a background color just like the sample given above.

Step 7: Add an Introduction

Right after the cover page, you may need to add an introduction or an overview of the entire outline document. This will help readers find out what the outline is all about and what they should expect. If you are by chance writing an outline for research, a project, or anything similar you can opt to add other information such as about the writer or anything that is required for the document.

Step 8: Write Down the Main Body

The main body or the main content of the outline depends on the purpose of the document. However, it is important to focus on the main components or key points that would make up the outline document. Remember, there are various ways to lay out your outline such as using paragraphs, bulleted lists, or in alphanumerical order.

Step 9: Conclusion

End the document with a conclusion as a way to recap everything you have written down.

Step 10: Save the File

Make sure to double-check your work, after that do not forget to save the file in case you need to open and edit the document again. 

Outline Templates & Examples

Outlines can be simple or complicated depending on the extent of the topic so this is why it may be important to make use of outline templates to help you create this particular document. Here are several examples to may help inspire you to get creative with its design and layout.

Basic Biography Outline Template

This basic biography outline template should be able to help create a biography that you need for a school project or report. The template is pre-designed, so anyone can just edit and customize the document.

Report Outline Template

This report outline template works well for any academic or business-related document. The template will help you create a well-crafted outline document that you can submit to your managers or teachers.

Essay Outline Template

An essay outline is a well-formulated document that shows how you plan to write down each paragraph of your essay. Its usual layout is in bullet or numerical form.

Strategic Plan Outline Template

Organizations can make use of this strategic plan outline template to create their goals and objectives. This document is used as a means to communicate and help the organization work on its goals.

Project Proposal Outline Template

This well-crafted project proposal outline template will help you create an outline during the initial stages of any project planning campaign. All you need to do is add all the necessary details to complete the outline document.

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