Introduction
This blog explains why and how to remove default templates in Google Editors. Templates are pre-designed, ready-to-use document formats available in Google Docs editors to help users to quickly create professional documents without starting from scratch. But in schools, students misuse this feature to skip learning from scratch. Additionally, some templates will not be inappropriate for studies. Hence removing default templates is essential step. By doing so administrators can provide a more focused learning environment.
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the Default Templates in Google Editors
Why Remove Default Templates in Google Workspace for Education?
In school settings, promoting students to learn from scratch and research is very important. Default templates in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides can lead students to rely more on ready-made templates and skip efforts on learning on their own. When students are allowed to use the templates in their assignments, they may lack in-depth learning and some templates may contain inappropriate content.
Let’s understand the scenario through a user story:
- Problem: Teacher Emily, noticed that students using default templates in Google Docs for writing their assignments. Because of this reliance on templates, many submissions were very similar and didn't show much personal efforts. Some of the templates also had things in them that didn't follow her classroom rules, which made it even harder to understand what the assignment was asking for.
- Solution: To fix this problem, Emily decided to remove default templates from Google Workspace for Education. She implemented Safe Doc policy to get rid of these templates to get her students to write their own documents from scratch.
- Result: After disabling default templates, students began to take ownership of their work, leading to more diverse and original submissions. This block enhanced their learning experience and reinforced the importance of academic integrity in her classroom.
Introduction to xFanatical Safe Doc
xFanatical Safe Doc is a browser extension that provides policies to enhance students safety and provides control over digital learning. Safe Doc provides various policies for effective learning management. Administrators trust Safe Doc for enhancing online learning experience. It provides policies to control students online behavior by disabling chat option in Google Docs editors, blocking comments and preventing students from publishing Google Docs to web etc.
Remove Default Templates in Google Workspace with xFanatical Safe Doc
Remove Default Templates in Google Docs
Google Docs’ default templates are convenient and saves time but lead to lack of originality and critical thinking. At this point, administrators use Safe Doc to disable default templates in Google Docs. By implementing the BlockEditorTemplates policy, you can prevent users from accessing these default templates in Google Docs. Once this policy is set, the option to use default templates will be removed from the document creation process, encouraging students to develop their writing and formatting skills while producing original work that reflects their individual ideas and creativity.
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the Templates layout in Google Docs
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the General Templates option in Google Docs
Disallow Default Templates in Google Sheets
Google Sheets’ also provide default templates option with pre-formatted spreadsheets. However, in educational settings, using these templates, students depend on existing templates rather than engaging in critical thinking and developing their own. By implementing the BlockEditorTemplates policy, you can prevent users from accessing default templates in Google Sheets.
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the Templates layout in Google Sheets
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the General Templates option in Google Sheets
Inactivate Default Templates in Google Slides
The default templates in Google Slides give users pre-made layouts for presentations, which makes it easy to make slides quickly. But in schools, these templates can make students depend on ready-made formats instead of thinking critically about what they are saying and how they are saying it. 
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the Templates layout in Google Slides
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the General Templates option in Google Slides
Remove Default Templates in Google Forms
The default templates in Google Forms provide users ready-made structures to construct surveys, quizzes and feedback forms, which can make the process of making forms go more smoothly. But in schools, these templates might make students depend on already-made forms instead of making their own.
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the Templates layout in Google Forms
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the General Templates option in Google Forms
Restrict access to the From a template option in Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
Important Note: This restriction was introduced to prevent users from creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations using pre-made templates in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. By disabling the 'From a template' or ‘From template gallery’ option, administrators can enforce formatting standards, maintain consistency and ensure better control over content creation within their organization.
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the File > New > From a template option in Google Docs
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the File > New > From template gallery option in Google Sheets
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the File > New > From template gallery option in Google Slides
Block the From a template feature in Google Docs
Google Docs includes a "From a template" feature that allows users to create new documents using pre-designed templates. While this can be helpful for quickly generating formatted documents, in educational settings, it may lead to students relying on templates instead of developing their own content, reducing creativity and learning opportunities.
At this point, xFanatical Safe Doc becomes an invaluable tool. By implementing the BlockEditorTemplates policy, you can disable the "From a template" feature in Google Docs. Once this policy is set to *, the option to create a document from a template will be removed, ensuring that students develop their work independently. If the policy is set with a specific template name, only that template will be hidden. This fosters originality, critical thinking, and deeper engagement with the learning material.
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the File > New > From a template option in Google Docs
xFanatical Safe Doc removes Help > Search the menus > From a template option in Google Docs
Restrict ‘From template gallery’ feature in Google Sheets
Google Sheets provides a From template gallery feature that allows users to create new spreadsheets using pre-designed templates. By implementing the BlockEditorTemplates policy, you can restrict access to the From template gallery feature in Google Sheets. Once this policy is set to *, users will no longer be able to create spreadsheets from templates, ensuring they develop their own data structures and formulas. 
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the File > New > From template gallery option in Google Sheets
xFanatical Safe Doc removes Help > Search the menus > New document from template option in Google Sheets
Disable the From template gallery option in Google Slides
Google Slides offers a From template gallery feature that allows users to create presentations using pre-designed templates. While this can be helpful for quickly starting a presentation, in educational environments, it may encourage students to use templates rather than creating original content, limiting their creativity and critical thinking. At this point, xFanatical Safe Doc becomes an invaluable tool. By implementing the BlockEditorTemplates policy, you can disable the From template gallery option in Google Slides. 
xFanatical Safe Doc removes the File > New > From template gallery option in Google Slides
xFanatical Safe Doc removes Help > Search the menus > New document from template option in Google Slides
How to Remove Default Templates in GWFE using xFanatical Safe Doc
Step 1: Install xFanatical Safe Doc
The first step is to install xFanatical Safe Doc in your Google Workspace environment. Safe Doc is a browser extension that provides policies for enhanced control and security features.
Step 2: Configure Safe Doc settings
Once you install the Safe Doc, configure its settings to to remove default templates in Google Workspace.
Step 3: Access Google Admin Console
Next, navigate to the Google Admin Console. In the Google Admin Console, click on Devices followed by Chrome. Then, click Apps & Extensions > Users & Browsers.
Step 4: Set the Policy
Now, find the policy and set the value to true. The policy will look like below:
"BlockEditorTemplates": {
"Value": ["*"]
}
or
"BlockEditorTemplates": {
"Value": ["temaplate name"]
}
Step 5: Save the Policy
After applying the policy, click the Save.
How to configure Safe Doc?
Ensure the deployment of Safe Doc on your students' Chrome browsers, and review the xFanatical Safe Doc Configuration document for detailed instructions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing default templates in Google Workspace is an essential for students to maintain a streamlined and focused educational environment. By removing unnecessary templates, educators can reduce potential distractions and encourage students to create original work tailored to their assignments.
To learn more about how xFanatical Safe Doc can help enhance online safety in your educational institution, visit our website Safe Doc
If you have yet to install Safe Doc, please get a 30 days trial.
Please leave your comments in the Safe Doc community or contact us.
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