20 Best Free Microsoft Word Standard Operating Procedure SOP Templates 2022

Standard operating procedures are important to have for any business. This makes it necessary for you to outline your business procedure in a clear and direct way. Free standard operating procedure templates can help you get a rough idea of how to create an SOP. But they won't have the professional design and structure that professional templates have.

Also, standard operating procedure documents vary widely. Some may contain pages and pages of information. Others may be only a single page. Learn more about standard operating procedure documents in our tutorial:

• 
  Documentation
  
  
  What Are Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)? Definition + How to Guide
  
  
  Andrew Childress

Many Microsoft Word brochure and proposal templates can be repurposed as standard operating procedure templates. You can easily incorporate an SOP format. An example of this is the brochure template shown above. 

Check out all the best-selling SOP Word templates available on Envato Elements. We've also got the best Word templates on GraphicRiver. You'll want to check out these procedure template designs as they can help guide you in creating an SOP document.

Best Premium Word Templates on Envato Elements (With Unlimited Use) to Use as SOP Templates

Explore thousands of the best SOP Word templates on Envato Elements. For one low monthly fee, download as many templates for Microsoft Word as you want. You'll also have full access to every single creative asset available on Envato Elements such as:

• web themes


• photos


• presentation templates


• and more 

All Elements Microsoft Word templates available come ready to use. You can expect modern designs that are fully customizable. This will help you create a top-notch standard operating procedure documents for your business. 

Now let's go over five of the best-selling SOP Word templates on Envato Elements & GraphicRiver. 

5 Premium Microsoft Word Templates for SOP on Envato Elements & GraphicRiver

To help you with your search for the best available on Envato Elements and GraphicRiver here are some of the top-selling Word templates. Pick your favorite to use as your next standard operating procedure template for Word: 

1. Solutions - Brochure Template

This is a professional and clean brochure SOP template for Word. You can edit everything about the template. Change the colors, fonts, and even the logo. Here are some of the features you'll get when you choose this for your SOP template:

• 20 pages


• 4 cover layouts


• automatic page numbering


• font links to free fonts

2. Resume Letter Word Office

Resume templates have the same format as an SOP format. This allows you to use the resume template as a standard operating procedure template in Word. This beautifully designed resume letter has an elegant look and feel to it.

This template is divided into three sections. There's the main header where the title of the SOP can go. There's a left column where overview details can go. Plus, use the body section to detail the main operating procedure. Here's what to expect from this template:

• 6mm Bleed, paragraph style


• Word, Illustrator, and Photoshop files


• fonts included


• file size in A4 (210×297 mm)

3. Letterhead for Microsoft Word

This letterhead is simple yet sophisticated. The layout, fonts used, and graphics at the top and bottom of the page give the template a professional look. The graphics can easily be customized to fit your stand operating procedure. The body of the letterhead allows you to add whatever content you want. Whether that be tables, charts, or simple text. 

Here are a few notable features for this letterhead SOP template:

• 300 DPI, CMYK


• free font used


• organized layers


• A4 Size with (0.25") Bleed

4. Proposal Word

This proposal template comes with a whopping 16 pages. It would work well as an SOP template. It's packed with graphics, charts, timelines, and many different layouts. This will make creating a professional-looking standard operating procedure document a breeze. 

Features of this template include:

• A4 paper size with standard bleeds


• auto page numbering


• master pages


• well-structured and easy to edit files

5. Word Resume

This modern-looking design has it all. It has easy-to-read fonts, a well-structured layout, and great looking header section on every page. It also contains four different pages for you to edit. This is a top-notch standard operating template. 

Here are the prominent features of the template:

• Word, Pages, Photoshop, & Illustrator files


• A4 international paper size


• free fonts


• cover letter template included

Now that we've gone over the best premium SOP templates, let's now go over some free options that you can download.

20 Top Free MS Word Standard Operating Procedure SOP Template Examples to Download (2022)

Check out Envato's free offerings for templates that you could possibly use. Try out various premium template files (not always files you can use for SOP documents) at no cost to you.

Here's the deal:

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  Every month Envato Elements offers 12 different hand-selected files, (fonts, presentations, videos, and more). Create a free account to download this month's free premium files now.

  
  
  
  


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  Or try Envato Market for free. They offer seven handpicked monthly freebies. Log in with your Envato Market account to get this month's handpicked premium freebies. 

  
  
  
  

What if you can't find a suitable template to use? There are plenty of free SOP templates available online. But these free SOP templates won't be as high of quality as the premium ones.

Here are a few free SOP examples we've found that may work for you:

1. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Templates 01

This free SOP document is broken down into six sections. You can detail your company's specific procedure in these sections. Expect four different pages with this free standard operating procedure template for Word.

2. Resume Cover Letter (Violet)

Use the Resume Cover Letter as an SOP template for Word free download. It's a simple document with blank sections for you to detail all about your SOP. The cover letter has one page, but it can be expanded to include as many pages as you would like. 

3. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Templates 02

This standard operating procedure template for Microsoft Word can be used for any food business or laboratory. There's a standard operating procedure checklist for handling and storage. There is also a brief safety overview section. 

4. Basic Modern Resume

This resume template is separated into two columns. Try using it as an SOP template free. Use the left column to add your SOP headings. The right column can be used to detail the procedures.

5. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Templates 03

This SOP procedure template for Word comes in table format. There's a section for your employees to date and sign the document to show they've read the SOP.

6. Organic Shapes Cover Letter

This standard operating procedure template free can make for the first page of your SOP. It's divided into two sections. Use the left column to detail your company name and contact details. Use the right column to give a brief overview of the standard operating procedure. 

7. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Templates 04

This SOP template free is broken down into a numbered list. This allows you to put your  procedures in order. This template contains one page. 

8. Functional Resume

A functional resume can also be used as a standard operating procedure template for Word. The template is broken down into sections that run from top to bottom of the document. It can be fully customized in Word.

9. Standard Operating Procedure Template #1

There are six different sections in this template. A few of these sections are principle, resources, and supplies & reagents. This template will work well for laboratory-type standard operating procedures.

10. Company Newsletter

The company newsletter is also a procedure template. Customize each section to include your company's procedures. There's a section in the bottom left to include an image of your choice as well. 

11. Standard Operating Procedure Template #2

This standard operating procedure template for free allows your employees to sign and date the document This is to show they've read your business SOP. Included in the document are sections for name, title, signature, and date.

12. Business Newsletter

This business newsletter has two pages and is also separated into two columns that can be edited. It would work well as an SOP template free. It's got a blue-colored theme. 

13. Standard Operating Procedure Template #3

This standard operating procedure template for free has a numbered list that can detail all your procedures. There's even a spot on the top of the document to include your company's logo. 

14. Modern Chronological Resume

Use this chronological resume template to detail your standard operating procedures. The titles and body of the sections are fully editable. The procedure template is a one-page template.

15. Standard Operating Procedure Template #4

This two-page SOP template for Word free download has an approval block section at the top of the page. This ensures the validity of the procedures that you can detail below. This SOP template free can be adjusted for any type of business.

16. Standard Operating Procedure Template 06

There are many different sections in this SOP template free. Included are policy, procedure, scope, and responsibility sections. There's even a section for you to include references.

17. Standard Operating Procedure Template #9

This standard operating procedure template for Word details the procedure for handling chemicals. But it can be modified to accommodate any operating procedure for any business. Included are three pages in this SOP template free.

18. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Templates 11

This SOP template free is simple. It only contains section titles. The template is fully editable. 

19. Standard Operating Procedure Template #8

Eight sections are included in this procedure template. There's also a box on the top of the page where you can detail the facility, director, and last revision. 

20. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Templates 07

There are ten different sections on this standard operating procedure template for free. Sections include objectives & scope, procedures, documents, and references sections. Like all the other templates, it's fully customizable. 

Now let's look at a few tips that can help you make better SOP documents.

How to Quickly Customize Standard Operating Procedure Template Designs in Microsoft Word (In 2022)

We’ve seen the best standard operating procedure template free and premium designs. You’ve seen how they can organize your procedures in clear, concise ways. Now, it’s time to learn how to customize one. 

Your best bet is always to go premium, instead of an SOP template for free. Premium designs offer better styling and features that you can’t find anywhere else. Plus, they’re amazingly easy to customize. In fact, it works in five quick steps. 

Want to follow along? We’re using the versatile Letterhead for Microsoft Word template from Envato Elements. Download it today! 

Let's get started:

1. Remove Extra Objects

Procedure template designs may include an array of content on their layouts. It’s a great way to style your SOP documents. But remember, you don’t always have to use every element on a template. It’s good to keep your procedure template open and easy to read.

To remove extra objects, begin by clicking on one to select it. Then, press Delete on your keyboard. This is the best way to free up extra space 

2. Customize Text

The anchor of any procedure template is the text. Notice that this template already has text on it. These placeholders are hallmarks of a premium design. You won’t find them on an SOP template for free.

To customize text, begin by clicking into one of the placeholder boxes. Select the content, and then start typing. Watch the existing words get replaced with your own. Repeat throughout the template to add in your standard operating procedures. 

3. Edit Font Designs

Standard operating procedure free designs have basic font styles. But with a premium layout, your text can shine. With text selected, find the Font section on Word’s Home tab. With the menus and buttons, you can add new font styles. You can also change the size and apply effects like italics and underlines.

This is a good time to revisit the powerful Envato Elements offer. As a member, you've got unlimited access to thousands of stylish custom fonts. These are great options to make your standard operating procedures shine. 

4. Add Images

Images are the perfect way to add context to your procedure template. They add visual interest and help outline concepts. To add a photo, click Insert > Pictures > Picture from File. Browse to a stored image on your computer and click Insert. Word adds the photo.

Then, click on the Position dropdown on the Picture Format tab. Choose one of the options from the With Text Wrapping group. Now, you can click and drag to move the image around the page. You can also pull on the corners to resize the photo. 

5. Export as a PDF

Remember, your standard operating procedures are meant to be shared. This means that you need to create an accessible document that everyone can view. The perfect way to do it is with a PDF export. PDF files are readable on a wide variety of devices. And viewers won’t need to have Microsoft Word installed.

Go to File > Save As to get started. Give the file a name, then choose PDF from the File Format dropdown. Finally, click Save. Microsoft Word saves your standard operating procedures in PDF format. 

5 Quick Tips To Make Better Standard Operating Procedures (SOP Documents) in Word for 2022

We want to help you get the most out of your standard operating procedure templates for Word. Here are five different tips that can help you elevate your SOP document design:

1. Use the Right Fonts

Standard operating procedure documents need to be easily readable and have simple fonts. This will help them have the most impact. Keep your font selection to a maximum of two. 

2. Use a Minimal Amount of Colors

SOP documents aren't meant to be flashy or creative pieces of art. They're meant to lay out a set of procedures that your employees will follow. Adding too many colors will make your document look too playful. Keep your color scheme to one or two colors at the most.

3. Use Images

As mentioned, your SOP document isn't meant to be creative. But you want it to be somewhat engaging for your employees. Adding an image on one or a few of your document's pages.

4. Include Tables 

A great way to list your operating procedures and all the details about them is to add them to a table. Tables make the SOP document look much more organized. This makes it easier for your employees to follow. 

5. Include Your Company's Logo

Including your company's logo at the top of your standard operating procedure you can brand the material that your company provides. It'll give the document a more professional polish. 

Looking for even more top Microsoft Word template designs that weren't covered in this article? In the next section we'll go over even more best-selling templates that can help you create stunning-looking documents.

Top 5 Design Trends for Microsoft Word SOP Templates 

It's important to stay on top of design trends. In this next section, we'll cover the top design trends for SOP templates:

1. Use Simple Fonts 

Simple fonts give your SOP template a more professional look. They also make your SOP much easier to read. Look to use simple fonts like Arial, Helvetica, and Georgia.

2. Keep It Spacious

When you're designing your template, leave space around your elements. This helps the design breathe and makes it look uncluttered. 

3. Use Background Graphics

Background graphics work really well for SOP documents. They can help give your document more interest. Try adding in abstract space graphics on the corners of your document. 

4. Use Icons

Icons help add interest to your document. Try including icons next to the main headers on your document. Make sure to use simple icons and use them sparingly. 

5. Blue Color Scheme

Blue color schemes help convey trust. This is exactly what you want when creating an SOP document. Try using blue as the main color of your color scheme. 

Let's now look at even more Microsoft Word templates that you can download. 

Discover More Top Microsoft Word Template Designs

The premium templates mentioned in this article are some of the best templates available. But they might not be exactly what you're looking for. To help with your search for more premium SOP Microsoft Word templates, check out the articles below:

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  Microsoft Word
  
  
  20 Best Free Microsoft Word Business Document Templates (Download 2022)
  
  
  Sarah Joy


• 
  Microsoft Word
  
  
  Best of 2022: 28+ Microsoft Office Word Document Templates to Download Now
  
  
  Nona Blackman


• 
  Templates
  
  
  25 Microsoft MS Word Business Proposal Templates to Make Deals in 2022
  
  
  Brenda Barron

Common Microsoft Word Questions Answered (FAQ)

Are you thinking about using Microsoft Word to design standard operating procedures? Working with a procedure template? You might have a few questions. To help out, we’ve gathered answers to five of the most common Microsoft Word questions. 

1. Can I Create a Fillable Form in Word?

Yes! A fillable form is a useful way to ensure your procedures are followed. It requires users to acknowledge tasks in an interactive way. 

To learn how to create a fillable form in Word, visit our full tutorial:

• 
  Microsoft Word
  
  
  How to Quickly Create a Fillable Form in Microsoft Word
  
  
  Alexis (Lexi) Rodrigo

2. Are Page Borders Easy to Add in Word?

Absolutely! Word offers a plethora of page border options. You can use these to add extra style, as well as call attention to specific areas of a page. All these border options sit on the Design tab, under the Page Borders menu.

• 
  Microsoft Word
  
  
  How to Add Page Borders for Microsoft Word Quickly With Templates (+ Video)
  
  
  Alexis (Lexi) Rodrigo

3. How Do I Split Sections in Word?

Section breaks help you add clear splits between content in Word. They help keep your procedure template organized. Add them by first clicking in the document where you want to add a break. Then, add them with the Insert > Break menu. 

For a complete tutorial, click here:

• 
  Microsoft Word
  
  
  How to Insert, View, or Delete Section (& Page) Breaks in Microsoft Word (+Video)
  
  
  Alexis (Lexi) Rodrigo

4. Do InDesign Templates Work in Microsoft Word?

Yes, they do. You can use your favorite InDesign templates in Word to customize them. It involves a few steps. You’ll first need to save your InDesign template as a PDF. Then, you can use Adobe Acrobat to convert the PDF to Word document format.

For a full guide, read on:

• 
  Adobe InDesign
  
  
  How to Quickly Convert InDesign File Templates to Word Documents
  
  
  Andrew Childress

5. How Do Text Formats Work in Word?

Text styles and formats help your procedure template look its best. For example, you can highlight key ideas with bold text. Or you can use different fonts to help specific phrases stand out. Font options are on Word’s Home tab. 

To help, we’ve compiled a complete guide for you:

• 
  Microsoft Word
  
  
  How to Quickly Format Basic Text Styles in Microsoft Word Documents
  
  
  Alexis (Lexi) Rodrigo

Learn More About Making Great Word Documents in 2022

Not that you've got a professional premium template, it's time to start editing the template. Microsoft Word is a very powerful piece of software that's got many advanced features.

Check out our tutorials on how to use Microsoft Word. These articles will help you get the most out of your templates. Try reading this comprehensive guide first, MS Word tutorial guide.

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  How to Quickly Find, Edit, & Use Microsoft Word Templates (MS Theme Files)
  
  
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Get Your SOP Template Today!

Check out our best professional standard operating procedure templates and download them now. Create a document that your employees can follow. These templates are fully customizable. Everything from the colors to the fonts can be customized. This will help you create an impactful operating procedure.

Find all these professional templates for Word and more over on Envato Elements and GraphicRiver. There's sure to be a Microsoft Word template in there for you to turn into a standard operating procedures template. So, get started today!

Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Andrew Childress and Daniel Strongin. Andrew and Daniel are freelance instructors for Envato Tuts+.