The DOT extension indicates a template file created for Microsoft Word, the word processor included in Microsoft Office. Default documents created with Microsoft Word can contain various elements such as images, drawn objects, tables, links to websites and also links to other local files.

DOT files are templates which are used to store the entire structure of a document. This includes page layout, margins, fonts and styles. By creating a template the whole process of building a specific type of document from scratch, for example a professional memo, can be avoided. Every time a professional memo is needed, users can simply add text and other content to their template and save it.

Microsoft Office comes with a large number of fully customizable templates such as professional faxes, resumes, letters or business plans.