.docx created from .dotx with Word Online in SharePoint produces checked-out file

Hey everyone--

The subject says it all. I have uploaded a .dotx template file to a SharePoint library's +New menu using the upload template feature. If you open the template file in SharePoint using the +New menu, it opens a Word document named Document1.docx, which is saved in the SharePoint library as a checked-out file. 

I would like the file to save as a regular checked-in file. I'm figuring it is a configuration in the .dotx file that is controlling the checked-out state. What do I have to change?

Thank you,

Anne