Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 25, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365
David wonders how he can change the default font for Excel when he opens a new workbook. Setting the default font that you want Excel to use is actually quite easy. All you need to do is follow these steps:
Figure 1. The General options of the Excel Options dialog box.
Now every time you create a new workbook, Excel will use these settings as the default. The only times it won't is if you base a new workbook on a template or store a template named Book.xltx or Book.xltm in the XLStart folder. (In this second case, you've overridden how Excel formats a new workbook by whatever is set within the Book.xltx or Book.xltm template file.)
Also keep in mind that these steps won't change the font in any previously created workbooks; those stay as they were when you saved them.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12618) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Changing the Default Font.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
Open a workbook, look at the data, start to close the workbook, and you are asked if you want to save your changes. What ...
Discover MoreSometimes it is necessary to print a worksheet to see how the data it contains appears. This may not be necessary, ...
Discover MoreNeed to understand who is using a particular workbook? There are a number of ways you can find out, as discussed in this tip.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments