Setting Up Excel Default FormattingSetting Formatting Options for Workbooks, Part 1Excel does not offer many options that allow you to set formatting defaults for your workbooks. However, you can work around this by modifying the formatting in a blank workbook, then saving it as the default template.1. Open Excel to a blank workbook.2. Format the blank file with all options desired. For example, set margins, cell color formats, or set up a header or footer. Make sure to remove any values you entered in cells to test formatting unless you want them to appear in every blank workbook.3. Once your changes are made, click on the File tab and choose Save As.4. From the Files of type drop-down list, select Excel Template (*.xltx) and change the file name to Book.5. Set the Save in location to the XLSTART folder. This folder is typically located in a path similar to C:Program Files/Microsoft Office/Office14/XLSTART. (Check out TechRepublics tip for quickly finding the XLSTART folder.)6. Click Save.7. Quit and re-open Excel. The blank workbook should contain the formatting you previously set.2. Changing the Default Font for New WorkbooksWe all have our quirks; thats what makes us unique. One of these things can be the font you choose as your default. To change the default font used in new workbooks in Excel, follow these steps:1. Click on the File tab.2. Select Options at the bottom left.3. Under General options there is a section for When creating new workbooks.4. Here you can select the option to change the font and font size for all new workbooks.5. Click OK.6. Close and re-open Excel.After you restart Excel, any new workbook you create will be set for the new font properties you selected. Note that existing workbooks will not be affected.1. Setting Formatting Options for Workbooks, Part 2Why does Excel always open up with three blank worksheets? If youve found yourself continually deleting those extra two, stop already. Excel offers a way for you to specify the defaults for new workbooks, which includes number of worksheets. Follow the steps below:1. Click on the File tab and choose Excel Options.2. In the General group, navigate to the section titled When creating new workbooks.3. You can change the number of sheets created in a new workbook by changing the Include this many sheets option.4. Click OK after making your selections.5. Close and re-open Excel.Excel will use your options from now on when creating a new workbook, saving you time when setting up each new file.For more on these and to find other tips, visit our tech tip library. Have any Excel or general Office tips to share? Post them in the comments section.