About templates

Default workbook template

You can create a default workbook template. This template defines the formatting or content of the new workbooks that open when you start Microsoft Excel. Workbooks you create by clicking New are based on the default workbook template. The default template for workbooks is called Book.xlt.

You can create additional custom workbook templates designed for specific tasks and projects.

Default worksheet template

You can create a default sheet template.

This template defines the formatting and content of the default worksheets you insert with the Worksheet command (Insert menu). The default template for worksheets is called Sheet.xlt.

If you use a variety of worksheets in your workbooks, you can create additional custom sheet templates.

Storing default workbook and worksheet templates

If you've created a template named Book.xlt or Sheet.xlt and saved it in the XLStart folder, Microsoft Excel uses the template to create new default workbooks or to insert new worksheets. The XLStart folder is usually located at:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office11\XLStart

To use template (.xlt) files stored on a network file location, you can specify that location as the alternate startup folder.

You can make a custom template available to others by storing the template on a network location. For example, you might want all users in your workgroup to use a custom template for a special project. Place the template in a folder in a network location that is accessible to all users in your group.

Formatting

Cell and sheet formats. Set by using the commands on the Format menu.

Page formats and print area settings for each sheet.

Cell styles.

The number and type of sheets in a workbook.

Protected and hidden areas of the workbook. You can hide sheets, rows, and columns and prevent changes to worksheet cells.

Text, data, graphics, and formulas

Text you want to repeat, such as page headers and row and column labels.

Data, graphics, formulas, charts, and other information.

Data validation settings.

Toolbars, automation, and Option settings

Custom toolbars, macros, hyperlinks, and ActiveX controls on forms. To make a custom toolbar available, attach the toolbar to the template.

Workbook calculation options and window view options. Set with the Options command (Tools menu).