How to Make Page Layout the Default View in Excel
Changing the default view in Excel to Page Layout can be a huge time-saver, especially if you frequently prepare documents for printing. This task involves tweaking Excel settings so that every time you open a new or existing workbook, it starts in Page Layout view. To accomplish this, you need to configure a template and ensure all new workbooks use this template. Here’s how you can make Page Layout the default view in Excel.
How to Make Page Layout the Default View in Excel
Adjusting the default view in Excel to Page Layout helps you seamlessly switch to a print-ready format each time you open the program. Follow these steps to set this up.
Step 1: Open Excel and Create a New Workbook
Begin by launching Excel and opening a new blank workbook. This is where you’ll set up your default settings.
Make sure the new workbook is completely blank. You can do this by clicking "File" and selecting "New," then choose "Blank Workbook."
Step 2: Switch to Page Layout View
Go to the "View" tab on the Ribbon and select "Page Layout" from the Workbook Views group.
By doing this, you’re telling Excel that you prefer the Page Layout view over the Normal view. This view shows how your document will look when printed, including margins.
Step 3: Adjust Page Layout Settings
Customize the Page Layout settings to your preference. This includes setting margins, orientation, and size.
You can find these options under the "Page Layout" tab. For instance, you might want to set the margins to "Narrow" and the orientation to "Landscape."
Step 4: Save the Workbook as a Template
Click "File," then "Save As." In the Save As dialog box, choose "Excel Template" (*.xltx) from the "Save as type" dropdown.
Saving as a template ensures that these settings are preserved for future use. Name your template something like "DefaultLayout.xltx" and save it in the default Templates folder.
Step 5: Set the New Template as the Default Workbook
Go to "File," select "Options," then click on "General" under Excel Options. In the "Start up options" section, enter the path to your saved template in the "At startup, open all files in" box.
This step tells Excel to use your custom template for all new workbooks. If you saved your template in the default Templates folder, the path might look something like "C:Users[YourUsername]DocumentsCustom Office TemplatesDefaultLayout.xltx".
After completing these steps, every new workbook you open in Excel will start in Page Layout view, allowing you to be ready for printing right off the bat.
Tips for Making Page Layout the Default View in Excel
- Ensure all customization in Page Layout is saved to avoid repeating the setup process.
- Regularly update your template if you frequently change page settings.
- Use descriptive names for templates to easily identify them.
- Place your template in a common folder for easy access.
- Test the new default settings by opening multiple new workbooks to confirm they start in Page Layout view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I revert back to the Normal view?
Yes, you can always switch back to the Normal view by clicking on the "View" tab and selecting "Normal."
What if I don’t see the Page Layout option?
Make sure you’re using a modern version of Excel, as older versions may not have this feature.
Can I have multiple default templates?
Excel allows you to select only one default template. However, you can switch between templates manually.
Do these steps work for Mac users?
Yes, but the file paths and some menu options might differ slightly on Excel for Mac.
What happens to my existing workbooks?
Existing workbooks retain their current view settings. The changes apply only to new workbooks created after setting the template.
Summary
- Open Excel and create a new workbook.
- Switch to Page Layout view.
- Adjust Page Layout settings.
- Save the workbook as a template.
- Set the new template as the default workbook.
Conclusion
Setting Page Layout as the default view in Excel can significantly streamline your workflow, especially if you often print your documents. By following the outlined steps, you can ensure that every new workbook opens in Page Layout view, ready for printing. This small adjustment makes a big difference, saving you time and reducing the hassle of constantly switching views.
Don’t forget to regularly update your template according to your changing needs. By keeping your templates current, you’ll always start with the settings you prefer. Now that you know how to make Page Layout the default view in Excel, try it out and see how it improves your efficiency. For further reading, you might want to explore other Excel customization options or delve into advanced page setup features. Happy Excel-ing!
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