How to change default view in Excel?
Excel by default displays workbooks in Normal View, which is suitable for typical data entry and analysis. However, in certain scenarios—such as when frequently preparing files for printing or reviewing page breaks—you may want your Excel interface to launch in Page Break Preview or Page Layout View instead. Setting your preferred view as the default can help streamline workflow, minimize repetitive manual switching, and create a consistent work environment, especially if you use Excel for specialized tasks such as reporting or layout-sensitive printing.
Common scenarios for changing the default view include printing-intensive tasks, design of precisely formatted reports, or collaborating with teams who must always check page boundaries. While changing the default view has clear workflow advantages, keep in mind that Excel only allows this setting for new sheets; existing workbooks will retain the view they had when last saved or the system’s default unless specifically altered.
Contents:
Change default view in Excel
You can change the default view that Excel uses for new worksheets through the program’s settings. This adjustment is most useful when you regularly need to start in a view other than Normal, such as Page Break Preview to check how data fits onto printed pages, or Page Layout to see headers and footers as you design your spreadsheet.
Be aware that this setting only affects new sheets created after you change the option. Previously saved or currently open workbooks are not altered—those will keep their existing view the next time they are opened unless you manually change them.
1. Start Excel and click the Office button (in Excel 2007) or the File tab (in Excel 2010 or later), then choose Options. This opens the Excel Options window, where many of Excel’s default behaviors can be customized for future workbooks.
2. In the Excel Options dialog, look to the right section and find the setting labeled Default view for new sheets. Click the drop-down menu and select your preferred view from the options: Normal View, Page Break Preview, or Page Layout View. Choose the one most suitable for your daily tasks.
This setting determines what view is active when you create new sheets in any Excel workbook from now on.
3. Click OK to apply your changes and close the dialog.
Next time you create a new workbook or insert a new worksheet, Excel will automatically use your selected default view. This can help reduce repetitive view switching and ensure your new worksheets always match your preferred working style.
Note: The change only impacts newly created worksheets. Existing workbooks will continue to open in their previously saved view unless you manually change it after opening. If you routinely work with many existing files and need a consistent view, consider the VBA solution below for automation.
Tips and Precautions:
– If you share your workbook with others, remember that view settings are saved individually, so your team members may need to adjust their own settings if they want the same experience.
– If you frequently alternate between different views, you may also use the View tab on the Ribbon to quickly switch for individual tasks.
– This method is reliable for most standard Excel installations, but if you use a customized or restricted version of Excel (e.g., some corporate or educational installations), you may need administrator rights to change default program options.
Troubleshooting:
If you find that the default view is not changing as expected, ensure Excel is fully updated. In rare cases, some add-ins or group policies managed by your organization may override personal settings, so consult your IT support if changes do not take effect.
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