Change the default file format for saving workbooks (2024)

Excel for Microsoft 365 Excel 2021 Excel 2019 Excel 2016 More...Less

In Microsoft Excel, workbooks are saved as Excel Workbooks (.xlsx) by default. You can change the default file format to any other file format that is supported in Excel. For example, if you frequently create macros in a workbook, you may want to automatically save a new workbook as an Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm). Or, if you work with others who use earlier versions of Excel, you may want to save a new workbook as an Excel 97-2003 Workbook (.xls).

  1. Click File > Options.

  2. In the Save category, under Save Workbooks, in the Save files in this format list, click the file format that you want to use.

    Tip:For more information, see File formats that are supported in Excel.

Notes:

Need more help?

Want more options?

Discover Community

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Change the default file format for saving workbooks (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 6207

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.