How to Change Default Font on Excel Mac

Changing the default font in Excel on Mac can be a useful customization, particularly if you frequently work with spreadsheets and want to personalize your experience. Excel on Mac comes with a default font that is used for all new workbooks and worksheets. However, by changing the default font, you can set your preferred font style and size, making it easier to work with Excel documents. In this blog post, we will discuss four different methods to change the default font in Excel on Mac.

Why You Need to Change Default Font in Excel on Mac

There are several reasons why you might want to change the default font in Excel on Mac. Here are a few:

  • Personalization: Changing the default font allows you to customize Excel to suit your preferences and style.
  • Consistency: By setting a default font, you ensure that all new workbooks and worksheets have a consistent font throughout.
  • Improved readability: If you find the default font difficult to read or if you prefer a different font style, changing the default font can enhance readability.
  • Efficiency: Working with your preferred font can make you more efficient in Excel as you are using a font that you are comfortable with.

Now, let’s explore four different methods to change the default font in Excel on Mac.

Video Tutorial:

Part 1: Changing Default Font Using Excel Preferences

The first method to change the default font in Excel on Mac is through the Excel Preferences menu. Follow these steps:

1. Open Excel on your Mac.
2. Click on the "Excel" menu at the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Select "Preferences" from the drop-down menu.
4. In the Preferences window, click on the "General" tab.
5. Look for the "Font" section and click on the drop-down menu next to "Default font."
6. Choose your preferred font from the list.
7. Optionally, you can also adjust the font size using the "Size" drop-down menu.
8. Close the Preferences window.

Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to change the default font.
2. Can be done directly from Excel preferences.
3. Changes the default font for all new workbooks and worksheets.

Cons:
1. Limited font options to choose from.
2. Does not allow advanced font customization.

Part 2: Changing Default Font Using the Template Folder

The second method to change the default font in Excel on Mac involves modifying the default template folder. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the "Finder" on your Mac and click on the "Go" menu.
2. Select "Go to Folder" from the drop-down menu.
3. In the dialog box, enter the following path: ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates.
4. Press the "Go" button.
5. In the Templates folder, locate the "Workbook.xltx" file.
6. Right-click on the file and select "Open With" followed by "TextEdit."
7. In the TextEdit window, locate the line that starts with "Part 3: Changing Default Font Using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)

The third method to change the default font in Excel on Mac involves using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macros. Follow these steps:

1. Open Excel on your Mac.
2. Press "Option + F11" to open the Visual Basic Editor.
3. In the Project Explorer pane, expand the "Microsoft Excel Objects" folder and double-click on the "ThisWorkbook" object.
4. In the code window, enter the following VBA code:
"`vba
Private Sub Workbook_Open()
With Me.Styles("Normal").Font
.Name = "Your Preferred Font"
.Size = 12 ‘ Your Preferred Font Size
End With
End Sub
"`
5. Replace "Your Preferred Font" with the name of the font you want to set as the default.
6. Optionally, change the font size by modifying the value after ".Size =".
7. Close the Visual Basic Editor.

Pros:
1. Provides advanced font customization options.
2. Can be automated to change the default font every time Excel is opened.

Cons:
1. Requires knowledge of VBA programming.
2. Changes the default font only for the workbook with the VBA code.

Part 4: Changing Default Font Using Workbook Template

The fourth method to change the default font in Excel on Mac involves creating a customized workbook template. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Excel on your Mac.
2. Create a new workbook or open an existing one.
3. Customize the fonts, styles, and other formatting settings to your preference.
4. Save the workbook as a template by clicking on the "File" menu, selecting "Save As", and choosing "Excel Template" or "Excel Macro-Enabled Template" as the file format.
5. Give the template a name and save it.
6. Close the workbook.
7. Whenever you need a new workbook with the default font settings, open the template file you created.

Pros:
1. Offers complete customization of fonts and styles.
2. Changes the default font for all new workbooks created from the template.

Cons:
1. Requires creating a separate template file.
2. Changes the default font only for workbooks created from the template.

What to Do If You Can’t Change Default Font in Excel on Mac

If you encounter any issues or cannot change the default font in Excel on Mac using the methods mentioned above, there are a few alternative solutions you can try:

1. Reset Excel Preferences: Sometimes, there may be conflicts or corruptions in the Excel preferences file. Resetting the preferences to their default state can resolve the issue. To do this, quit Excel, and then press and hold the Option key while launching Excel. Click "Yes" when prompted to Delete Preferences.

2. Repair Office Installation: If Excel is part of the Microsoft Office suite on your Mac, you can try repairing the Office installation. Open the "Applications" folder, locate the Microsoft Office folder, and run the Microsoft Office Installer. Select the "Repair" option to fix any issues with the Office installation.

3. Reinstall Excel: If the above solutions do not work, you can try reinstalling Excel on your Mac. First, uninstall the existing installation of Excel, then download the latest version from the official website and install it again.

Bonus Tips for Working with Excel on Mac

Here are three bonus tips to enhance your productivity and experience when working with Excel on Mac:

1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Excel provides numerous keyboard shortcuts that can speed up your workflow. Learn and utilize these shortcuts to perform common tasks quickly and efficiently. For example, "Command+C" and "Command+V" for copy and paste, respectively.

2. Customize the Ribbon: Excel on Mac allows you to customize the Ribbon, which is the toolbar at the top of the Excel window. You can add frequently used commands and remove unnecessary ones to create a customized Ribbon that suits your needs. Right-click on the Ribbon and choose "Customize the Ribbon" to get started.

3. Utilize Excel Templates: Excel offers a wide range of templates for different purposes, such as budgeting, project management, and inventory tracking. Utilize these templates to save time and effort when creating new workbooks. You can access templates by clicking on "File" and selecting "New from Template."

The Bottom Line

Changing the default font in Excel on Mac can be a valuable customization, allowing you to work with your preferred font style and size. In this blog post, we explored four different methods to change the default font in Excel on Mac. Whether you prefer a simple approach through Excel preferences or advanced customization using VBA, you can select the method that suits your needs. Additionally, we provided alternative solutions and bonus tips to further enhance your Excel experience on Mac.

5 FAQs about Changing Default Font in Excel on Mac

Q1: Can I change the default font for existing workbooks?

A: No, changing the default font only affects new workbooks and worksheets. To change the font for existing workbooks, you will need to manually update the formatting.

Q2: Can I use any font I want as the default font in Excel on Mac?

A: Excel on Mac supports a wide range of fonts, but not all fonts available on your system may be compatible with Excel. It is recommended to choose fonts that are commonly used and compatible across different platforms.

Q3: Can I change the default font size in Excel on Mac?

A: Yes, you can change the default font size along with the font style. Use the appropriate options in the methods described in this blog post to adjust the font size according to your preference.

Q4: Will changing the default font affect existing formatting in my workbooks?

A: No, changing the default font only affects the font used for new workbooks and worksheets. Existing formatting in your workbooks will remain unchanged.

Q5: Are there any limitations to changing the default font in Excel on Mac?

A: While the methods described in this blog post provide various options for changing the default font, there may be limitations depending on the version of Excel and the fonts installed on your Mac. It is always recommended to test your changes and ensure compatibility across different platforms and devices.