How to Set the Default Save Format in Excel for Mac

Keeping File Formats Consistent in Excel for Mac

If you often find yourself saving files in the same format in Excel for Mac, it’s a good idea to set a default. Constantly clicking through the save options to pick your preferred format can get pretty tedious. Whether you prefer the modern .xlsx for all its bells and whistles or need the trusty .xls to stay compatible with older versions, setting a default can save you heaps of time down the track.

How to Change Your Default Save Format

First, think about why this makes sense. If you’re working with a team that uses different versions of Excel or specialised software that prefers certain formats, adjusting this setting can really streamline your workflow. It’s like removing a speed bump — you just glide along smoothly. And honestly, it’s easier than you might think.

Open Excel Preferences

Launch Excel, then click on the Excel menu at the top of your screen. From there, choose Preferences. This is where the magic happens — you’re diving into options that control how Excel behaves, not just how it looks.

Find the Save Settings

Once in Preferences, you’ll see a bunch of icons. Look for the one labelled “Save”. Click it, and you’ll be taken straight to the saving options. Here, you can set your long-term default instead of having to pick a format every time you hit save.

> Quick tip: If you just want to save a single file in a different format without changing defaults, use File > Save As… instead.

Change Your Default Format

In the Save options, there’s a dropdown menu called “Save files in this format”. Click on it and browse the options like .xlsx, .xls, .csv, and .txt. Select what suits you best. After setting this, any new workbooks you create will automatically use your chosen format. Pretty handy, eh?

Extra Tip for Default Settings on Mac

It’s worth noting that the Mac version doesn’t have a straightforward “Save” tab in Preferences like Windows does. However, you can still tweak your settings under Excel Preferences > Save, or jump straight into Save As and set your preferred format there:

File > Save As > Format dropdown (bottom of the Save As window) > Pick your format, then click “Tools” > “General Options” > Save as default.

Note: The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your version of Excel.

Applying the Changes

Once you’ve set your preferred format, close the Preferences window by clicking the red close button. To check if it’s saved correctly, try creating and saving a new document. Look at the Save dialog (via File > Save As…) — it should now remember your chosen default. If not, go back and adjust again. Sometimes, Excel needs a bit of a nudge!

Quick Tips for Changing the Default Format

Make sure your Excel is up to date to avoid any compatibility hiccups.
Think about the versions your colleagues are using — if they’re still on vintage Excel, sticking with .xls might be best.
Remember, some of the advanced features in .xlsx might not work in older formats, so pick wisely.
If you decide later that a different default works better, switching it back is straightforward.
If you encounter any weird issues after changing the default, a quick restart of Excel or your Mac often does the trick.

Common Questions About Default Save Formats

What’s the difference between .xlsx and .xls?

The .xlsx format is more modern, offering larger datasets, improved formulas, and generally more features. On the other hand, .xls is the older format, which can cause headaches opening in newer versions of Excel.

Can I set different defaults for different files?

Not exactly. The default applies to all new files. However, you can always choose a different format each time you Save As — that’s not a problem.

Does changing the default format affect existing files?

Nope. The change only impacts new files that you save after adjusting the setting. Older files stay as they are.

Can I still save in other formats later?

Absolutely. The default is just a starting point. When saving a file, you can select any format you like without fiddling with your default settings.

Is there a universal default for all Office apps?

Sadly, no. Each app has its own settings, so you’ll need to set defaults separately for Word, PowerPoint, and others.

Final Thoughts

Setting your default save type in Excel for Mac is a simple way to keep your files tidy and save time. It helps avoid the hassle of tedious formatting choices later on. Once you get it sorted, managing your file formats becomes a no-brainer — and any extra minutes saved are always welcome when dealing with spreadsheets.

Access Preferences via: Excel > Preferences.
Navigate to the Save section.
Select your preferred format from the Save files in this format dropdown.
Test it out by saving a new file.
Adjust as needed to suit your workflow.

Hopefully, this helps streamline things for someone. Happy spreadsheeting!