Chris,

Create a template file with the default formatting that you want,, named Book.xlt, and store it in
your default start folder. Go to Tools / Options.... General Tab, and either use the folder in the
"at startup, open all files in:" field, or enter a new folder path there.

If that file already exists, you can open it and modify it. If the file doesn't exist, just start a
new one and save it as a template file (xlt extension) to that folder.

You can also create a template using a single sheet (named Sheet.xlt, and stored in the same folder)
that will control how a single new sheet looks. I prefer to actually have both Sheet.xlt and
Book.xlt be based on the same singe sheet file. When you add a new worksheet to an existing
workbook, Excel will use Sheet.xlt.

HTH,
Bernie
MS Excel MVP


"CHRIS K" wrote in message
...
how can i set the format settings for cell alignment so that its there when i
open a new book, rather than changing it each time?
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CHRISK