Template Issues

How to Automatically Add Headers and Footers to New Excel Worksheets

Natalie Taylor Oct 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to configure Excel so that every newly inserted worksheet automatically includes predefined headers and footers.

How to Automatically Add Headers and Footers to New Excel Worksheets

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating new worksheets within an existing workbook and needing them to inherit specific formatting like headers and footers automatically.
Observed behavior: By default, Microsoft Excel does not copy or apply header and footer settings to newly created blank worksheets.

Before you start

Ensure you have finalized the exact text, logos, or page numbers you want in your header and footer before saving the template, to avoid having to recreate the file later.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Default Worksheet Template (Windows)

Save a customized worksheet as a template named Sheet.xltx in Excel's default startup folder. This forces Excel to use your layout for every new sheet you add.

Excel references the XLStart folder whenever it creates a new worksheet. By placing a template file named exactly Sheet.xltx in this folder, you override the default blank layout.

Set up a single worksheet

Open a new, blank Excel workbook and delete all but one worksheet.

Configure the header and footer

Go to the 'Insert' tab, click 'Header & Footer' in the Text group, and configure your desired text, page numbers, or logos.

Save as a template

Go to 'File' > 'Save As', click 'Browse', and choose 'Excel Template (*.xltx)' from the 'Save as type' dropdown menu.

Name the file correctly

Name the file exactly 'Sheet' (Excel will append the .xltx extension).

Place it in the XLStart folder

Navigate to Excel's startup folder (usually located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Excel\XLSTART) and save the file there. Alternatively, configure a custom startup path via File > Options > Advanced > General > 'At startup, open all files in'.

Create a Default Worksheet Template (Windows)

Template Applied: Every time you click the '+' icon to add a new sheet in a workbook, Excel will now use this formatted template.

Solution 2

Configure the Startup Folder on Mac

Mac users can achieve the same automatic formatting by placing the Sheet.xltx file inside the hidden Excel startup folder for their user account.

Efficient Spreadsheet Formatting

Effortlessly Manage Headers and Footers with WPS Office

WPS Spreadsheet offers an intuitive Page Setup interface, making it easy to apply, customize, and manage headers and footers across multiple worksheets without complex folder configurations.

1. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your workbook.
2. Access Header and Footer settings: Navigate to the 'Insert' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Header and Footer'.
3. Customize your layout: Enter your desired information into the header or footer sections. You can easily switch between custom text, page numbers, and dates.
4. Apply to multiple sheets: To apply the same header and footer to multiple existing sheets, select them by holding the 'Ctrl' key and clicking the sheet tabs at the bottom before opening the settings.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel's .xlsx and .xltx file formatsUser-friendly interface for page setup and printing tasksSeamlessly apply headers and footers to multiple sheets at onceFree and lightweight alternative for standard office tasks

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my Sheet.xltx template applying to entirely new workbooks?

The Sheet.xltx template only governs new worksheets inserted into an open workbook. If you want new workbooks to also include headers and footers by default, you need to create a second template named Book.xltx and place it in the same XLStart folder.

Can I change the default XLStart folder location in Excel?

Yes. Go to File > Options > Advanced, scroll down to the 'General' section, and enter a new folder path in the box labeled 'At startup, open all files in'.

How do I apply headers and footers to all existing sheets at once?

Hold down the Ctrl key (or Cmd on Mac) and click the tabs of the sheets you want to modify at the bottom of the screen. Once grouped, go to Page Setup and add your header or footer; the changes will apply to all selected sheets simultaneously.

Why can't I see the AppData or Library folders to save my template?

These system folders are hidden by default to prevent accidental modifications. On Windows, open File Explorer, click 'View', and check 'Hidden items'. On Mac, hold the 'Option' key while clicking the 'Go' menu in Finder to temporarily reveal the Library folder.

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