Template Issues

How to Create an Excel Template to Display Formatted Data on Another Sheet

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to set up a workbook where data entered on an input worksheet automatically populates on a separate display worksheet, then save it as a reusable template.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Designing a customized, automated reporting template that separates raw data entry from the final formatted presentation.
Observed behavior: Data is inputted on one sheet and instantly appears on a second sheet with predefined formatting and advanced formulas applied.

Before you start

Before linking cells across worksheets, clearly outline your data entry requirements and finalize the visual layout of your display sheet to prevent having to restructure complex formulas later.

Solution 1Recommended

Build and Save a Linked Format Template in Excel

Set up linked formulas to connect an input sheet to a display sheet, apply formatting, and save the file as a reusable Excel Template (.xltx).

Separating your data entry from your presentation formatting makes templates much easier to use. By leveraging cross-sheet cell references, any data you type into the raw input sheet is instantly beamed to the final display sheet where styling and branding are applied.

Set up the worksheets

Create a new Excel workbook. Rename the first sheet to 'InputData' and the second sheet tab to 'DisplaySheet' by double-clicking the sheet tabs at the bottom.

Create input headers

On the 'InputData' sheet, enter the necessary headers and placeholder data for all the fields you intend to track.

Link the display sheet

Navigate to the 'DisplaySheet'. Select the cell where you want the first piece of data to appear, type the equals sign (=), switch back to the 'InputData' sheet, click the corresponding target cell, and press Enter.

Apply advanced functions and formatting

Use functions like IF, VLOOKUP, INDEX, or MATCH on the 'DisplaySheet' if you need conditional data retrieval. Apply your desired fonts, background colors, and borders strictly on this display sheet.

Save as an Excel Template

Go to File > Save As. In the file format dropdown menu, select 'Excel Template (*.xltx)', name your file, and click Save.

Dynamic Updates: Whenever you open this template and add new data into the InputData sheet, the DisplaySheet will automatically update to reflect the changes with your predefined styling intact.

Advanced Spreadsheet Templates

Easily Create Linked Data Templates with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet allows you to effortlessly connect multiple worksheets, use advanced lookup formulas, and save your work as a reusable template. It fully supports standard spreadsheet formulas and offers a highly intuitive formatting interface.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and click on 'Spreadsheet' to create a new blank workbook.
2. Create Input and Output Sheets: Add two separate sheet tabs: one for entering your raw data and one for the formatted output display.
3. Link the Cells: Use the '=' sign on the output sheet to link directly to the data entry cells on the input sheet.
4. Save as a Reusable Template: Click Menu > Save As, choose the location, and select 'Excel Template (*.xltx)' from the file type options.

100% compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xltx) template formatsFull support for advanced cross-sheet formulas like VLOOKUP, INDEX, and MATCHIntuitive and easy-to-use interface for cell formatting and stylingLightweight application that runs smoothly even with complex linked workbooks

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pull specific matched data from the input sheet instead of just a direct link?

Yes, you can use VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX, or MATCH on the display sheet to search for specific criteria (like an ID number) on the input sheet and return the corresponding row of data.

Why is my linked cell showing a '0' when the input cell is blank?

By default, spreadsheet software displays a 0 for blank linked cells. You can hide this by using an IF formula such as `=IF(InputData!A1="","",InputData!A1)` to leave the display cell blank.

How do I reuse the .xltx template without overwriting it?

When you double-click or open an .xltx file, the program automatically creates a new, unsaved workbook (e.g., Template1) based on your original design. This ensures your master template file remains completely intact for future use.

Document & File Issues