Template Issues

How to Make Custom Excel Number Formats Always Available

John Wilson Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to save custom number formats (such as displaying negative values in parentheses) so that they are permanently available for any new workbook created.

How to Make Custom Excel Number Formats Always Available

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating custom number formatting rules that need to be reused frequently across multiple new workbooks.
Observed behavior: Custom number formats are typically restricted to the specific workbook where they were created. The user's goal is to make these custom formats globally accessible for all future files.

Before you start

Before starting, open a blank workbook and carefully set up and test all the custom number formats you wish to reuse, as this document will become the foundation for your new default template.

Solution 1Recommended

Save the Workbook as a Custom Excel Template

By saving a workbook containing your custom formats as an Excel template (.xltx), you can use it as the base for future workbooks, keeping all formatting rules intact.

Excel does not have a global setting to save custom number formats to the application itself. However, creating a custom template acts as a reliable workaround. Whenever you start a new project using this template, all your customized formats will be pre-loaded in the Format Cells menu.

Create the Custom Formats

Open a blank Excel workbook. Right-click any cell, select 'Format Cells', go to the 'Custom' category, and input your desired format codes (e.g., '0.00;(0.00)' for negative parentheses). Click 'OK'.

Open the Save As Menu

Navigate to the 'File' tab in the top-left corner and click on 'Save As'.

Select Template Format

Click 'Browse' to choose a save location. In the 'Save as type' drop-down list, select 'Excel Template (*.xltx)'.

Save the Template

Name your template file (for example, 'MyCustomFormats') and click 'Save'. By default, Excel will automatically route this to your 'Custom Office Templates' folder.

Use the Template

To access your formats in the future, open Excel, click 'File' > 'New', select the 'Personal' (or 'Custom') tab, and click on your saved template to launch a new workbook with the formats ready to use.

Save the Workbook as a Custom Excel Template

Pin for Quick Access: You can pin your new custom template to the top of the 'New' screen by clicking the small pin icon on the template thumbnail. This allows you to access your custom formats immediately whenever you launch Excel.

Efficient Spreadsheet Tool

Easily Save and Reuse Custom Number Formats in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet allows you to effortlessly create custom number formats and save them as reusable templates. This ensures consistency across all your data analysis tasks without needing to recreate complex formatting rules from scratch.

1. Set Up Your Formats: Open WPS Spreadsheet, create a blank workbook, right-click a cell, select 'Format Cells', and define your custom number formats under the 'Custom' tab.
2. Access the Save Menu: Click the 'Menu' button in the top left corner of the screen, then select 'Save As'.
3. Save as a Template: In the 'File Type' dropdown menu, choose 'WPS Spreadsheet Template (*.ett)' or 'Excel Template (*.xltx)'.
4. Reuse Your Template: Name the file and click 'Save'. Next time you open WPS, simply create a new document from this template to have all your formats instantly available.

Create, save, and apply custom number formats with a few simple clicks.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel format standards, including .xlsx and .xltx files.Lightweight, fast-loading software that runs smoothly even on older devices.Free to download and use with a highly intuitive, tabbed interface.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply a custom number format template to an already existing workbook?

No, templates are specifically used to generate new workbooks. If you need to apply your saved custom formats to an existing workbook, you will need to open your template, copy a cell containing the custom format, and paste its formatting into the existing workbook using the Format Painter.

Where are custom templates saved by default in Windows?

By default, Office applications save custom templates in the 'Documents\Custom Office Templates' folder on your Windows computer. If you cannot find it, you can manually check your default save location in the application's save options.

How do I write a custom number format to display negative numbers in parentheses?

To wrap negative numbers in parentheses, right-click a cell, select 'Format Cells', navigate to the 'Custom' category, and enter a format code like '0.00;(0.00)' in the Type box. The first part dictates positive numbers, and the part after the semicolon dictates negative numbers.

Will my custom number formats be visible to users on other computers?

Yes. If you apply your custom number format to cells in a workbook and share that specific workbook (.xlsx), other users will see the formatting exactly as you set it up. However, the underlying template (.xltx) remains strictly on your computer unless you share the template file directly with them.

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