Office Settings & Configuration

How to Set a Default Size for Excel Comment Boxes

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to establish a universal default width and height for all newly created and existing comment boxes in an Excel spreadsheet.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Standardizing the dimensions of multiple comments across a workbook for a cleaner, more consistent layout.
Observed behavior: Excel does not provide a built-in setting or simple configuration menu to define a universal default size for comment boxes, requiring manual adjustments or advanced workarounds.

Before you start

If you plan to use a VBA script to automate the resizing process, ensure you first save a copy of your workbook as a macro-enabled file (.xlsm).

Solution 1Recommended

Use a VBA Macro to Resize All Comments

Since Excel lacks a built-in default size setting, using a VBA macro is the most efficient method to standardize the size of all existing and future comments.

Running a simple VBA script will loop through all the comments in your active worksheet and instantly apply the exact width and height you specify. This saves you from having to adjust each comment manually.

Open the VBA Editor

Press the Alt + F11 keys on your keyboard simultaneously to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.

Insert a New Module

Click on 'Insert' in the top menu bar, and then select 'Module' from the dropdown list to open a blank code window.

Enter the Resizing Code

Paste a VBA script designed to loop through all comments and set the 'Comment.Shape.Width' and 'Comment.Shape.Height' parameters to your desired dimensions (e.g., Width = 150, Height = 100).

Run the Macro

Press F5 or click the 'Run' button in the toolbar to execute the script. All comment boxes in the active sheet will instantly conform to the new size.

Save as Macro-Enabled: Always test macros on a copy of your data first. Remember to save your file as an Excel Macro-Enabled Workbook (*.xlsm) so the script is preserved for future use.

Solution 2

Manually Resize Individual Comments

If you only have a few comments in your spreadsheet, resizing them manually using the drag-and-drop handles is the quickest approach.

Manage Spreadsheet Comments Easily

Use WPS Spreadsheet to Manage and Format Comments

WPS Spreadsheet provides a highly compatible and user-friendly environment for adding, editing, and managing worksheet comments. It also supports VBA macros for users who need to automate complex formatting tasks like standardizing comment dimensions.

1. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing file.
2. Access Comment Tools: Navigate to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon to find options for inserting and editing comments.
3. Resize Comments: Right-click any commented cell, select 'Edit Comment', and drag the borders to resize. For bulk adjustments, use the Developer tab to run your VBA scripts.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel file formats (.xlsx and .xlsm)Intuitive interface for inserting, editing, and resizing comments seamlesslyRobust VBA macro support to automate repetitive formatting tasksLightweight, fast, and completely free to download

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set a default font size for comments in Excel?

Excel does not have a direct setting for default comment font size. However, you can change it for existing comments by right-clicking the comment border, selecting 'Format Comment', and adjusting the Font settings. For a universal change, you must use a VBA macro.

Why do my Excel comments resize or shrink automatically?

This happens when the comment's properties are set to move and size with the cell. To fix it, right-click the comment border, choose 'Format Comment', go to the 'Properties' tab, and select 'Don't move or size with cells'.

Is it possible to auto-fit a comment box to its text?

Yes. Right-click the comment border, select 'Format Comment', navigate to the 'Alignment' tab, and check the 'Automatic size' box. The comment box will automatically adjust its height and width to fit the text inside.

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