Default cell format is "Date" - I want to change it to "General" - how do I do it globally

**AGPLily** · 07-10-2015, 05:52 AM

Hi Forum

Hoping someone can help out

I have an excel workbook that has many sheets in it - and is a tool I use

Somehow - at some point - every non specified cell in the workbook - defaults to the formatting style of "Date" - this is really frustrating whenever I want to enter a new formula in a new cell - I have to change all the new cells to "General" or "Number" format - is there some way to change all non specified or 'empty' cells to "General"?

Would really appreciate any advice

Thanks
Lily

**daffodil11** · 07-10-2015, 01:24 PM

You have some options:

1. Blanket Format everything General (this will mess up your dates)
2. Run Code to check every cell is empty, and if so make it General (this will take forever since there 17 billion cells per worksheet)
3. Run Code on significantly less cells, say maybe a . This will take a few seconds or less and make life more bearable.

To use the code below, go to Excel, hit Alt+F11, Insert->Module, and paste the code below. Once you make any revisions as needed, hit F5 to run the code.

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**AGPLily** · 07-14-2015, 05:41 AM

Thank you Daffodil1 - much appreciated! worked like a bought one!!!

**AGPLily** · 07-14-2015, 05:50 AM

By the way - this is my very first post on this site - and you were very helpful - I think I have successfully given you 'reputation' but I cannot see HOW to mark it as "SOLVED" can someone help me out?

**AGPLily** · 07-14-2015, 05:51 AM

SOLVED! I just discovered it!!!!
thanks

**daffodil11** · 07-16-2015, 10:14 AM

Awesome! Glad I could help out.

Default cell format is "Date" - I want to change it to "General" - how do I do it globally

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Default cell format is "Date" - I want to change it to "General" - how do I do it globally

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