How to create and customize Excel templates?

To create and customize Excel templates, follow these steps:

1. Open Excel and create a new workbook.
2. Customize the workbook by adding headings, labels, and formatting as desired. This customization will serve as the foundation for the template.
3. Remove any sample data or information that is specific to the current project or analysis.
4. Save the workbook as a template file by clicking "File" in the menu bar, then selecting "Save As." Choose "Excel Template (*.xltx)" from the drop-down menu in the "Save as type" field. Give your template a name and click "Save."
5. To apply the template to create a new workbook, go to "File" and select "New." Click on "Personal" or "Custom" to locate and choose your saved template. A new workbook will be created based on the template, preserving the design and formatting you customized.
6. Customize template options by modifying the default settings. For instance, if you frequently work with specific formatting styles or calculations, you can customize the template by defining these styles or formulas as default settings.
7. Modify the template's layout, colors, and fonts by selecting the relevant cells or range of cells, then applying formatting changes through the "Home" tab.
8. Add formulas or functions to automate calculations in the template. Use formulas specific to your needs, either by typing them directly into the cells or using the formula bar at the top of the Excel window.
9. Consider protecting certain cells or ranges in the template to prevent accidental changes. Right-click on the desired cells, select "Format Cells," navigate to the "Protection" tab, and check the "Locked" box. Then, go to the "Review" tab and click "Protect Sheet" to set a password if needed.
10. Add drop-down lists or data validation to control input values in specific cells. Select the desired cells, go to the "Data" tab, and click on "Data Validation." Set up your desired validation rules or create a list of allowed values.
11. Save and update the template as needed. Whenever you make changes to your template, be sure to save it. You can update the template file directly by overwriting the existing file or save it as a new template with a different name to create an alternative version.
12. Share your customized Excel templates with others by sending them the template file (.xltx) via email or sharing it on a shared network location. Others can then create new workbooks based on your template by following the instructions in step 5.