Excel Options Dialog Box

Whenever you need to change some setting of Excel, the go-to place is the Excel Options dialog box. In short, this is where all the important settings that govern how Excel works are stored. So, it’s crucial to be careful when making changes using the Excel Options dialog box.

In this Excel tutorial, you will learn how to open the Excel Options dialog box and the setting features it offers.

Here is an overview image of all the setting options available in the Excel Options dialog box.

overview image of Excel options dialog box


How to Open Excel Options Dialog Box?

If you want to personalize user experience, like adjusting default fonts, worksheet views, or other general preferences, heading to the Excel Options dialog box is the right step. There are two ways you can access the Excel Options dialog box.

Here are the two ways to open the Excel Options dialog box:

1. Using File Tab

Check the following steps to use the File tab to access the Excel Options dialog box:

  1. Go to the File tab.Use File Tab to Show Excel Options Dialog Box Window
  2. Select More… > Options.Use File Tab to Show Excel Options Dialog Box Window

Then, the Excel Options window will pop up.

Use File Tab to Show Excel Options Dialog Box Window

Note
You can press the Alt + F + T keys as the keyboard shortcut.

2. Using VBA Code

To use the VBA code for the Excel Options dialog box, check the following steps:

  1. Go to the Developer tab > Code group >Visual Basic.
    navigating through developer tabThis will open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.
  2. Head to Insert tab > Select Module.insert module
  3. In the module box apply the following code.
    Sub DisplayExcelOptionsWindow()
    Application.CommandBars.ExecuteMso ("ApplicationOptionsDialog")
    End Sub
  4. Now, press Ctrl + S and hit the Run button.

using vba code to open Excel options window

The Excel Options window will appear subsequently.

Read More: How to Create a Dialog Box in Excel


Settings Categories in Excel Options Dialog Box

The Excel Options Dialog Box was introduced with Microsoft Office 2007. Before that Microsoft Office applications used a traditional menu and toolbar system for user interface navigation and customization. Now users can navigate through this dialog box to find various commands and options related to formatting, calculations, preferences, and other aspects of Excel functionality. This is where you can customize and make Excel work just the way you want it to.

The Excel Options dialog box has the following tabs in the left panel to represent different categories of settings.

General Tab

The General tab provides users with settings for the overall Excel environment. You can customize preferences related to user interface options, personalizing the look of Excel. Such as default font styles, worksheet display options, and the number of worksheets in new workbooks.

general tab

Read More: Dialog Box Launcher in Excel


Formulas Tab

The Formulas tab is for working with mathematical calculations and functions in Excel. It offers settings related to formula calculation options, error checking, and iteration. You can adjust calculation options, control error-checking rules, and tweak calculation methods to suit specific needs.

formulas tab


Data Tab

The Data tab in Excel Options helps to customize settings related to data handling and analysis. This includes configuration options for sorting and filtering, as well as default settings for importing and exporting data.

data tab


Proofing Tab

The Proofing tab is for users who are concerned with document correctness. It encompasses spelling and grammar-checking options, autocorrect settings, and language preferences. You can fine-tune proofing tools to ensure accuracy and professionalism in your documents.

proofing tab


Save Tab

Under the Save tab, you gain control over how Excel saves and manages files. This includes setting default file save locations, choosing file formats, and managing version control.

save tab

Read More: How to Input Dialog Box in Excel VBA


Language Tab

Using the Language tab users can configure language preferences in Excel. This includes choosing the editing language, setting proofing languages, and managing language-related options. You can personalize the language to align with your collaborators.

language tab


Accessibility Tab

In previous versions, it may be named the Ease of Access tab. Generally using this tab you can make your Excel experience soothing and easier. It can give you tips or feedback when using any Excel feature. Even you can enlarge the display font if necessary.

accessibility tab


Advanced Tab

The Advanced tab provides detailed control for advanced Excel users to meet their specific needs. For example, you can change the settings of formula calculation, editing options, and display settings for better visuality and functionality. Besides, you can also configure settings for copy, cut, and paste as well as scrolling options.

It is recommended to use this option if only you have a high level of knowledge and experience in Excel.

advanced tab


Customize Ribbon Tab

You can add, remove, or change the order of tabs and commands on the Ribbon using this tab. This helps you make Excel super convenient by putting your favorite commands right where you can easily find them.

customized ribbon tab


Quick Access Toolbar Tab

The Quick Access Toolbar tab lets users customize the toolbar above the Ribbon. you can choose which commands to display, set the toolbar position, and optimize its functionality. It is a handy feature to use for saving time.

quick access toolbar tab


Add-ins Tab

Using this tab, you can manage Excel add-ins. These add-ins are additional features and tools that can enhance Excel functionality. You can turn on or off these tools or activate the ones you need only.

add ins tab


Trust Center Tab

The Trust Center tab in Excel is very important because it keeps your Excel safe and secure. This tab has settings for things like macros codes to make sure they’re safe, privacy options, and trusted places for your documents. You can set it up to make sure Excel is a safe and trusted place for all your work.

trust center tab


Conclusion

The Excel Options dialog box is pretty handy for everyone, whether you’re just starting with Excel or you’re a pro. It provides a range of features and settings across different tabs, catering to various user needs. Depending on your requirements, you can easily navigate to the required tab and make the necessary changes to ease your work. I hope this article has helped expand your knowledge. If you have any comments, questions, or queries, feel free to reach out. Your feedback is important to us!


Frequently Asked Question

Can I reset Excel options to default settings?

No, there’s no direct Reset option in the Excel Options dialog box. To reset to default settings, you can edit the Windows registry or use Windows PowerShell. Alternatively, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling Excel.

What is the default font setting in Excel?

Calibri is the default font style in Excel with a font size of 11 and black font color.

Can I change the Ribbon in Excel to have my own buttons?

Yes! With the Customize Ribbon tab, you can add, remove, or move tabs and buttons on the Ribbon. This way, you can make Excel look just the way you want it to.


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Lutfor Rahman Shimanto
Lutfor Rahman Shimanto

Lutfor Rahman Shimanto, BSc, Information Technology, Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh, has worked with the ExcelDemy project for over a year. He has written 50+ articles and provided solutions of 100+ comments for ExcelDemy. Currently, he works as an Excel & VBA Developer and provides support and solutions in the ExcelDemy Forum. He has solved 100+ ExcelDemy Forum problems. His work and learning interests are in developing various Excel & VBA and Desktop applications. Outside of work, he enjoys Chess... Read Full Bio

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