Why Does Excel Default to Bottom Alignment

[pjmorris]

As per the title - does anyone have a convincing reason why the default cell alignment (text, number, whatever) is 'Bottom' - its perhaps the most annoying feature of this amazing product - and tedious to change on every spreadsheet I create or use. Tables in Word are Top aligned by default, why is Excel different?

I know how to change the alignment, but its a nuisance that it isn't a default setting.

 

[RoryA]

If it's that annoying for you, you could just change the Normal style in a workbook and save it as your Book.xltx template in the xlstart folder?

 

[footoo]

If it's that annoying for you, you could just change the Normal style in a workbook and save it as your Book.xltx template in the xlstart folder?

Like this : customize the default excel workbook - Google Search

 

[pjmorris]

I have done that - following you're advice - so thank you (I'd tried before and for some reason always got it wrong!).

That still doesn't answer why Excel's authors prefer Bottom to Top, I've never found anyone who likes that arrangement - but found plenty who simply put up with it because they don't know any different and that isn't a justification.

Thanks for the feedback though.

 

[RoryA]

Conversely, I like it and have never encountered anyone who had an issue with it, until now.

 

[pjmorris]

I guess the only thing I can say to that is 'isn't it a good job we're all different!' (though clearly you're wrong )

 

[footoo]

I guess the only thing I can say to that is 'isn't it a good job we're all different!' (though clearly you're wrong )

You're both wrong! Centre alignment is the way to go.