Microsoft Excel is a robust tool for data manipulation. However, one issue that users often face is Excel’s tendency to automatically change the date format. This auto-formatting can be really frustrating if you want to keep the original date format. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to stop Excel from changing the date format.
Why Does Excel Change the Date Format?
Excel is programmed to make your work easier. It uses a default date format based on your regional settings. So, when you input a date in a different format, Excel automatically converts it into the default format. While this feature can be helpful, it can also cause confusion if you want to maintain a specific date format.
How to Stop Excel from Changing the Date Format
To prevent Excel from auto-formatting dates, you can use the following method. We’ll use the text function wrapped in a formula. This will override Excel’s automatic date formatting.
Step 1: Select the Cells
The first step is to select the cells that contain the dates you want to keep in a specific format.
Step 2: Apply the Text Function
After selecting the cells, apply the text function as follows:
=TEXT(A1, "dd-mm-yy")
In this formula, A1 is the cell with the date, and “dd-mm-yy” is the date format you want to use. You can replace it with any other date format as per your requirement.
Step 3: Drag the Formula Down
If you have more than one date, simply drag this formula down to apply it to other cells.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can easily stop Excel from changing the date format. Remember, it’s all about taking control and customizing Excel to suit your needs. If Excel’s auto-formatting feature is causing more confusion than convenience, don’t hesitate to override it.