Forum Discussion
Unwanted format changes on Excel worksheet in SharePoint
Hello - I've been working successfully with an Excel worksheet (.XLSX extension) that is published to SharePoint and has multiple Users viewing/updating data on this worksheet every day. Today, columns on this worksheet keep reverting back to varying widths (some way too wide and others way too narrow) despite going into the worksheet, re-formatting the column widths and saving the document. Other worksheets in the same workbook so far do not exhibit this behavior and are maintaining the desired column formatting (i.e., proper widths).
I cannot figure out what is causing this unwanted formatting to happen and it has not happened before. I'm guessing this is an Excel issue, but might the SharePoint component be a factor as well?
What are the potential causes of this, and what can I do to make the desired formatting remain and not revert back to the unwanted formatting?
Thank you!
2 Replies
This is not a SharePoint problem — SharePoint just stores the file. The issue is caused by Excel itself, specifically when multiple people edit the same file in different ways (Desktop vs. Web vs. Mobile).
Most Likely Causes
Cause
What Happens
Mixed editing environments
Desktop, Web, and Mobile versions apply column widths differently — they conflict during sync.
Data refresh auto-adjust
If data comes from an external source, Excel may auto-resize columns to fit new data.
Excel Tables
Tables can override manual column width settings.
Coauthoring conflicts
The last person to save may unintentionally overwrite others' formatting.
Screen size differences
Excel for the Web renders widths differently depending on screen size, causing visual "bouncing."
Fixes — Try in This Order
Fix 1 — Disable Auto Width Adjustment (if using external data)
Open file in Excel Desktop → click inside your data table → Table Design tab → Properties → under Usage, uncheck "Adjust column width" → Save.
Fix 2 — Save the SharePoint View
If viewing through a SharePoint list: adjust column widths → click view dropdown → "Save view as" → overwrite with same name. This makes your widths the default for everyone.
Fix 3 — Check for Excel Tables
Click in the affected area. If you see a Table Design tab, go to it → Convert to Range. This removes Table-specific formatting overrides.
Fix 4 — Stick to One Editing Environment
Mixed editing is the #1 cause. Choose Excel for the Web only (more stable for collaboration) or Excel Desktop only (more formatting control). Ask your team to use the same.
Fix 5 — Reset Formatting
If nothing works: open in Excel Desktop → select all (Ctrl+A) → Home → Clear → Clear Formats → reapply column widths manually → Save.
Quick Summary
Do This
Avoid This
Use the same Excel environment consistently.
Switching between Desktop, Web, and Mobile.
Save SharePoint views after adjusting widths.
Assuming changes "stick" automatically.
Disable "Adjust column width" in query properties.
Using Wrap Text or Merged Cells in shared columns.
Convert Tables to ranges if not needed.
Letting multiple users edit without a consistent approach.
Bottom Line
If all else fails, the most reliable solution is:
Open in Excel Desktop, set your column widths, save, then have everyone use Excel for the Web only for editing.
This gives you the formatting control of Desktop with the collaboration stability of the Web version.
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
Was the answer useful? Mark as best response and like it!
This will help all forum participants.
Take this, you may consider “Open in Excel” (desktop app) to preserve formatting or adjust widths directly in the SharePoint Online view, learn.microsoft.com/en-sg/answers/questions/5214765/sharepoint-file-and-media-excel-column-widths-are
