SharePoint - Excel File Text Display Issue

Problem

Sometimes Excel files stored in SharePoint display unreadable text when opened in a browser-based viewer. This usually stems from font rendering or caching issues.

Solution

1. Try a private/incognito window or a different browser

   • Open the workbook in an incognito/private window or test it in another supported browser such as Edge, Chrome, or Firefox. This can help rule out browser cache, extensions, or session-related issues.

2. Clear browser cache and site data

   • Clear cached files, cookies, and site data for the browser, then reopen the workbook from SharePoint.

3. Open the file in the Excel desktop app

   • From SharePoint, select Open in desktop app, or download the file and open it locally in Microsoft Excel. Files affected in the browser often display correctly in the desktop application.

4. Test a font change in the workbook

   • If the issue only occurs in Excel for the web, select the affected cells or the entire worksheet and change the font to a standard default such as Calibri. This has resolved the display issue in some cases.

5. Confirm whether the issue is browser-only

   • If the workbook displays correctly in desktop Excel but not in the browser, the issue is likely related to the web rendering environment rather than file corruption.

6. Escalate if the issue continues

   • If the problem persists after browser testing, cache clearing, and desktop-app verification, submit a ticket to Service Desk.