How can I set InDesign top and bottom cell inset default values for Excel imported tables?

Question

I need to import Excel tables into InDesign CS6.

In order to get the text to be visible (no red dots indicating hidden text), I have to change the top and bottom Cell Insets within InDesign to zero since they are set on 1,411mm by default (see picture attached).

I've created a cell style to remove the inset. However, because I have a large amount of tables, setting the cell style manually is a problem.

Is there a way to set these cell styles as defaults or to have the Excel import recognize the cell style upon import?

Answer 1

Set up a Cell Style with the options you want, if you don't already have one created....

Then Double click the default [Basic Table] Style in that panel. Set the appropriate rows to use your Cell Style:

Then when you import the Excel table, be certain to check the Import Options item and set the import to use the Basic Table style.

Caveat: In many cases it's best to not rely on "default" styles because doing so may result in changes later you do not intend. Ideally you would create a new table style which uses your Cell Style, then tell the imported Excel document to use that unique style.