How to Add Gridlines in Excel 2016: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Michael Collins

Adding gridlines in Excel 2016 is a quick and easy process that can help improve the readability of your spreadsheets. With just a few clicks, you can make your data stand out and easier to analyze. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to get those gridlines up and running!

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Add Gridlines in Excel 2016

Before we start, it’s important to know that adding gridlines will help you to visually separate your data, making it easier to read and understand at a glance. Let’s get those lines added!

Step 1: Open your Excel 2016 application

Open the Excel spreadsheet where you want to add gridlines.

Step 2: Click on the ‘View’ tab

On the ribbon at the top, click on the ‘View’ tab to reveal various viewing options.

Step 3: Check the ‘Gridlines’ box

In the ‘Show’ group, you will see a checkbox labeled ‘Gridlines’. Click on it to add gridlines to your spreadsheet.

After you complete these actions, your Excel 2016 spreadsheet will display gridlines in every cell, making it easier to differentiate between data points.

Tips for Adding Gridlines in Excel 2016

  • Ensure that your spreadsheet is in ‘Normal’ view mode; gridlines won’t show in ‘Page Layout’ or ‘Page Break Preview’.
  • If printing, make sure to adjust your print settings to include gridlines, as they do not print by default.
  • Customize your gridlines’ color by going to ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Advanced’ and scrolling down to ‘Display options for this worksheet’.
  • Use the ‘Borders’ option under the ‘Home’ tab for more control over which cells have gridlines.
  • Remember that gridlines will not show on cells with a background color unless you set borders for those cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove gridlines from my Excel 2016 spreadsheet?

To remove gridlines, simply uncheck the ‘Gridlines’ box under the ‘View’ tab.

Can I print gridlines in Excel 2016?

Yes, but you must adjust your print settings. Go to ‘File’ > ‘Print’ > ‘Page Setup’ and under the ‘Sheet’ tab, check ‘Gridlines’.

Why can’t I see gridlines on my Excel spreadsheet?

Ensure you’re in ‘Normal’ view mode and the ‘Gridlines’ checkbox is checked. If cells have a background color, gridlines may not be visible unless you add borders.

Can I change the color of gridlines in Excel 2016?

Yes, go to ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Advanced’ and under ‘Display options for this worksheet’, select a new color for gridlines.

Are gridlines the same as borders in Excel 2016?

No, gridlines are for screen display only and do not print unless specified, while borders are formatting options that can print and are visible regardless of the cell’s background color.

Summary

  1. Open Excel 2016 and select the spreadsheet.
  2. Click on the ‘View’ tab in the ribbon.
  3. Check the ‘Gridlines’ box in the ‘Show’ group.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks – a straightforward guide on how to add gridlines in Excel 2016. Whether you’re a seasoned Excel user or just getting started, gridlines are a fantastic tool to enhance the clarity of your data. They help you to maintain clean, organized sheets that are easy on the eyes and make data analysis a breeze.

If you’re looking to improve your Excel skills further, consider exploring other features like conditional formatting, pivot tables, or macros. These powerful tools can save you time and provide deeper insights into your data. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to play around with these features to see what works best for you.

Adding gridlines may seem like a small step, but it’s details like these that can make a huge difference in the professionalism and functionality of your spreadsheets. Go ahead and give it a try – your data deserves to be seen in the best light possible!