Adding borders in Excel 2013 is a straightforward process. All you need to do is select the cells you want to add borders to, navigate to the “Home” tab, click on the “Borders” button in the “Font” group, and choose the border style you prefer. With these simple steps, you can make your Excel sheets look more organized and professional.
After you complete this action, your selected cells will have borders according to your chosen style. This can help to visually separate data, making your spreadsheet easier to read and understand.
Introduction
When it comes to presenting data clearly and cleanly, Excel is a powerhouse. But let’s face it, sometimes spreadsheets can look a bit…dull. That’s where borders come in! They’re the unsung heroes of data organization, adding a touch of style and clarity to your work. Whether you’re a student trying to impress with a school project, a business professional presenting financial reports, or just someone who loves a well-organized grocery list, knowing how to add borders in Excel 2013 is a game-changer.
Imagine this: your boss needs those sales figures, and they need them yesterday. You’ve got the data, but it’s a sea of numbers. What do you do? Throw in some borders! Suddenly, your data pops. It’s not just numbers anymore; it’s a well-defined set of information that screams professionalism. And the best part? It’s super easy to do. So buckle up, data warriors, we’re about to make your spreadsheets sing with the magic of borders!
Step by Step Tutorial
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what we’re about to do. Adding borders in Excel helps to differentiate between sections of your spreadsheet, making it easier to read and more visually appealing. Now, let’s get those borders set!
Step 1: Select cells
Select the cells to which you want to add borders.
Selecting cells is like picking your canvas. You decide where the masterpiece of organization will begin. Click and drag to select multiple cells or Ctrl+click to select individual cells that are not adjacent.
Step 2: Open the Borders menu
Click on the “Borders” button in the “Font” group of the “Home” tab.
This step is like opening your toolbox; it’s where your border options live. From simple lines to fancy double borders, this menu has it all. The “Borders” button looks like a square with lines representing borders.
Step 3: Choose border style
Select your desired border style from the dropdown menu.
You’re the artist, and the border style is your brushstroke. Maybe you need a thick line for emphasis or a dashed line for a subtle separation. Choose what works best for your data masterpiece.
Step 4: Apply the borders
Click on your chosen border style to apply it to the selected cells.
And just like that, with a single click, your spreadsheet has been transformed. The borders you’ve chosen are now applied, bringing clarity and style to your data.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Readability | Borders make data easier to read by creating distinct separations between different sections. This is particularly useful in large spreadsheets with lots of information. |
| Professional Appearance | A well-organized spreadsheet with borders looks professional and can make a great impression in a business setting. |
| Customization | Excel 2013 offers a variety of border styles, allowing you to customize your spreadsheet to fit your needs or preferences. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Overuse can be cluttering | Using too many borders or overly decorative styles can make a spreadsheet look cluttered and confusing rather than organized. |
| Print concerns | Borders may not always print as they appear on the screen, which could lead to issues when sharing hard copies. |
| Time-consuming | If you’re working with a large spreadsheet, adding borders to multiple sections can be time-consuming, especially if you’re customizing different styles for each section. |
Additional Information
While adding borders in Excel 2013 is a relatively simple process, there are a few additional tips and tricks that can enhance your bordering experience. For instance, did you know you can copy border styles from one set of cells to another using the Format Painter tool? This can be a huge time-saver when dealing with large datasets.
Also, consider the color of your borders. While black is the default, changing the color of your borders can add another layer of organization. For example, you could use different colors to indicate different data categories or priorities.
Lastly, don’t forget about cell padding. While Excel doesn’t have a direct option for this like in HTML or CSS, you can mimic padding by adjusting the alignment settings and text indentations of your cells. This can help prevent your text from looking cramped against your newly added borders.
Incorporating these additional bits of knowledge will ensure that your use of borders in Excel 2013 is not just effective, but efficient and aesthetically pleasing as well.
Summary
- Select the cells you want to add borders to.
- Click on the “Borders” button in the “Font” group of the “Home” tab.
- Choose your desired border style from the dropdown menu.
- Apply the borders by clicking on your chosen style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add borders to non-adjacent cells?
Yes, you can add borders to non-adjacent cells by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on the individual cells you want to select.
How do I remove borders from a cell?
To remove borders, select the cells with the borders you want to remove, go to the “Borders” button in the “Font” group, and choose “No Border” from the dropdown menu.
Can I customize the color of the borders?
Absolutely! After opening the “Borders” dropdown menu, click on “More Borders” and you’ll find options to customize the color and width of your borders.
Is it possible to add borders to the entire worksheet?
Yes, you can add borders to the entire worksheet by clicking the corner button above row numbers and to the left of column letters to select all cells, and then applying the desired border style.
Can I add diagonal borders within a cell?
Yes, diagonal borders can be added through the “More Borders” option, where you’ll find diagonal border options to apply to your selected cells.
Conclusion
Mastering how to add borders in Excel 2013 is like adding an arrow to your quiver of data presentation skills. It’s a simple yet powerful way to elevate the organization and aesthetic appeal of your spreadsheets. While the process is straightforward, the impact is significant, leading to enhanced readability and a professional appearance. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned Excel user, the ability to customize borders to your liking is a skill that can set your spreadsheets apart.
Remember, while borders are fantastic, they are but one tool in the grand arsenal of Excel features. Combine them with other formatting tools, such as cell shading and font choices, to create truly standout spreadsheets. Now go forth, add those borders, and watch as your data transforms from mundane to magnificent!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.