Ever been bugged by that pesky grid in Excel that just won’t go away? You know, the one that’s always cramping your style when you’re trying to create a clean, white background for your spreadsheet. Well, fear not! I’m here to guide you through the simple steps to achieve that crisp, clean look in Excel 2016.
Step by Step Tutorial: Making an Excel White Background in Excel 2016
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what we’re aiming to achieve here. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to remove all the gridlines from your Excel spreadsheet, leaving you with a blank white canvas to work on. This is perfect for when you’re creating a presentation or a report and need that professional touch.
Step 1: Open your Excel Workbook
Open the Excel workbook where you want to create a white background.
Once you’ve got your workbook open, make sure you’re on the worksheet where you want to remove the gridlines. You can do this by clicking on the relevant tab at the bottom of the Excel window.
Step 2: Navigate to the ‘View’ Tab
Click on the ‘View’ tab on the Excel ribbon.
The ‘View’ tab is located at the top of the Excel window, alongside other tabs like ‘Home’, ‘Insert’, and ‘Page Layout’. Clicking on it will display various options related to how you view your Excel sheet.
Step 3: Uncheck the ‘Gridlines’ Box
In the ‘Show’ group, uncheck the ‘Gridlines’ checkbox.
You’ll find the ‘Show’ group on the left side of the ribbon under the ‘View’ tab. Unchecking the ‘Gridlines’ checkbox will immediately remove the gridlines from your current worksheet.
Step 4: Change the Background Color to White
If necessary, change the background color of the cells to white.
Sometimes, even after you’ve removed the gridlines, the cells may not be pure white. To change this, go to the ‘Home’ tab, click on the ‘Bucket’ icon, and select ‘White’ from the color options.
After completing these steps, your Excel worksheet will have a clean, white background, free from any gridlines. This will give your sheet a more polished and professional look, perfect for any reports or presentations you may be working on.
Tips for Maintaining an Excel White Background in Excel 2016
- Always save your work after making changes to the background, so you don’t lose your white canvas.
- Use colored fonts and borders to add contrast to your white background and make your data stand out.
- Remember that the white background will only apply to the current worksheet, so you’ll need to repeat these steps for other worksheets if needed.
- Consider creating a template with a white background that you can use for future projects.
- Check the print preview before printing to ensure your white background looks as expected on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I bring back the gridlines if I change my mind?
To bring back the gridlines, simply go back to the ‘View’ tab and check the ‘Gridlines’ box again.
Will removing gridlines affect my data?
No, removing gridlines is purely a visual change and won’t affect the data or functionality of your Excel sheet.
Can I make the background a different color?
Yes, you can select any color you want for the background by using the ‘Bucket’ icon in the ‘Home’ tab.
What if I only want to remove gridlines from a specific area of my worksheet?
You can select the specific cells where you want to remove the gridlines and follow the same steps to change the background color to white for those cells only.
Can I remove gridlines in Excel versions other than 2016?
Yes, the process is similar in other versions of Excel, although the exact steps and layout of the ribbon may vary slightly.
Summary
- Open your Excel workbook.
- Click on the ‘View’ tab.
- Uncheck the ‘Gridlines’ box.
- Change the cell background color to white if necessary.
Conclusion
Creating an Excel white background in Excel 2016 is a simple process that can vastly improve the visual appeal of your spreadsheets. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or just someone who loves organization, mastering this skill is a game-changer. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your data pop against that clean, white backdrop. Not only does it make your work look sharper, but it also provides a blank canvas for you to present your information in a clear and concise way.
With the easy steps I’ve outlined and the helpful tips provided, you’re now equipped to take your Excel skills up a notch. And remember, if you ever find yourself in a gridlock, a white background is just a few clicks away.
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.