Printing gridlines in Excel, including those with empty cells, is a straightforward task. First, you need to enable gridlines in your print settings. Then, you ensure that even the blank cells have visible gridlines when printed. This guide walks you through each step and provides tips to ensure a successful outcome.
How to Print Gridlines in Excel with Empty Cells
This section is designed to help you ensure gridlines, including those around empty cells, are printed in your Excel documents. Follow these steps for a clear printout.
Step 1: Open Your Excel Document
Navigate to the Excel document you want to print.
Make sure your document is open and you have the right sheet selected. If you have multiple sheets, ensure you’re on the correct one.
Step 2: Go to the Page Layout Tab
Click on the ‘Page Layout’ tab located on the Ribbon.
The ‘Page Layout’ tab is where you’ll find various options for how your sheet looks when printed. This is where we’ll enable the gridlines.
Step 3: Check the ‘Print’ Gridlines Option
In the ‘Page Layout’ tab, find and check the ‘Print’ checkbox under the Gridlines section.
This enables the gridlines to be printed. By default, Excel doesn’t print gridlines; you need to enable this option manually.
Step 4: Highlight the Entire Sheet
Click the triangle at the top-left corner of the sheet to select the entire document.
Selecting the entire sheet ensures that all the gridlines, including those around empty cells, are included when printing.
Step 5: Go to ‘File’ and then ‘Print’
Click ‘File’ in the top-left corner and then select ‘Print’ from the menu.
This opens the print settings where you can preview your sheet and make further adjustments if necessary.
Step 6: Preview and Print
In the Print Preview, check that all gridlines are visible. If everything looks good, go ahead and click ‘Print’.
Previewing your document ensures that the gridlines are visible and everything looks as expected before you print.
After completing these steps, your document will have printed gridlines, including those around empty cells, ensuring clarity and readability.
Tips for Printing Gridlines in Excel with Empty Cells
- Ensure your printer settings are configured correctly for best results.
- Use the ‘Print Preview’ option to confirm that all gridlines are visible.
- Check your page margins to ensure nothing gets cut off.
- Save your document before printing to avoid losing any changes.
- Make sure your Excel software is up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the gridlines still don’t print?
Double-check that the ‘Print’ checkbox under Gridlines is checked in the ‘Page Layout’ tab.
Can I customize the appearance of gridlines?
Yes, you can adjust the color and thickness of gridlines under ‘Page Layout’ > ‘Gridlines’.
Do I have to highlight the entire sheet?
Highlighting the entire sheet ensures all gridlines are included, but you can also select specific areas.
Why do my gridlines look different in Print Preview?
This could be due to page margins or print settings. Adjust these settings to correct the appearance.
Can I save the settings for future use?
Yes, once set, these settings will apply to the current sheet. You can create a template for future documents.
Summary
- Open Your Excel Document
- Go to the Page Layout Tab
- Check the ‘Print’ Gridlines Option
- Highlight the Entire Sheet
- Go to ‘File’ and then ‘Print’
- Preview and Print
Conclusion
Printing gridlines in Excel, even with empty cells, ensures your documents are clean and professional. By following the steps outlined, you can avoid the frustration of missing gridlines in your final printout. Remember to use the ‘Print Preview’ feature to confirm everything looks good before you hit ‘Print’. For further reading, check out additional resources on Excel’s official support page. This will help you become even more proficient with Excel’s vast array of features. Happy printing!
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.