Showing the ruler in Excel 2016 is a breeze and comes in handy when you’re trying to align text, images, or other elements in a spreadsheet. By following a few simple steps, you can display the ruler at the top and left side of your Excel worksheet, which can help you measure and line up your content with precision. Let’s dive in and learn how to do it!
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Show Ruler in Excel 2016
Before we get started, it’s important to note that the ruler is a feature that is available when you’re in Page Layout view. This view gives you a more accurate representation of how your spreadsheet will look when printed, including margins, headers, and footers.
Step 1: Open Excel 2016
Open your Excel 2016 application and select the worksheet where you want to display the ruler.
Once you have Excel open, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step. Make sure you’re in the correct worksheet where you want the ruler to appear.
Step 2: Switch to Page Layout View
Click on the “View” tab in the Ribbon, then select “Page Layout” from the Workbook Views group.
After clicking on “Page Layout,” your worksheet will switch to a view that shows how your spreadsheet will look on a printed page. This view is essential for displaying the ruler.
Step 3: Show the Ruler
The ruler should automatically appear at the top and left side of your worksheet in Page Layout view.
If you don’t see the ruler, it may be hidden. Look for the “Ruler” checkbox in the “Show” group under the “View” tab and make sure it’s ticked. This will ensure the ruler is visible on your worksheet.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the ruler will be visible, and you can start aligning your content with precision.
Tips: How to Show Ruler in Excel 2016
- Make sure you’re in Page Layout view; the ruler won’t display in Normal or Page Break Preview views.
- If the ruler isn’t showing, check the “Show” group under the “View” tab to ensure the “Ruler” option is checked.
- Use the ruler to align text boxes, images, and other elements in your spreadsheet.
- You can also use the ruler to set precise column widths and row heights.
- If you’re working on a laptop or a smaller screen, you might need to zoom out to see the entire ruler.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Show Ruler in Excel 2016
How do I switch to Page Layout view in Excel 2016?
Click on the “View” tab in the Ribbon and then select “Page Layout” from the Workbook Views group to switch to Page Layout view.
Can I use the ruler in Excel to measure in inches or centimeters?
Yes, you can use the ruler to measure in inches or centimeters depending on your Excel settings. Go to “File” > “Options” > “Advanced” and scroll down to “Display” to change the unit of measurement.
What if the ruler is not appearing after I switch to Page Layout view?
Ensure that the “Ruler” checkbox in the “Show” group under the “View” tab is ticked. This will make the ruler visible on your worksheet.
Can I show the ruler in Excel 2016 on a Mac?
Yes, the steps to show the ruler in Excel 2016 on a Mac are the same as on Windows.
Can I customize the ruler in Excel 2016?
While you can’t customize the ruler itself, you can change the unit of measurement, as mentioned earlier, to fit your preferences.
Summary: How to Show Ruler in Excel 2016
- Open Excel 2016.
- Switch to Page Layout View.
- Show the Ruler.
Conclusion: How to Show Ruler in Excel 2016
Congratulations! You now know how to show the ruler in Excel 2016, which is a simple yet powerful tool to enhance the appearance and precision of your spreadsheets. Whether you’re working on a complex financial report or a simple task list, having the ruler visible can make aligning and organizing your content a whole lot easier.
Remember, the key is to switch to Page Layout view, where the ruler is designed to aid with page setup and formatting for printing. Once you have the ruler up, you can confidently adjust your content, ensuring everything is perfectly aligned and polished.
And while you’re at it, why not explore other formatting features that Excel has to offer? From cell styles to conditional formatting, there’s a whole world of options to make your data not only accurate but visually compelling as well. So, what are you waiting for? Show that ruler and take your Excel skills to the next level!
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.