Putting border lines around each cell in Excel is a simple process. First, select the cells you want to add borders to. Then, go to the ‘Home’ tab, click on the ‘Borders’ button, and choose the type of border you want to apply from the drop-down menu. You can choose from a variety of border styles, such as ‘All Borders’, ‘Outside Borders’, or ‘Thick Box Border’. Once you’ve made your selection, the borders will be applied to the selected cells.
After you complete this action, the selected cells in your Excel spreadsheet will have visible border lines around them. This can help organize your data and make it easier to read and understand.
Introduction
Excel is a powerhouse when it comes to organizing data, and one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to make your spreadsheets more readable is by adding border lines around each cell. Not only do borders help to visually separate data, but they also give your spreadsheet a clean and professional look. Whether you’re a student working on a project, a business professional analyzing data, or just trying to keep your personal budget in check, knowing how to put border lines around each cell in Excel is a valuable skill.
Borders in Excel can be applied to individual cells, a range of cells, or entire rows and columns. They can be customized to different styles and colors, allowing for personalization and emphasis on important data. This guide will walk you through the steps to add border lines to your cells, making your Excel spreadsheets stand out.
Step by Step Tutorial: Putting Border Lines around Each Cell in Excel
Before we start, make sure you have your Excel spreadsheet open and the data you want to add borders to is clearly identified.
Step 1: Select the cells
Click and drag to select the cells you want to border.
Selecting the cells is the first crucial step. Make sure you include all the cells you want to border. You can select a range by clicking and dragging, or by holding the ‘Shift’ key and using the arrow keys.
Step 2: Access the Border Menu
Go to the ‘Home’ tab, and click on the ‘Borders’ button.
In the ‘Home’ tab on the Excel ribbon, you’ll see a section for ‘Font’. Here’s where you’ll find the ‘Borders’ button. Clicking on it will open a drop-down menu with several border options.
Step 3: Choose the Border Style
Select the border style you want to apply from the drop-down menu.
You can choose from a range of border styles, such as ‘All Borders’, ‘Outside Borders’, or ‘Thick Box Border’. Each option applies the border differently, so pick the one that suits your needs.
Step 4: Apply the Borders
Click on the chosen border style to apply it to the selected cells.
After choosing the border style, simply click on it, and Excel will apply the borders to the selected cells. And that’s it, you now have bordered cells!
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Improved Readability | Borders help to separate data, making the spreadsheet easier to read and navigate. |
| Professional Appearance | A well-organized spreadsheet with borders looks clean and professional. |
| Customization | Excel offers a variety of border styles and colors for personalization. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Time-Consuming | Applying borders to a large number of cells can be time-consuming if done individually. |
| Printing Issues | Borders can cause printing issues if they are not properly aligned with the page setup. |
| Overuse Clutter | Too many borders can make a spreadsheet appear cluttered and overwhelming. |
Additional Information
When it comes to putting border lines around each cell in Excel, there are a few additional tips and insights that can help streamline the process. For instance, if you need to apply borders to a large range of cells frequently, consider using the Format Painter tool. It allows you to copy the formatting from one cell or range and apply it to another with just a few clicks.
Also, if you’re looking for more advanced options, you can create custom borders by clicking on ‘More Borders’ at the bottom of the borders drop-down menu. This opens up a dialog box where you can select custom border styles, colors, and even add diagonal lines within the cells.
Remember, while borders are a great way to organize your data, it’s important not to go overboard. Too many borders or overly complex designs can actually make your spreadsheet harder to read. Use borders judiciously to highlight important information or to define sections within your data.
Summary
- Select the cells you want to border.
- Go to the ‘Home’ tab, and click on the ‘Borders’ button.
- Choose the border style from the drop-down menu.
- Apply the chosen border style to the selected cells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply different border styles to different sides of a cell?
Yes, you can apply different border styles to different sides of a cell by clicking on ‘More Borders’ and customizing the settings in the ‘Format Cells’ dialogue box.
Can I remove borders from cells?
Absolutely, to remove borders, select the cells, go to the ‘Borders’ button, and choose ‘No Border’.
Will the borders be visible when I print the spreadsheet?
Yes, borders will be visible when printed, but ensure that your page setup aligns with the border settings to avoid printing issues.
Can I apply borders to merged cells?
Yes, borders can be applied to merged cells in the same way as single cells.
How do I copy border styles from one cell to another?
Use the Format Painter tool by selecting the cell with the desired border, click on the Format Painter, and then click on the cell where you want to apply the border.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of putting border lines around each cell in Excel can significantly enhance the readability and appearance of your spreadsheets. Whether it’s for personal use or professional presentations, a well-formatted Excel document speaks volumes about your attention to detail and organizational skills.
Remember to use borders strategically to emphasize the most crucial parts of your data and avoid making your spreadsheet look too busy. With this guide, you’re well on your way to creating clean, professional-looking spreadsheets that stand out for all the right reasons. Keep practicing, explore the custom options, and soon you’ll be an Excel formatting pro!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.