Removing table formatting in Excel is a breeze once you know the steps. Essentially, you just need to select the table you want to un-format, go to the ‘Design’ tab, and choose ‘Convert to Range.’ After this, you can clear all the formatting with a few more clicks. Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
Step by Step Tutorial: Removing Table Formatting in Excel
Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re doing. Removing table formatting in Excel doesn’t delete your data. Instead, it changes your table back into a normal range of cells without the table features like filters or styles.
Step 1: Select the Table
Select any cell within the table you want to remove formatting from.
Selecting the table is crucial because Excel needs to know what data you’re working with. If you have multiple tables, make sure to click the one you want to change.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Design’ Tab
With the table selected, the ‘Design’ tab will appear in the ribbon. Click on it.
The ‘Design’ tab is part of Excel’s Table Tools. It only appears when a table is selected, and it’s where you can alter your table’s design and formatting options.
Step 3: Click ‘Convert to Range’
In the ‘Design’ tab, locate and click the ‘Convert to Range’ button.
Clicking ‘Convert to Range’ will prompt a confirmation dialog box. This is Excel’s way of making sure you really want to convert the table back to a normal range.
Step 4: Confirm the Conversion
When the dialog box appears, click ‘Yes’ to confirm that you want to convert the table to a range.
After you confirm, Excel will remove the table features but the formatting will remain. Your data is still safe and sound, just without the table perks.
Step 5: Clear All Formatting (Optional)
If you want to remove the remaining styles, go to the ‘Home’ tab, click ‘Clear’ and choose ‘Clear Formats’.
This step is optional. Maybe you just didn’t like the table features but you want to keep that snazzy formatting. If not, clearing the formats will restore the default Excel look.
After completing these actions, your data will no longer be in a table format. It will be a normal range of cells that you can work with as you please.
Tips for Removing Table Formatting in Excel
- Always make sure you’re working with the correct table to avoid accidental data changes.
- Remember that ‘Convert to Range’ doesn’t delete your data or the styling, it just removes the table features.
- If you change your mind, you can always reformat your data back into a table.
- Use the ‘Undo’ feature (Ctrl + Z) if you accidentally remove the table formatting and want to go back.
- Keep in mind that any formulas or references to the table may need to be adjusted after removing the table formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing table formatting delete my data?
No, it only converts the table back to a standard range of cells, keeping your data intact.
Can I reapply table formatting after removing it?
Absolutely! Just select the range and use the ‘Format as Table’ option under the ‘Home’ tab.
Will my formulas still work after removing table formatting?
Formulas will still work, but you may need to adjust references if they were pointing to table-specific elements.
Can I remove table formatting from multiple tables at once?
You’ll need to repeat the process for each table individually. There’s no built-in feature to un-format several tables at once.
What happens to slicers or table filters after removing the formatting?
They will be removed along with other table features when you convert to a range.
Summary
- Select the table.
- Go to the ‘Design’ tab.
- Click ‘Convert to Range’.
- Confirm the conversion.
- Clear all formatting (optional).
Conclusion
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge on how to remove table formatting in Excel, you can easily manage your data without the constraints of table features. This skill is handy, especially when dealing with data that no longer requires the structure or special capabilities of a table. Remember, Excel is a powerful tool and understanding how to manipulate data to your liking is key to harnessing its full potential. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or just someone who loves organizing data, knowing how to remove table formatting in Excel is a useful trick to have up your sleeve.
As you continue to explore Excel, you’ll find that it’s full of surprises and hidden functionalities. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different features and tools. And if you ever get stuck, there are plenty of resources and communities online that can help you out. So go ahead, play around with that spreadsheet, and turn your data into insights!
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.