In our previous tutorial, we looked at creating alternating table row colors (zebra striping) to make it easier to read a large spreadsheet. However, if you didn’t want to use one of the existing color schemes, you would be out of luck.
So in this quick tutorial, I’m going to show you how to create your own custom table layout.
First, we are going to start where we did with the last tutorial. That is by clicking on the Format as Table layout button. However, instead of picking one of the items presented, you will want to scroll to the bottom and choose New Table Style.
When you click on this button, a new window will appear. Here you can select any item from the list, to make it look the way you want to look. Simply click on the table element you want to style, then click the format button which beneath the table element list. (You can click on the image to the right to see a larger version.)
Formatting the Style
Clicking on the Format button will open a new window.
From this window you will be presented with a window with three (3) tabs. You will want to click on each element that you want to modify, and then the format. Each element must be handled separately.
Font
This tab will allow you to change the font style (bold, italics, etc.), font size, color, effects, and if it is underlined.
Border
The border allows you define the style of the border, as well as the color, and which side(s) should of the cells should the border appear. There are some presets that make this much faster and easier to work with.
Fill
The fill tab allows you define a background color, and if there is a pattern to the background color. If you click on the Fill Effects button you can even define gradients for your cells.
Quick Tip: Creating a Custom Table Layout in Microsoft Excel was originally found on Access 2 Learn
