Creating alternating colors in Excel can be a fun way to add a little visual interest to your data. By using the Color Scheme feature in Excel, you can easily create a variety of colors that will look great together.
Alternating Row and Column Colors and Other Formatting Options in Excel
How to alternate colors in Excel
Here is a nifty way to alternate colors in Excel:
1. Select the range of cells you want to color, and then choose the Home tab.
- In the Clipboard section, click the Cell Format button, and then choose Alternate Cells.
- In the Alternate Cells dialog box, specify the colors you want to use, and then click OK.
The benefits of alternating colors in Excel
There are a few benefits to using alternating colors in Excel.
First, it can help to focus your attention. When you have different colors all working together, it can be harder to get lost in the spreadsheet.
Second, it can help to keep things organized. When everything is colored differently, it’s easier to see what’s going on.
Last but not least, it can help to increase your productivity. When you’re working on a spreadsheet with alternating colors, you’re more likely to be productive because you’re not going to be distracted by the colors.
How to make your own color scheme in Excel
There are a few ways to make a color scheme in Excel. You can use the Color palette, the fill tool, or the Format Cells dialog box.
1. Use the Color palette. The Color palette is located on the Home tab. To open it, click the Palette button on the ribbon, or press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Command+P (Mac).
2. To use the Color palette, first click the color you want to use as the background. Then, click the color you want to use as the foreground.
3. To use the fill tool, click the fill tool in the toolbar, or press F3 (Windows) or F5 (Mac).
4. To use the Format Cells dialog box, first click the Format tab, and then click the Cells button.
5. In the Cells dialog box, click the Format button, and then click the Colors button.
6. In the Colors dialog box, click the arrow next to the color you want to use as the background. Then, click the color you want to use as the foreground.
7. Click OK to close the Cells dialog box.
8. To save your color scheme, click the File tab, and then click the Save button. In the File Name field, type a name for your color scheme, and then click Save.
9. If you want to use your color scheme in a different document
The pros and cons of alternating colors in Excel
There are many benefits to using alternating colors in Excel, both as a formatting tool and as a way to improve legibility.
Formatting
Alternating colors can be a great way to highlight certain data points or to create a more aesthetically pleasing presentation. For example, you could use alternating colors to create a colorful chart or graph, or to divide a complex spreadsheet into manageable chunks.
Legibility
Alternating colors can also help to improve legibility in Excel. By using different shades of the same color, you can increase the chances that your data will be easily recognizable. This is especially important when you’re working with large chunks of data, as it can be difficult to follow a complex spreadsheet if it’s difficult to see individual cells.
How to alternate colors in Excel
To alternate colors in Excel, you first need to select the column of data that you want to change. Next, choose the formatting toolbar, and select the alternating color option. You can then select the cells that you want to color in, and hit OK.
How to get the most out of alternating colors in Excel
The most common use of alternating colors in Excel is to create a contrasting background for charts, tables, and other diagrams. There are a few things you can do to get the most out of this feature:
1. Use a variety of colors. For more impact, try using a mix of bright and dark colors.
2. Use different shades of the same color. This will create a more subtle effect.
3. Use different colors to highlight different elements in your workbook.
4. Use the Color Scheme feature to create a consistent look across your workbook.
5. Use the Fill feature to fill in areas with a specific color.
6. Use the Background feature to create a solid color background.
7. Use the Picture feature to insert images that will use different colors.
8. Use the CustomFormats feature to create your own formats with alternating colors.
9. Experiment! Don’t be afraid to try different color combinations and see what looks best.
Conclusion
Excel allows you to alternate colors in your worksheet cells. This can be helpful if you want to create a visually interesting worksheet.
