Excel > Excel 2003 Foundation > Formatting a Worksheet

Borders and Shading

Borders and shading can be added to a cell or range of cells to make them more appealing and also to distinguish data such as totals.

Adding a border

1. Select the cell(s) you wish to add the border to
2. Click the Borders button on the Formatting toolbar



3. Select the type of border you desire from the list
4. The border is applied to the cells

To customise the border such as changing the line type or colour:

1. Select the cell(s) with the border applied
2. Click Format > Cells and then click the Border tab
3. The Format Cells dialogue box opens on the Border tab. The dialogue box provides more options giving greater control over the look of the border

Removing a border

1. Select the cell(s) with the border you wish to remove
2. Click the Borders button on the Formatting toolbar
3. Select No Border from the list

Adding a fill colour

1. Select the cell(s) you wish to add a fill colour to
2. Click the Fill Color list arrow on the Formatting toolbar



3. Select the fill colour of your choice from the list

Adding a pattern

It is also possible to add a pattern to the background of a cell.

1. Select the cell(s) you wish to add the pattern to
2. Click Format > Cells and then click the Patterns tab
3. Select a Colour and Pattern Style



4. Click Ok and the pattern is applied to the cell(s)

Cell alignment and orientation Format Painter

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