Excel tables are not just about organizing data—they also allow you to apply stylish formatting to make your data visually appealing and easier to read. The Table Style feature in Excel provides pre-designed templates and customization options to give your tables a professional look.
At The Coding College, we make Excel tutorials simple and actionable. In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply and modify table styles in Excel to make your spreadsheets stand out.
What is a Table Style?
Table styles in Excel are pre-defined formatting templates that automatically apply:
- Header and Total Row Styles
- Alternate Row Shading (banded rows)
- Borders and Font Styles
These styles improve readability and provide a consistent format for your tables.
How to Apply a Table Style
Follow these steps to apply a table style:
1. Create or Select a Table
If you don’t have a table yet:
- Highlight your data range.
- Go to the Insert tab and click Table.
- Ensure the Create Table dialog box is correct and press OK.
If your data is already a table, click anywhere inside it to activate the Table Design tab.
2. Open the Table Style Gallery
- Navigate to the Table Design tab in the ribbon.
- In the Table Styles group, you’ll see a gallery of available styles.
3. Choose a Style
- Hover over each style to preview it on your table.
- Click on the desired style to apply it.
Customizing Table Styles
If the default styles don’t suit your needs, you can customize your table’s appearance:
1. Modify Specific Elements
In the Table Design tab, use the checkboxes under the Table Style Options group to modify specific parts of the table:
- Header Row: Highlight or remove the header row.
- Total Row: Add or remove a total row with summary calculations.
- Banded Rows/Columns: Add alternating shading for better readability.
2. Change Table Style Colors
- Open the Table Styles gallery.
- Click New Table Style to create a custom style.
- Customize header, rows, columns, and borders in the dialog box.
3. Revert to Default
To remove the style, convert the table to a range by going to the Table Design tab and selecting Convert to Range.
Tips for Using Table Styles
1. Maintain Consistency
Use the same table style across your workbook for a polished and professional look.
2. Use Themes for Coordination
Apply workbook themes to ensure your table styles align with the overall color scheme.
3. Update Styles Dynamically
Table styles automatically adapt to changes in data, saving you time on manual formatting.
Practical Use Cases
Data Presentation
Enhance the visual appeal of reports and dashboards with stylish tables.
Data Analysis
Apply styles to quickly identify trends or patterns with banded rows and highlight rules.
Project Management
Use table styles for task tracking, resource allocation, and timelines.
Benefits of Table Styles
- Enhanced Readability: Makes large datasets easy to scan and understand.
- Quick Formatting: Apply professional designs in a single click.
- Consistency: Maintain uniform formatting across all tables.
Final Thoughts
Excel Table Styles are a powerful feature that combines functionality with aesthetics. Whether you’re creating reports, analyzing data, or managing projects, table styles help present your information clearly and professionally.
At The Coding College, we aim to simplify Excel for learners at all levels. Explore our website for more tutorials and tips to enhance your Excel skills!