How to Change Border Color in Excel

In Microsoft Excel, borders can be added to cells to help separate them and make the spreadsheet look more organized. These borders can be customized by changing the color, style, and thickness to fit the user’s preferences. In this blog post, we will focus on how to change the border color in Excel. This is a simple process that can be done on both Windows and Mac versions of Excel. By changing the border color, users can make their spreadsheets visually appealing, easier to read, and more professional-looking.

Step 1: Select the cells to edit

The first step to changing border color in Excel is to select the cells where the border will be applied. This can be done by clicking and dragging the mouse over the desired cells.

Step 2: Click on the “Home” tab in the Ribbon

Once the desired cells are selected, click on the “Home” tab located in the Ribbon at the top of the screen. This will open the Home tab options.

Step 3: Click on “Format Cells” in the “Font” category

Within the Home tab, click on the “Format Cells” button located within the “Font” category. This will open the Format Cells dialog box.

Step 4: Click on “Border” tab

Within the Format Cells dialog box, click on the “Border” tab. This is where the border style and color can be edited.

Step 5: Choose the border color

To change the border color, click on the color swatch located under “Color” in the dialog box. This will open a color picker where the desired color can be selected.

Step 6: Select the border style

Under “Style” in the Format Cells dialog box, choose the desired border style from the selection available.

Step 7: Apply the changes

Once color and style are set, click on the “OK” button to apply the changes made to the border color. The border color of the selected cells will now be changed to the selected color and style.

Final thoughts

Customizing the border color in Excel can help make spreadsheets more visually appealing and easier to read. By following these simple steps, you can make your spreadsheets stand out while also maintaining a professional look. So go ahead, be creative and try out different color combinations to make your spreadsheets look amazing!

Other Customizations for Excel Borders

Aside from changing the border color, users can also customize other aspects of the border in Excel. For example, users can change the border’s thickness, line style, and apply borders to specific sides of the cell.

Border Thickness

The border thickness can be edited by clicking on the drop-down arrow in the “Thickness” field of the “Border” tab. The thickness options range from thin to thick.

Line Style

Users can also select their preferred line style from the “Style” drop-down. There are various line styles to choose from, including continuous, dashed, and dotted lines.

Bordering Specific Sides

In some cases, users may want to only apply a border to one or two sides of a cell. This can be done by clicking on the desired border icon under “Border” in the “Border” tab of the “Format Cells” dialog box.

Keyboard Shortcut for Changing Border Color in Excel

For users who prefer to use keyboard shortcuts, there is a quick and easy way to change the border color in Excel. Select the cells that require a border, and press “Ctrl + 1” on the keyboard to open the “Format Cells” dialog box. From here, navigate to the desired border color in the “Border” tab and click “OK” to apply.

One Last Tip

Customizing borders in Excel is a powerful tool that can help make your data stand out. However, it is important to avoid using too many borders, which can make the spreadsheet look cluttered and difficult to read. Less is often more when it comes to Excel borders, so be sure to use them sparingly and only when necessary.

FAQs About Changing Border Color in Excel

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing border color in Excel:

Can I apply custom borders to specific cells in Excel?

Yes, you can customize borders for specific cells in Excel. Start by selecting the cells you want to edit, then follow the steps outlined in this blog post to open the “Format Cells” dialog box. From there, navigate to the “Border” tab, where you can customize the border style, thickness, and apply borders to specific sides of the cell.

How do I remove an Excel border?

To remove an Excel border from a cell, start by selecting the cell with the border you want to remove. Then, navigate to the “Border” tab in the “Format Cells” dialog box, and select the “None” option under “Style.”

Can I change the border color to match my company’s branding?

Absolutely! Changing the border color to match your company’s branding can help make your spreadsheets look more professional. In the “Format Cells” dialog box, click on “Border color” and select “More Colors” to access a wider range of color options. You can also choose a custom color by entering RGB or hexadecimal values.

How do I copy and paste cell borders in Excel?

To copy and paste cell borders in Excel, start by selecting the cell with the border you want to copy. Then, right-click on the cell and select “Copy.” Next, select the cell where you want to paste the border and right-click on it. Finally, select “Paste Special” and choose “Borders” from the paste option list. The border style will now be copied to the new cell.

Can I change the border color for multiple cells at once?

Yes, you can change the border color of multiple cells at once. To do this, select the cells you want to edit, and follow the steps outlined in this blog post to open the “Format Cells” dialog box. Once there, choose your desired border style and click “OK” to apply the changes to all selected cells.