How to Remove Gridlines in Excel Graph

Gridlines in an Excel graph are vertical and horizontal lines that separate the data points in a chart. While they can aid in reading the data, they can also be distracting. The good news is that they can be removed easily with just a few clicks. In this guide, we will go through the step-by-step process of removing gridlines in an Excel graph, so you can focus on presenting your data in a clean and clear manner.

Step 1: Select the graph you want to edit

Open the Excel file containing the chart you want to modify. Click on the chart to select it. This will activate the Chart Tools tab in the ribbon.

Step 2: Go to the Chart Tools tab

In the Chart Tools tab, select the Layout tab. This tab will help you customize the chart layout and style.

Step 3: Select the Gridlines option

Look for the Gridlines option in the Axes group. Click on it to reveal the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Remove the vertical or horizontal gridlines

You can choose to remove either the horizontal or vertical gridlines, or both. To remove a specific set of gridlines, simply uncheck the box beside them in the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Customize the chart further (optional)

With the gridlines removed, you may want to further customize the chart to make it easier to read and understand. This can include adding titles and labels, changing colors, and adjusting the chart type and size.

Tip: Keyboard shortcut for accessing Gridlines

If you prefer using the keyboard to access chart options, you can do so easily. Press Alt + JT + G to open the Gridlines drop-down menu quickly.

Time to Present your Clean Chart

With the gridlines removed, your Excel graph should now look clean and professional. You can present it to your audience with confidence, knowing that your data is easy to read and understand. Congratulations on a job well done!

Why Remove Gridlines?

Gridlines can be helpful in some cases, such as when you have a lot of data points and need a visual guide to keep track of them. However, in most cases, gridlines can be distracting and take away from the impact of the chart. Removing them can make your chart cleaner, easier to read, and more visually appealing.

Other Ways to Customize Your Chart

While removing gridlines can make a big impact, there are other ways you can customize your chart to make it more visually appealing. Here are a few options:

• Add Titles and Labels: You can add titles and labels to your chart to make it clear what the data represents. This can make it easier for your audience to understand your message.
• Change Colors: You can change the colors of your chart to make it more visually appealing or to highlight specific data points.
• Adjust Chart Type and Size: You can change the chart type and size to suit your needs. Some charts, like pie charts or bar charts, may be better suited for certain types of data.

Different Ways of Removing Gridlines in Excel Graphs

While the steps outlined above are the most common way of removing gridlines in Excel graphs, there are other methods you can use as well. Here are a few:

• Format Tab: You can also remove gridlines by using the Format tab. Right-click on any visible gridline and select the Format Gridlines option. From there, you can customize the gridlines or remove them entirely.
• Table Design: If you are using Excel to create tables, you can remove gridlines by going to the Table Design tab and unchecking the Header Row, Total Row, and Banded Rows options in the Table Style Options group.

Final Thoughts

Removing gridlines in Excel graphs may seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference in the impact of your chart. By following the steps outlined above, you can make your chart cleaner, more visually appealing, and easier to understand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different customization options to find the best fit for your data. Happy charting!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about removing gridlines in Excel graphs:

Can I remove gridlines from just one axis?

Yes, you can remove gridlines from a specific axis by selecting the gridlines for that axis in the drop-down menu, and unchecking the box beside them.

What if I change my mind and want to restore gridlines?

If you change your mind and want to restore gridlines to your chart, simply go back to the Gridlines drop-down menu and check the box beside the vertical or horizontal gridlines that you want to restore.

Can I customize the appearance of the remaining gridlines?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of the remaining gridlines by using the Format Gridlines option. This will allow you to change the color, style, and weight of the gridlines, among other options.

What if I have multiple graphs in one sheet?

If you have multiple graphs in one sheet, you can remove gridlines from each graph individually by selecting them and following the steps outlined above. Alternatively, you can remove gridlines from all graphs in the sheet by going to the Page Layout tab, selecting the Sheet Options group, and unchecking the Gridlines option.

Why are my gridlines still showing up after I removed them?

It’s possible that you have accidentally hidden or locked the gridlines. Check the View tab and make sure that the Gridlines option is selected. You should also check the Format Cells option to ensure that the cells are not set to show a border.