How Do You Remove Table Formatting in Excel

If you have ever worked with tables or copied data from different sources in Excel, it’s likely that you’ve come across formatting issues that can make your data look untidy or difficult to read. The formatting applied to tables in Excel is useful, but it can also become a hassle if you need to remove it. Fortunately, deleting table formatting in Excel is a straightforward process that can be done quickly and easily. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to remove table formatting in Excel and regain control of your data presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Table Formatting in Excel

If you have a table in Excel that has been formatted with colors or borders that you wish to remove, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Select the Table

Select the table that you want to remove formatting from. This can be done by clicking on any part of the table.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Design’ Tab

You will notice that a new tab called ‘Design’ appears in the Excel ribbon. This tab is specific to tables and includes various formatting options. To remove the formatting, click on the ‘Design’ tab.

Step 3: Click on ‘Convert to Range’

Once you click on the ‘Design’ tab, you will see a button labelled ‘Convert to Range’. This option will convert the table to a normal range and remove any formatting applied to the table. Click on this button.

Step 4: Save Your Changes

After you remove the table formatting, be sure to save your changes. You can do this by clicking on the ‘File’ tab and selecting ‘Save’ or ‘Save As’.

Additional Tips for Removing Table Formatting in Excel

Here are some additional tips that you can use to remove table formatting quickly and easily:

Tip 1: Use the Clear Formats Option

If you prefer not to convert the table to a range, another option is to use the ‘Clear Formats’ option. This option is located on the ‘Home’ tab in the ribbon. Simply select the table and click on the ‘Clear Formats’ option, and all formatting applied to the table will be removed.

Tip 2: Use the Find and Replace Function

You can also use the Find and Replace function to remove formatting from a table. Simply open the Find and Replace dialog box and search for any formatting elements that you wish to remove, such as borders, colors, or font styles. Replace these elements with blank values, and the formatting will be removed.

By following these steps and using these tips, you can easily remove table formatting in Excel and present your data in a clean, organized manner.

Why Is It Important to Remove Table Formatting in Excel?

Tables are a common feature in Excel that allows you to organize your data in a clear and easy-to-read manner. While formatting elements such as colors and borders can make your table visually appealing, it can also be a distraction or may impede data analysis. Removing formatting from tables not only simplifies the table’s appearance, but also reduces the file size, making your document easier to work with.

What Is Table Formatting in Excel?

Excel provides a range of formatting options to customize tables, including colors, borders, and font styles. While formatting can enhance the look of the table, it can also make the document complex and challenging to work with. For instance, tables copied from the internet and other sources might carry varying formatting styles, leading to discrepancies in the data presented.

What Is the Difference Between Table and Range in Excel?

Tables and ranges are two Excel constructs that differ in functionalities and formatting options. Ranges are basic grids that help you to enter, edit, and organize your data. Tables are grid objects that enable stylization, filtering, and calculation operations. Once you convert a table to a range, you can switch back to table mode and apply formatting options.

Final Thoughts

Removing table formatting in Excel can help to declutter and streamline your data. Converting tables to ranges and clearing unwanted formatting elements are quick and straightforward methods to simplify your tables. With these easy-to-follow steps, you can make your Excel documents look professional and be more accessible to readers who need quick and easy access to your data.

FAQs about Removing Table Formatting in Excel

Below are some frequently asked questions regarding removing table formatting in Excel and their respective answers:

1. Can I remove formatting from a specific part of the table using the ‘Convert to Range’ option?

No. The ‘Convert to Range’ option removes all formatting applied to the table, and the table will be converted to a range. It is not possible to remove formatting from a specific part of the table using this option.

2. Does removing table formatting affect the data in the table?

No, removing formatting does not affect the data in the table. It simply removes the visual elements applied to the table. However, if you edited and saved the table data while it had formatting, the formatting aesthetics will be maintained upon reopening the file.

3. Can I undo the removal of table formatting?

Yes. You can undo the removal of table formatting by clicking on the ‘Undo’ button located on the Quick Access Toolbar or by pressing Ctrl+Z on your keyboard. Note that this action only works if you have not yet saved the file after removing the formatting.

4. Is it possible to remove formatting from multiple tables at once?

Yes, it is possible to remove formatting from multiple tables at once. Select all the tables that you wish to remove formatting from and apply the removal process. Note that this action does not apply to ranges or sheets that do not contain tables.

5. Do all Excel versions have the same steps to remove table formatting?

Yes, the steps to remove table formatting are the same across all versions of Excel. However, the location of the buttons and options may differ slightly from version to version.