Mostly Excel users This program will agree when it comes to creating spreadsheets.
Still, the results can often be unnecessarily dim to look at. Thankfully, Excel comes with all the built-in tools you need to make your spreadsheets sleek, professional, and pleasing to the eye.
Today, it is not just to be a good but necessary. By improving the presentation of your spreadsheet, you also increase your impact when communicating results.
1. Start with inspiration.
Use a template: Explore Excel’s built-in templates or browse online for inspiration. Templates provide pre-made designs that will save you time and look sleek to your business stakeholders.
2. Use of master font
Choose clear fonts: Using clear, readable fonts like Calibri or Arial can ensure you create a professional look. Avoid using fancy fonts that make your spreadsheet look cluttered and hard to read.
Limit the font style: Use a maximum of two fonts — one for the headline and one for the body text — to maintain a clean design and ensure your reader isn’t distracted.
Different font sizes: Use a larger font size (eg 14–16 pt) for headings and a smaller, consistent size (eg 10–12 pt) for body text. This makes your spreadsheet more digestible at a glance.
See: 87 Excel tips and tricks from beginners to pros
3. Structure with purpose
Center Topics: Use the “Merge Cells” or “Center Across Selection” function to create a professional, centered title.
Start in cell B2: Leave row 1 and column A blank for a visually balanced layout with extra white space.
Add empty rows and columns: For complex spreadsheets, you may choose to break up dense data with empty rows or columns to improve the overall readability of the spreadsheet.
4. Use alignment strategically.
Align text for clarification: Format your cells and select options that allow you to align your text to suit your needs. For example, text is left-aligned by default, while numbers are right-aligned. As a result, you may need to clean up the tables by giving them titles that align with the table’s contents.
Clean Tables: Format tables so that text and numbers are visually consistent across rows and columns.
5. Headers and Highlighting
Bold your headers: Headers that separate from the main text can make your spreadsheet easier to read. Bolding them is a quick and easy way to do this.
Apply a little color: Colors can be used to highlight key rows or columns, making the spreadsheet more attractive and easier to read. However, don’t overdo it; It can have the opposite effect.
6. Grid lines and borders
Customize the grid lines: All the lines separating all these numbers can get confusing. By showing only lines around your results column, for example, you can make a big difference in the readability of your spreadsheet.
Use Zebra Stripes: If you are creating a spreadsheet with many columns, this can sometimes happen. It is difficult for readers to reconcile the data. on the far right side of the document with the categories listed on the left. Alternating alternating rows of shading helps the eye follow the information across the page.
7. Keep colors readable
Stick to dark text on a light background: This ensures readability and better printing results. Avoid bright or clashing color schemes.
Try subtle background effects: Simple background decorations, such as a little dip-dye effect, can make your spreadsheet more visually appealing. However, be careful not to add any decorations that distract from the data.
8. Tables and Charts
Use the table function: If your data requires it, you can insert the table into your Excel spreadsheet. This will give the eye a break from the important information in the document. Use an accent color to tie the table in with the rest of the spreadsheet.
Align graphs and tables: To maintain a sleek, organized layout, make sure all charts, graphs, and tables start in the same row or column.
See: How to Copy Format for Excel Worksheet Columns and Rows
9. Add professional contacts.
Add a photo: Adding an image, such as a small company logo, to the corner of your spreadsheet can create a professional finish.
Name your worksheets: Rename worksheet tabs to clearly describe their content, ensuring a professional and organized appearance.
10. Exercise patience.
Don’t overdo it: Avoid going overboard with fonts, colors, or effects. The goal is a professional and easy-to-read spreadsheet, so keep the design clean and functional.
What results should I expect from a professional-looking spreadsheet?
Well-presented spreadsheets increase clarity and professionalism while promoting efficiency. An attractive spreadsheet isn’t just about aesthetics. Ultimately, it should improve usability and decision-making.
A well-designed spreadsheet makes data easier to read and understand, reducing errors and saving time. Clean formatting, consistent styling, and proper alignment all help users find important information quickly, while subtle use of colors and fonts can emphasize key points without overwhelming the user.
For people who create great spreadsheets, the payoffs are worth the effort. A great-looking spreadsheet can leave a strong impression, demonstrate your attention to detail, make it easy to communicate insights, and effectively engage your colleagues, clients, or stakeholders.