• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Answer Your Tech

Wordpress How-to Guides

  • Writing
  • Settings
  • Jetpack
  • Navigation
  • Hosting
  • Getting Started
  • Themes
You are here: Home / Tutorials / How to Add Gridlines in Excel 2016: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

How to Add Gridlines in Excel 2016: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

May 17, 2024 By Matthew Burleigh

How to Add Gridlines in Excel 2016

Adding gridlines in Excel 2016 is a straightforward process that helps keep your data organized and easy to read. To add gridlines, simply navigate to the "Page Layout" tab, find the "Gridlines" group, and check the "View" option. This enables gridlines on your Excel worksheet, making it easier to follow rows and columns.

Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Add Gridlines in Excel 2016

In this section, I’ll break down the steps to add gridlines to your worksheet in Excel 2016. By the end of these steps, gridlines will be visible, making your data clearer and more organized.

Step 1: Open Your Excel Worksheet

Open the Excel worksheet where you want to add gridlines.

Opening your worksheet is the first step. If the gridlines are not visible, it can make reading data more challenging. Starting with an open worksheet ensures you’re ready to customize your view.

Step 2: Go to the "Page Layout" Tab

Click on the "Page Layout" tab located on the ribbon at the top of the screen.

The "Page Layout" tab contains various options for customizing the look and feel of your worksheet. By navigating here, you’re on the right path to finding the gridline options.

Step 3: Locate the "Gridlines" Group

In the "Page Layout" tab, look for the "Gridlines" group, which is usually in the middle of the ribbon.

The "Gridlines" group is essential for adding gridlines to your worksheet. It’s found in the middle of the "Page Layout" tab, making it easy to access.

Step 4: Check the "View" Option

Within the "Gridlines" group, check the box labeled "View."

Checking the "View" box will immediately display gridlines on your worksheet. This step is crucial as it toggles the visibility of the gridlines.

Step 5: Save Your Workbook

After enabling gridlines, make sure to save your workbook to keep these settings.

Saving your workbook ensures that the gridlines will remain visible the next time you open the file. It’s a good practice to save your work frequently.

When you finish these steps, gridlines will appear on your Excel worksheet, making it simpler to read and organize your data.

Tips for Adding Gridlines in Excel 2016

  1. Print Gridlines: If you need the gridlines to appear when you print your worksheet, go back to the "Page Layout" tab and check the "Print" option in the "Gridlines" group.
  2. Adjust Gridline Color: To change the color of the gridlines, go to "File" > "Options" > "Advanced" and scroll down to the "Display options for this worksheet" section.
  3. Hide Gridlines: To temporarily hide gridlines, go to the "View" tab and uncheck the "Gridlines" option in the "Show" group.
  4. Use Borders for Specific Cells: If you want gridlines on specific cells, use the "Borders" tool in the "Home" tab to draw borders around selected cells.
  5. Check Compatibility: Remember that different versions of Excel might have slight variations in their interface, so double-check your version if something looks different.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make gridlines darker in Excel 2016?

To make gridlines darker, you can change their color by navigating to "File" > "Options" > "Advanced" and adjusting the "Gridline color" under "Display options for this worksheet."

Can I print gridlines in Excel 2016?

Yes, you can print gridlines by going to the "Page Layout" tab and checking the "Print" option in the "Gridlines" group.

Why are gridlines not showing in my Excel 2016 worksheet?

Gridlines might be turned off. Go to the "Page Layout" tab and make sure the "View" option in the "Gridlines" group is checked.

How do I hide gridlines in Excel 2016?

To hide gridlines, go to the "View" tab and uncheck the "Gridlines" option in the "Show" group.

Can I display gridlines on specific sheets only?

Yes, gridlines can be displayed on specific sheets by selecting each sheet and enabling gridlines through the "Page Layout" tab.

Summary

  1. Open Your Excel Worksheet
  2. Go to the "Page Layout" Tab
  3. Locate the "Gridlines" Group
  4. Check the "View" Option
  5. Save Your Workbook

Conclusion

Adding gridlines in Excel 2016 is an easy yet powerful way to enhance the readability and organization of your data. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll enable gridlines in no time, making it simpler to navigate through your workbook. Whether you’re preparing a document for presentation or simply keeping track of your own data, gridlines can make a significant difference.

For those who want to dive deeper, consider exploring additional Excel features like customizing gridline colors or using borders for specific cells. These small tweaks can have a big impact on how your data is perceived and understood.

So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try and see how much easier managing your Excel worksheets can be!

Matthew Burleigh
Matthew Burleigh

Matt has been working with WordPress and creating content using this powerful content management system for years. While he has written about many other tech topics, WordPress is one of his favorites.

You can read his full bio here.

Join Our Free Newsletter

WordPress guides and deals

You may opt out at any time.
Read our Privacy Policy

Share this:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest

Related

Primary Sidebar

Join Our Free Newsletter

WordPress guides and deals

You may opt out at any time.
Read our Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • How to Turn Volume Up on iPhone: Easy Steps for Maximum Sound
  • How to Transfer Photos from Android to iPhone: A Complete Guide
  • How to Find Deleted Photos on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide
  • How to Recover Deleted Photos from iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • How to Block Texts on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide for Users

Site Info

  • Domain Name - Hostgator
  • Hosting - Cloudways
  • Theme Framework - Genesis
  • Child Theme - Smart Passive Income Pro
  • Site Speed - WP Rocket

Archives

  • July 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • May 2022
  • July 2020
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • July 2018
  • December 2016
  • November 2016

Categories

  • Comments
  • Genesis
  • Getting Started
  • Hosting
  • Jetpack
  • Navigation
  • Plugins
  • Settings
  • Sidebar
  • Themes
  • Tutorials
  • Writing
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • About
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 AnswerYourTech.com