8 Simple Rules to Make Your Spreadsheets Look Better

A little bit of formatting can turn an average looking spreadsheet into a great looking spreadsheet. Here are 8 simple rules to make your spreadsheets look better:

1. Use no more than two different font types.
2. Name your spreadsheet. Give your spreadsheet a descriptive name as well as naming all the individual sheets, tables, charts, etc.
3. Use no more than three to five different fill colors. I typically use white or a light grey for my background colors and a few lighter colors for accents.
4. Don't use 3D charts. Charts are a great addition to any spreadsheet but make sure they are of the 2D variety rather than the 3D option.
5. Turn off gridlines. To turn off the gridline, go to the View tab and uncheck the box next to gridlines.
   
6. Bold your headers (but don't get too crazy).
7. Create space. Let your spreadsheet breathe. Don’t be afraid to leave a completely empty column or row in between your data sets.
8.  Less is more. A general rule when it comes to formatting is less more. It's super easy to get carried away so remember to use some restraint.

There you have it! You can see examples by downloading my free spreadsheet templates. I hope these tips help improve the look of your spreadsheets.