How to Set the Print Area – Excel 2013
To set the print area in Excel 2013, start by selecting the cells you want to include in your printout. Go to the Page Layout tab, click on Print Area, and then choose Set Print Area. This ensures only your selected cells will be printed, preventing any unwanted pages.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Set the Print Area
Setting the print area in Excel 2013 helps you control exactly what is printed from your spreadsheet. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Open Your Spreadsheet
Open the Excel file you want to print.
Make sure all the data you want included is in view. It’s like setting the table before dinner—get everything ready!
Step 2: Select the Cells
Click and drag to highlight the cells you want to print.
Be sure to capture all the important data. Think of it as drawing a circle around a treasure map’s X.
Step 3: Navigate to Page Layout
Click on the Page Layout tab at the top of the screen.
This tab is your gateway to print settings, similar to a control panel.
Step 4: Click Print Area
In the Page Layout tab, find and click the Print Area button.
It’s like setting a fence around your yard to keep things contained.
Step 5: Choose Set Print Area
Select Set Print Area from the drop-down menu.
By doing this, you tell Excel, “This is what I want to print—nothing more, nothing less!”
Once you complete these steps, only the selected cells will be printed. It helps in avoiding unnecessary pages and focuses your printout on the data that matters most.
Tips for Setting the Print Area
- Double-check your selection to ensure all vital data is included.
- Use Print Preview to see how it looks before finalizing.
- You can clear the print area by selecting “Clear Print Area” if needed.
- Adjust margins in the Page Layout tab for better fit.
- Remember, setting a new print area overrides the old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to print multiple areas?
Select each area while holding the Ctrl key, then set the print area.
How can I clear the print area?
Go to Page Layout, click Print Area, and select Clear Print Area.
Can I change the print area after setting it?
Yes, simply highlight a new area and set it as the print area again.
Why isn’t my print area printing correctly?
Check for hidden rows or columns and ensure they’re included.
How do I add headers and footers?
Use the Page Layout tab and click on Print Titles for headers and footers.
Summary of Steps
- Open your spreadsheet.
- Select the cells.
- Navigate to Page Layout.
- Click Print Area.
- Choose Set Print Area.
Conclusion
Learning how to set the print area in Excel 2013 is a handy skill that saves time and paper. It’s a bit like being a director, deciding which scenes make it into the final cut of a movie. By selecting only the data you want to showcase, you can create professional-looking printouts without the extra clutter.
As you become more comfortable with this feature, you’ll find it’s a great way to keep your work organized and efficient. If you work with Excel often, consider exploring additional features like conditional formatting or pivot tables to enhance your data presentation.
And remember, setting the print area is just one way to take control of your Excel experience. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how it transforms your next print job.
Matthew Simpson has been creating online tutorial for computers and smartphones since 2010. His work has been read millions of times and helped people to solve a number of various tech problems. His specialties include Windows, iPhones, and Google apps.