How to Print an Empty Grid in Excel 2013
Printing an empty grid in Excel 2013 is a simple process. Start by selecting the area you want to print, adjust your print settings, and then print it out. This is useful for creating templates or paper-based spreadsheets without any data. Let’s dive into the details to make sure you get it right.
How to Print an Empty Grid in Excel 2013
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to print a blank grid in Excel 2013. By the end, you’ll have a neat, empty grid printed out just the way you need it.
Step 1: Open Excel and Select the Area
Open Excel 2013 and select the cells that you want to include in the printed grid.
Choosing the right area is important. Click and drag to highlight the cells, making sure the selection matches the size you need on paper.
Step 2: Go to the Page Layout Tab
Click on the "Page Layout" tab at the top of the screen to access layout options.
This tab provides various options to adjust how your grid will look on paper, including margins, orientation, and size.
Step 3: Enable Gridlines
Check the "Print" option under the "Gridlines" section.
This step ensures that the gridlines are visible when printed, turning your blank cells into a visible grid.
Step 4: Adjust Print Settings
Click on "File" and then "Print" to open the print preview.
Here, you can adjust settings like orientation (portrait or landscape) and scaling to fit the grid on the page just right.
Step 5: Print Your Grid
Finally, click "Print" to send your empty grid to the printer.
Make sure to review the print preview before printing to ensure the grid looks exactly how you want it.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your empty grid will be printed, ready for use as a template or for manual data entry.
Tips for Printing an Empty Grid in Excel 2013
- Use Landscape Mode: For wider grids, switch to landscape orientation to fit more columns on a single page.
- Adjust Margins: Customize margins in the Page Layout tab to maximize the printable area.
- Preview Before Printing: Always check the print preview to ensure everything fits as expected.
- Use Page Breaks: Insert page breaks in large grids to control where new pages begin.
- Save Settings as Template: If you frequently print grids, save your settings as a template for future use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add more rows or columns?
Simply click and drag to expand your selection, or adjust the print area in the Page Layout tab.
Can I print in color?
Yes, if your printer supports color, you can adjust this in the print settings.
What if my grid doesn’t fit on one page?
Use the scaling options in the print preview to adjust it to fit on a single page.
How do I save my grid layout?
You can save the Excel file with the selected print area, or as a template for future use.
What if I can’t see the gridlines in preview?
Ensure the "Print" option under "Gridlines" in the Page Layout tab is checked.
Summary
- Open Excel and select the area.
- Go to the Page Layout tab.
- Enable Gridlines.
- Adjust Print Settings.
- Print Your Grid.
Conclusion
Printing an empty grid in Excel 2013 is like setting the stage for a play—the grid is your blank canvas, ready to hold whatever masterpiece you plan to create. Whether you’re preparing for a brainstorming session, making a schedule, or just like the feel of pen on paper, this guide ensures you’ve got a clean, crisp grid to work with.
Excel 2013 may seem a bit tricky at first, but with these steps, you’re the conductor of your own print symphony. Don’t forget to experiment with settings like orientation and margins to suit your needs. Want more structure? Use page breaks to control how your grid spills over onto new pages.
If this tutorial sparked your interest in getting more out of Excel, consider exploring other features like formulas and charts. The more you know, the more you can do!
So next time you need an empty grid, you’ll know precisely how to print it out with confidence. Happy printing!
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.