Formatting Tables: Excel - how to do it

Microsoft provides a variety of predefined table styles in Excel that you can use to format tables. In addition to the predefined formats, you have the option to create your own format templates. Learn here how to use the predefined templates and how to create your own template.

How to use a predefined table format template

With the help of predefined templates, you can quickly and conveniently format tables in Excel.

1. Start Excel and open a file.
2. Select a cell within the table or format a range of cells as a table.
3. Click the "Format as table" option in the "Start" tab.
4. Select one of the various format templates from the list. Excel will then automatically format the table as a preview. The style sheet will not be applied until you confirm the selection. This gives you the opportunity to try out different templates without risk.
5. Press [Enter] to apply the template.

Even afterwards, you have the option in the "Draft" tab to change the format of your table and use a different format template.

Create your own format templates - here's how

Alternatively, you can also create your own table format template to the predefined templates. To do this, click on "Format as table" in the "Start" tab and select the "New table style..." option. There you will have the option to specify the individual elements of the template, such as font and size, and to adjust borders and fill colors. You will then find the new template with the other predefined table format templates.