Changing the color of a cell in Excel 2013 is a simple task that can make your spreadsheet easier to read and more visually appealing. To do this, you need to select the cell or cells you want to change, then use the “Fill Color” tool to apply the desired color. With just a few clicks, you can transform the look of your data.
Step by Step Tutorial: Changing the Color of a Cell in Excel 2013
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. Changing the color of a cell can help you categorize data, highlight important information, or just make your spreadsheet look better. Now, let’s get started!
Step 1: Select the Cell or Cells
Click on the cell or drag your mouse to select a range of cells you want to change the color of.
When you select a cell, it will be highlighted with a border. If you’re selecting multiple cells, make sure you click and drag over all the cells you want to change. If you need to select non-adjacent cells, hold down the Ctrl key while clicking on each cell.
Step 2: Click the “Fill Color” Button
On the Home tab, in the Font group, click the “Fill Color” button (it looks like a paint bucket).
The “Fill Color” button is usually located in the middle of the Home tab. If you hover over it, a tooltip will appear saying “Fill Color.”
Step 3: Choose Your Color
Select the color you want from the dropdown palette, or click “More Colors…” for additional options.
Excel offers a range of default colors, but if you don’t see the one you want, clicking “More Colors…” will open a dialog box where you can choose from a wider range or even create a custom color.
After you’ve completed these steps, the selected cells will be filled with the color you chose. This change is immediate, and you can continue editing your spreadsheet as normal.
Tips for Changing the Color of a Cell in Excel 2013
- Use color coding to make important data stand out.
- If you’re working with a large dataset, consider using conditional formatting instead to automatically apply colors based on cell values.
- Remember that too many colors can make your spreadsheet confusing. Stick to a simple color scheme.
- Use light colors for cell backgrounds to ensure that text remains readable.
- Save your spreadsheet after making changes to avoid losing your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove the color from a cell?
Click on the cell and then click the “Fill Color” button. Select “No Fill” from the dropdown palette.
Can I copy the color from one cell to another?
Yes, use the Format Painter tool. Click the cell with the color you want to copy, click on the Format Painter, and then click on the cell you want to apply the color to.
What if I want to apply the same color to non-adjacent cells?
Hold down the Ctrl key and click on each cell you want to change. Then follow the same steps to change the color.
Can I use a color that’s not in the default palette?
Yes, click “More Colors…” in the dropdown palette to choose from a wider range or create a custom color.
Is there a shortcut to change the color of a cell?
Yes, after selecting the cell, press Alt+H, H. This will open the “Fill Color” dropdown, and you can use the arrow keys to select your color.
Summary
- Select the cell or cells.
- Click the “Fill Color” button.
- Choose your color.
Conclusion
Changing the color of a cell in Excel 2013 is a breeze once you know where to look and what to do. With the simple steps outlined in this article, you’re now equipped to organize and beautify your spreadsheets to your heart’s content. Whether you’re trying to highlight key figures, differentiate between data sets, or just add a bit of pizzazz, cell coloring is a handy tool in your Excel arsenal.
Remember to use colors thoughtfully – they should serve a purpose and not overwhelm your data. Now go forth and color-code with confidence! And if you ever find yourself forgetting a step or two, just come back to this article for a quick refresher on how to change the color of a cell in Excel 2013.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
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