Doubling underlining in Excel 2013 is done by selecting the cell or cells you wish to format, right-clicking to bring up the menu, choosing “Format Cells,” then clicking on the “Font” tab, and finally selecting “Double Underline” from the Underline dropdown menu. It’s simple and quick to do.
After completing the double underline action in Excel 2013, the selected text will have two lines beneath it, making it stand out more conspicuously. This is especially handy when you want to emphasize certain data within a spreadsheet.
Introduction
Have you ever been working on an Excel spreadsheet and thought to yourself, “how can I make this data pop?” Whether you’re a student trying to impress your teacher with a well-organized data presentation, a business professional analyzing reports, or anyone in between, knowing how to format your Excel documents effectively is a skill that can set your work apart. One such formatting feature is the ability to double underline text. This can be particularly useful for emphasizing totals or important figures in a financial report or any other type of data analysis.
While it might seem like a minor detail, the double underline function in Excel 2013 can provide clarity and emphasis to your data, making your spreadsheet more readable and professional. Let’s dive into the steps on how to double underline in Excel 2013 and explore the pros and cons of using this feature.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Double Underline in Excel 2013
Before beginning the tutorial, know that double underlining is a formatting option that adds emphasis to the text in your Excel cells. It’s a helpful way to make certain data stand out among other information in your spreadsheet.
Step 1: Select the Cell or Cells
Click on the cell or range of cells you want to double underline.
Selecting the cell or cells is the first step in applying any formatting in Excel. Make sure you click on the exact cell you want to format, or drag your cursor over a range of cells to select multiple cells at once.
Step 2: Open the Format Cells Dialog Box
Right-click the selected cells and choose “Format Cells” from the dropdown menu.
Right-clicking on the selected cells will bring up a dropdown menu. You’ll find the “Format Cells” option towards the bottom of this menu. Clicking on this will open a new window with several tabs for different formatting options.
Step 3: Access the Font Tab
Click on the “Font” tab within the Format Cells dialog box.
After the Format Cells window pops up, you’ll see tabs at the top for Number, Alignment, Font, Border, Fill, and Protection. Click on the “Font” tab to access the options for changing text appearance, including underlining.
Step 4: Choose Double Underline
In the Underline dropdown menu, select “Double Underline.”
Under the “Font” tab, you’ll find various options, including font style, size, color, and effects. Look for the “Underline” option, which will have a dropdown menu next to it. Click on it and choose “Double Underline” from the list.
Step 5: Apply the Formatting
Click “OK” to apply the double underline to the selected cells.
After selecting “Double Underline,” simply click “OK” at the bottom of the Format Cells dialog box. The selected cells will now be double underlined, and you can close the dialog box.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Emphasis | Doubling underlining text can help signify importance, making critical data immediately noticeable. |
| Organized Appearance | Consistent use of double underlines can create a neat and organized look within your spreadsheet. |
| Professionalism | This formatting can elevate the professionalism of your documents, reflecting well on you or your organization. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Overuse | If overused, double underlines can make a document look cluttered and reduce its overall impact. |
| Printing Issues | Double underlines may not always print clearly, especially if the printer is low on ink or of poor quality. |
| Distraction | Incorrectly applied, double underlines can distract from other important data that is not underlined. |
Additional Information
While double underlining can be a useful tool in Excel 2013, it’s important to use it judiciously. Overusing double underlines, or any formatting feature for that matter, can make your spreadsheet look messy and overwhelm the reader. It’s best to reserve double underlines for truly significant data points.
Another tip is to consider the overall design of your spreadsheet. If you’re using other formatting tools like bolding, cell shading, or borders, make sure that double underlines will complement these features rather than clash with them. Consistency in formatting is key to creating a professional and readable document.
Keep in mind that not all Excel users might be familiar with the significance of double underlining, so it’s a good idea to include a note or legend explaining the meaning of your formatting choices. Lastly, remember to double-check your work. It’s easy to accidentally apply formatting to the wrong cells, so always review your spreadsheet before finalizing it.
Summary
- Select the cell or cells.
- Open the Format Cells dialog box.
- Access the Font tab.
- Choose Double Underline from the dropdown menu.
- Apply the formatting by clicking “OK.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double underline multiple cells at once?
Yes, you can double underline multiple cells by selecting the range of cells before opening the Format Cells dialog box.
Will double underlining affect the cell value?
No, double underlining is a formatting change and will not affect the actual value of the cell.
Can I apply other formatting options while double underlining?
Yes, you can combine double underlining with other formatting options like font color or cell shading.
Is double underlining available in other versions of Excel?
Yes, most versions of Excel have the double underline feature, though the steps to access it may vary slightly.
How can I remove double underlining?
To remove double underlining, follow the same steps to get to the Font tab in the Format Cells dialog box, and choose “None” from the Underline dropdown menu.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of double underlining in Excel 2013 can give your spreadsheets that extra touch of clarity and professionalism. It’s a relatively simple process that involves a few clicks but can greatly enhance the presentation of your data.
Whether you’re an Excel novice or a seasoned pro, understanding how to utilize this feature effectively can make a big difference in your work. Remember to use double underlines sparingly and strategically for maximum impact. Happy formatting!
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.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.