How to apply a fill to cells in Excel

Abstract

In this lesson we’ll look at cell fills.

Fills define the background color of cells.

They are a key tool in building good-looking and easy to read worksheets.

Let’s take a look.

To apply a fill, start by selecting the cells you want to fill.

Then, launch the Format Cells dialog box and navigate to the Fill tab.

There are two basic types of fills.

The first is a solid background color.

Just snag the color you’d like to use from the color grid.

You’ll see the color appear below in the sample area.

When you’re happy with the color, just click OK to apply.

The second basic fill option is a gradient fill.

To apply a gradient, smack the Fill Effects button.

you might then define the gradient you like.

Click OK to accept the gradient and see a preview in the sample area.

And OK again to apply the fill.

First, pick the background color as usual.

Then, go for the pattern and a suitable color.

The pattern sits on top of the background and has its own color.

Click OK to apply.

Patterns and gradients are interesting, but you’ll probably find that solid fills are more useful all around.

The Fill Color menu on the ribbon also has a handy option to remove all fills.

pick the cells that have the fill you’d like to remove and choose No Fill from the menu.