Quick Fix Guide: MS Excel Not Printing Gridlines Exposed!

Microsoft Excel allows users to organize data, create charts, and perform calculations with the help of various built-in features. One of its ultimate features is “Gridlines”, which are the faint lines that divide rows, columns, and cells. These gridlines play an important role in visually organizing data and making it easier to read. However, users often encounter Excel not printing gridlines issues, which can be frustrating.

Well, in this blog, I will discuss why won’t grid lines print on Excel and how to get rid of this problem with less effort.

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Importance of Gridlines in Microsoft Excel

In Excel, gridlines help users distinguish between cells, rows, and columns. They are useful when working with the large datasets within the worksheet. Gridlines not only improve the spreadsheet readability but also assist in aligning data precisely.

In simple words, we can say gridlines make it easier to classify individual cells when referencing or editing data, improving efficiency & reducing errors in data entry.

Why Is My Excel Spreadsheet Not Printing Gridlines?

Excel spreadsheet not printing grid lines due to the following factors:

  1. Incorrect print settings
  2. Hidden gridline options.
  3. There may be a problem with your printer driver.

How to Solve Microsoft Excel Not Printing Gridlines Issue?

To troubleshoot Excel do not print gridlines, follow these methods:

Method 1- Enable the “Print Gridlines” Option in Excel Ribbon

It is a straightforward resolution to overcome this situation efficiently. All you need to do is to go to the workbook and choose the worksheet wherein you wish to print gridlines. After that, you have to follow the below steps:

  • Click the tab that says “Page Layout”.
  • Next, in the “Sheet Options” segment, choose the “Print” check box under “Gridlines” and make sure that there’s a tick mark inbox.

Excel not printing gridlines

The option of “Print Gridlines” relates only to the present workbook and is set up distinctly for every worksheet within the workbook. The state of the option (on/off) for every worksheet is stored in the workbook.

If you want to ensure that the document gets printed along with the gridlines, simply navigate to FILE -> Print or hit Ctrl + P shortcut on the keyboard. In the Print Preview pane, you’ll observe how worksheets will appear on printouts.

Also Read: Excel Gridlines Missing? Here’s How to Fix It in 9 Easy Methods!

Method 2- Enable Print Row and Column Headings

Automatically, Excel does not print row/column headings that are visible on the screen. Nonetheless, you can opt for it manually by following these steps:

  • Open the preferred workbook and hit the tab at the bottom for the worksheet wherein you wish to print the heading of row and column.
  • Hit the tab which says “Page Layout”, if it is not activated already.
  • In the “Sheet Options” fragment, select the “Print” check box within “Headings” such that there’s a tick mark inbox.

Excel not printing gridlines

Similar to the “Print Gridlines” choice, the “Print Headings” only disturb the presently active worksheet within the existing workbook. To print row/column headings for additional worksheets in a workbook, choose every worksheet and switch on this option.

Method 3- Stipulate Settings of Page Setup to Print Lines in MS Excel

If you do not remember to turn on the Print Gridlines option in the Ribbon pane, you can still perform that action before obtaining a paper replica of the spreadsheet. Follow the easy steps below to print gridlines within MS Excel from the Print Preview pane.

  • Click on FILE -> Print or hit Ctrl + P to return.

FILE

  • Go to the Page Setup link from Print Settings.

Page Setup link

  • Switch to the Sheet tab of the Page Setup dialog box.
  • Choose the Gridlines checkbox in the Print group.

Page Setup

  • And then hit OK.

You will instantaneously notice lines on your spreadsheet with the Print Preview pane.

Note: Excel doesn’t print gridlines about empty cells within worksheets. If you wish to embrace blank columns and rows in printing also, simply make use of the Print Area icon to define a range.

Method 4- Update Printer Drivers to Fix Excel Not Printing Gridlines

Outdated printer drivers can also trigger issues with printing gridlines. Therefore, it is essential to check & install the latest updates for printer drivers if available. Updating the drivers often contains bug fixes and improvements that can resolve printing issues.

Method 5- Amend the Color of Printed Gridlines 

By design, gridlines within MS Excel spreadsheets are light grey in color. If you are printing sheets with grids via a color printer, it’s possible to change the color of lines for something to grab extra attention or contribute to Excel gridlines not printing.

  • Click the FILE tab in Ribbon.
  • Select Options from the FILE menu to access Excel Options

Excel options

  • Choose the Advanced category on the left pane of Excel Options
  • Toggle to Display options for worksheets.
  • Pick sheet from drop-down list where gridlines color needs to be changed.
  • Ensure that the Show gridlines check box is tick marked.
  • Hit the small arrow placed right next to the Gridline color.

gridlines color

  • Select the color as per your desire and then click OK.

excel not printing gridlines

You will notice that cell boundaries are precisely outlined by selected color. They’ll assist you in reading the info on a paper copy of a spreadsheet and make rows/columns having visually organized data.

With gridlines, you can even progress your Excel document readability by printing rows/column headers on every page.

Also Read: Excel Freeze Panes Not Working Fixes- 2024 Guide!

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Unique FAQs:

Are Excel Gridlines Printed Automatically?

No, Excel gridlines don't appear on a printed workbook by default.

Is There a Way to Print Gridlines Only on Specific Sheets in MS Excel?

Yes, there is a way to print grid lines only on specific sheets in Excel by navigating to the Page Layout tab and selecting the desired sheet. After that, you have to change the print settings there accordingly.

Why Am I Not Printing Borders on Excel?

It might be possible that your printer settings are not configured correctly that’s why you are unable to print borders on Excel.

Can Gridlines Be Turned on Or Off for Printing?

Yes, you can manually turn ON or OFF gridlines for printing by navigating to the Print Gridlines option in the Excel Ribbon of your opened spreadsheet.

How to Print Excel Sheet?

To print Excel sheet with gridlines, you have to:

  • Click on the sheet that you want to print.
  • Go to the Page Layout tab, in the sheet options, choose the ‘Print’ box under Gridlines.

Can I Modify the Color of Grid Lines When Printing in Excel?

No, you cannot modify the color of grid lines when printing in Excel. But you can darker or lighter the lines by adjusting the gridlines settings.

Closure

Gridlines not printing in Excel can be a common hiccup for workbook users. However, by following the troubleshooting methods specified in this blog, users can make sure that their Excel worksheets are printed accurately with visible & properly aligned gridlines.

I hope you have found this tutorial helpful. If you are facing any other issue related to Excel, let us know by sharing your experience on our social media FB and Twitter Pages.



Priyanka is a content marketing expert. She writes tech blogs and has expertise in MS Office, Excel, and other tech subjects. Her distinctive art of presenting tech information in the easy-to-understand language is very impressive. When not writing, she loves unplanned travels.