Excel 2010 Bible

Chapter 6: Worksheet Formatting

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Using Named Styles for Easier Formatting

One of the most underutilized features in Excel is named styles. Named styles make it very easy to

apply a set of predefined formatting options to a cell or range. In addition to saving time, using

named styles also helps to ensure a consistent look.

A style can consist of settings for up to six different attributes:

l Number format

l (^) Font (type, size, and color)
l Alignment (vertical and horizontal)
l (^) Borders
l Pattern
l (^) Protection (locked and hidden)
The real power of styles is apparent when you change a component of a style. All cells which use
that named style automatically incorporate the change. Suppose that you apply a particular style to
a dozen cells scattered throughout your worksheet. Later, you realize that these cells should have a
font size of 14 pt rather than 12 pt. Rather than change each cell, simply edit the style. All cells
with that particular style change automatically.
Perhaps the quickest way to copy the formats from one cell to another cell or range is to use the Format
Painter button (the button with the paintbrush image) of the Home ➪ Clipboard group.

1. Select the cell or range that has the formatting attributes you want to copy.


2. Click the Format Painter button. The mouse pointer changes to include a paintbrush.


3. Select the cells to which you want to apply the formats.


4. Release the mouse button, and Excel applies the same set of formatting options that were
   in the original range.

If you double-click the Format Painter button, you can paint multiple areas of the worksheet with the

same formats. Excel applies the formats that you copy to each cell or range that you select. To get out

of Paint mode, click the Format Painter button again (or press Esc).

Copying Formats by Painting

Note
The graphic background on a worksheet is for onscreen display only — it isn’t printed when you print the
worksheet. n