Common questions about Grid Lines usually involve display status, print output, visual appearance, and the difference between grid lines and borders; this section includes 4 FAQs and 3 glossary terms.
FAQ
Will grid lines still print after I hide them on screen?
- Open the worksheet you want to print.
- Go to Page Layout and open Page Setup.
- Check whether Gridlines is selected on the Sheet tab.
- Confirm the final result from the print settings, because on-screen display and printed output are controlled separately.
Can I still read worksheet data after hiding grid lines?
- Yes. Text, numbers, and formulas still display normally after grid lines are hidden.
- Grid lines only affect the gray helper lines between cells.
- If you need clearer separation, add cell borders where needed.
What is the difference between grid lines and cell borders?
- Grid lines are worksheet helper lines that make cell boundaries easier to identify.
- Cell borders are formatting that you apply manually, with customizable color, thickness, and style.
- Grid lines require separate print settings, while borders usually print as part of cell formatting.
Why do grid lines look faint in some worksheet areas?
- Check whether those cells already use borders.
- Check whether the grid line color was changed to a lighter color.
- If needed, go to File → Options → View and adjust the grid line color again.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Grid Lines | The default gray helper lines in a worksheet that separate cell boundaries on screen. |
| Cell Borders | Formatting applied by the user to control line color, thickness, and style around cells. |
| Print Preview | The view used before printing to confirm page layout and whether grid lines will appear in output. |