Sheets: How to format a spreadsheet professionally

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Bonnie Wolfe edited this page Dec 6, 2022 · 4 revisions

How to format a spreadsheet professionally

Delete extra Rows and Columns

The default setting of every spreadsheet is more columns and rows than you will need, which makes the following problems:

the scroll bars are harder to use
when you are trying to select something that goes out of view, the scrolling often runs out of control.

How to delete the extra columns

Place cursor on the column where you want to start deleting downward
Windows: Shift + Ctrl + ↓
Right click on numbered area on left
Select Delete Rows

How to delete the extra and Rows

Place cursor on the column where you want to start deleting downward
Shift + Ctrl + →
Right click on columns on the top
Select Delete Columns

Freezing Top Row(s) and Left Column(s)

When you freeze the top rows and optionally left columns, you make the spreadsheet easier to understand when the sheet gets long or wide.

How to freeze the top row

Select on View menu
Select Freeze
Choose as many rows are appropriate

How to freeze the left column if appropriate

Select View menu
Select Freeze
Choose as columns as appropriate

Use Filters

Using Filters will help you sort the data

How to create a filter for the whole sheet

Select the entire sheet (Windows: Ctrl + A | Mac: ⌘ + A)
Select Data menu
Select Create a filter

Example

FP: Frozen treat preference | View | Copy