Themes in Excel

What Is Themes For Excel?

Excel offers a variety of themes that can be applied to format an entire document or workbook. These themes can be selected from pre-existing options or customized to individual preferences. To access the themes, navigate to the “Page Layout” tab and select the “Themes” option. Additionally, various color and font effects are available to enhance the document’s visual appeal further. Users can easily create professional-looking, aesthetically pleasing and functional spreadsheets with these options.

For example, consider the below table showing names and age of people in columns A and B respectively.

Themes in Excel Intro - Example

Now, let us use the themes option by selecting Page Layout > Themes > Integral

Themes in Excel Intro - Output

We can see that the data is now shown in the selected theme.

Likewise, we can use themes in excel.

Key Takeaways
  • In Excel, a theme refers to a collection of predefined graphical elements that can be applied to a workbook or worksheet. A theme has two primary aspects: color and font schemes.
  • The feature will not be accessible if we share the file with a custom theme that differs from the colleague’s theme. The theme’s color and font styles will still be applicable.
  • The feature can use the same theme as the colleague when sharing the file. This will allow for a seamless collaboration experience and prevent potential issues with missing features.
  • The theme applies to various Excel features, including charts, tables, shapes, slicers, and pivot tables.
  • Excel users can harness the power of themes to create impactful and informative spreadsheets that leave a lasting impression on their colleagues and clients alike.

Where Are The Themes Stored In Excel?

One can activate the Themes Stored in Excel using the following steps:

Themes can be found under the Page Layout tab in Excel. This feature offers various options to enhance our spreadsheet’s appearance. Within the Themes section, we can choose from various pre-designed themes, each with unique color schemes, fonts, and effects. These options allow us to customize the spreadsheet and preferences, making it visually appealing and professional.

Themes in Excel - Page layout


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Examples

Example #1 – Change Default Theme

The following example depicts the numbers, and we will form a graph to Change the default Theme.

In the table,

  • Columns A and B shows the items and values, respectively.

The steps to evaluate the Themes in Excel are as follows:

Step 1: Initially, we developed a fundamental chart and a corresponding shape.

Themes in Excel - Example 1 - Step 1

Step 2: The default theme of the office encompasses several themes, including charts and shapes. To modify these themes, navigate to the Page Layout tab. Here, you will find a selection of available themes that preview the changes before finalizing our selection. Enhancing the visual appeal of our documents has never been easier.

Step 3: We have opted for the Damask theme type, which allows us to browse through various themes, preview them, and ultimately select the one that best suits our needs.

Themes in Excel - Example 1 - Step 3

Example #2 – Change The Row Header & Column Header View

We must be acquainted with Microsoft’s default row and column headers, as exemplified below. Changing the familiarity of Row Header & Column Header View with these features will undoubtedly improve our proficiency in utilizing Microsoft software.

The steps to Change the Row Header & Column Header ViewThemes in Excel are as follows:

Step 1: Below is the default row and column header view.

Themes in Excel - Example 2 - Step 1

Step 2: To change, go to the Page Layout tab, and click the down arrow of the Font button under the Themes group.

Step 3: Select the Customize Fonts… option from the drop-down list.

Step 4: The Create New Themes Fonts window pops up.

Themes in Excel - Example 2 - Step 4

Step 5: Change the Heading font from the drop-down list and the Body font from the drop-down list. We can also name the set theme in the Name text box.

Step 6: Select the Save button; the font of the row and column headers on the worksheet change as per the changes done.

Themes in Excel - Example 2 - Step 6

Example #3 – Create Your Own Theme Under Custom Theme

Typically, a theme consists of three elements: colors, fonts, and effects. To design our theme, follow the steps outlined below.

The steps to Create Our Theme Under Custom Theme in Excel are as follows:

Step 1: To Create Colors Theme, go to the Page Layout tab and click the down arrow of the Colors button under the Themes group.

Step 2: Select any color set or the Customize Fonts… option from the drop-down list.

Themes in Excel - Example 3 - Step 2

Step 3: To Create Fonts Theme, go to the Page Layout tab, and click the down arrow of the Font button under the Themes group.

Step 3: Select the Customize Fonts… option from the drop-down list.

Step 4: The Create New Themes Fonts window pops up.

Step 5: Change the Heading font from the drop-down list and the Body font from the drop-down list. We can also give the name to the set theme in the Name text box.

Step 6: Select the Save button; the font of the row and column headers on the worksheet change as per the changes done.

Themes in Excel - Example 3 - Step 7

Step 7: To Create Effects Theme, go to the Page Layout tab and click the down arrow of the Effects button under the Themes group.

Step 8: Select any effect as shown in the image below.

Themes in Excel - Example 3 - Step 8

Step 9: Click the Themes down arrow button and select the Save Current Theme… option from the drop-down list.

Step 10: The Save Current Theme window opens, showing the file name and type. Select the Save button to save the theme we have created.

Example 3 - Step 10

Step 11: The created theme is shown in the drop-down list of the Themes section, as shown in the below image.

Example 3 - Step 11

Important Things To Note

  • The theme feature can save time and ensure our data is visually appealing and cohesive.
  • To optimal customization, it is imperative that we utilize light hues in our themes. This will enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and provide a more seamless user experience.
  • To prioritize the incorporation of lighter shades in our custom designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is theme in Excel?

In Excel, a theme is a predefined set of formatting options that can be applied to multiple sheets and workbooks. Themes comprise consistent colors, fonts, effects, and background styles that give our spreadsheet a professional look.

For example, consider the below table showing marks obtained by Robert in various subjects.

FAQ 1 - Example

Now, let us use the themes option by selecting Page Layout > Fonts > Arial Black

FAQ 1 - Font

As soon as we select the Arial Black option, we can see that our data has been changed according to the selected font theme.

FAQ 1 - Arial Black

Likewise, we can use themes in excel.

2. What is the difference between a color scheme and a font scheme in an Excel theme?

The color scheme determines the colors used for components such as cell backgrounds, fonts, and borders. A well-designed color scheme helps make the data more visually appealing and easier to read.

The font scheme determines the typeface used for different elements within the Excel document. It includes headings, titles, labels etc. Matching fonts with graphics can create a good visual hierarchy and improve the overall look of a workbook while making it easy for users to differentiate the parts of a spreadsheet they want to focus on.

3. Are there any limitations or compatibility issues with using themes across different versions of Excel?

Limitations or compatibility issues may occur depending on the features and functionalities of each version. Certain add-ins or macros created for a specific version of Excel may not work properly in other versions. It is recommended that users thoroughly research their specific needs before selecting a version of Excel to ensure they have access to the necessary tools and avoid potential compatibility issues.

This has been a guide to Themes in Excel. Here we use inbuilt and customized themes and change it along with step by step examples. You can learn more from the following articles –

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