How to Add Alternating Colors From the Format Menu

This is the easiest way to add alternating colors to your spreadsheet. Where previously, you had to use conditional formatting in Google Sheets to add color to alternating rows. Now, you can do this with one a couple of clicks. Let’s take a look at how. Follow the steps below:

Click and select the cells where you wish to add the alternating colors. Now, click on Format in the top bar of the main spreadsheet. A drop-down menu will open. Here, click on Alternating colors, which will open a sidebar towards the right side of the screen. You can add the cell reference in the Apply to range box here. However, as we selected the cells in the first step, this information was already added. Next, you can either select from several prebuilt styles under the Default styles section or add your own using the Plus (+) sign under the Custom styles section. Once you select the colors, press the green Done button to save the changes.

Note: To apply the alternating colors to the entire sheet, select the entire sheet by clicking the white and gray box above row header 1 to the left of column header A.

Using the Fill Toolbar Shortcut

There is another way to access alternating colors in Google Sheets, and that’s by using the toolbar.

You can click on the Fill color icon in the main toolbar, which will open a menu that allows you to select the fill color for the cells in your spreadsheet. Here, click on Alternating colors at the bottom of the screen. From there on, you can follow steps 4 to 6 to add the colors.

How to Add Alternating Colors Using Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting allows you to change cell and text color, font size, or any other formatting option based on a rule specified by the user. This used to be the only way to add alternating colors to your spreadsheet before the addition of a dedicated menu.

It still works and can sometimes still be useful to know for some situations. Below, we will use conditional formatting based on a formula to format alternating rows. Here are the steps to do this:

Click and select the cells where you wish to add the alternating colors. Now, click on Format in the top bar of the main spreadsheet. A drop-down menu will open. Here, click on Conditional formatting, which will open a sidebar towards the right side of the screen. You can add the cell reference in the Apply to range box here. In the Format rules, select Custom formula is. Here, we will use the =ISEVEN(ROW( )) nested formula. The ROW function will return the row number of your current cell, and the ISEVEN formula will check if the row is odd or even, with a true or false result. Now, under Formatting style, click on Fill color and select a color to apply to the even rows. Click on Done to apply the changes.

Now we will have to repeat the same steps for changing the color of the odd row. However, you have to make a small change here. You’ll have to click on + Add another rule menu. Then, use the =ISODD(ROW( )) instead of =ISEVEN(ROW( )) in step 6.

Like the Alternating colors menu, you can find conditional formatting by clicking on the Fill color option in the main toolbar and then clicking on Conditional formatting.

Tips for Better Color Choices

Here are a few tips for creating a visually pleasing color palette for your spreadsheets in Google Sheets.

1. Create Color Harmonies

Color harmonies are techniques used to combine colors in aesthetically pleasing ways. The color wheel serves as the basis for these harmonies. Like a rainbow, the colors of the wheel are organized in spectral order. Each color arrangement is designed to make it easier for you to recognize complementary color schemes.

Most well-known color harmonies are a combination of colors that harmonize the color spectrum. Try out a few different harmonies and adjust them to your liking. Find the one color you like and start from there.

2. Focus on Balance

It’s best to avoid overusing any bright or overpowering color at the expense of others because doing so could make your spreadsheet colors appear way too busy and full. Each component will fight for the attention of your viewers.

Therefore, be sure to use neutral tones frequently because they’ll help create harmony in your palette. Save rich colors for accentuating important data points instead.

3. Less Is More

The colors we first learn as young children, such as red, green, and blue, are highly saturated. Combining them in a single design won’t always seem appealing. This is why you need to adjust the saturation.

Instead of using every contrasting color available, stick to shades and similar colors. Varying the saturation of matching colors is an easy way to achieve this.

4. Create Contrast by Adding Extra Colors

To juxtapose the above point, sometimes, you may want parts of your spreadsheet to stand out. In which case, you could add single important rows (like the total row, for example), and have a different bright color instead of making your alternating row colors have high contrast.

5. Find Inspiration

No matter how skilled or experienced you are, don’t be hesitant to look to artists or color palette websites for inspiration. You could easily download a color palette generator on your phone to help you decide.

Use Alternate Colors in Google Sheets

With the above advice in mind, you’ll have no trouble building unique and appealing alternating color schemes for all of your spreadsheets.

But, it’s also fine to just use the defaults in Google Sheets, as the most important factor is improving the readability of the data. If you are a little pickier, you can also match the color scheme to your chosen Google Sheets theme.