Changing Cell Patterns

Excel allows you to easily change the background pattern used in the cell. In the early days of spreadsheets, patterns were the only way you had to differentiate one cell from another. To change cell patterns in a version of Excel prior to Excel 2007, follow these steps:

1. Select the cells whose background patterns you want to change.
2. Choose Cells from the Format menu. Excel displays the Format Cells dialog box.
3. Make sure you have the Patterns tab selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
4. Use the Pattern drop-down list to select any of the available patterns.
5. Click on OK.

If you are using Excel 2007, follow these steps instead:

1. Select the cells whose background patterns you want to change.
2. Display the Home tab of the ribbon.
3. Click the Format tool in the Cells group, and then click Format Cells. Excel displays the Format Cells dialog box.
4. Make sure the Fill tab is displayed. (Click here to see a related figure.)
5. Use the Pattern Color drop-down list to select the color you want used for the pattern.
6. Use the Pattern Style drop-down list to select any of the available patterns.
7. Click on OK.

You should note that any pattern you select appears in the background of the cell, meaning that it appears behind any information contained within the cell. Thus, by creatively combining patterns, pattern colors, and other formatting options, you can create many, many different special effects.