Barely noticeable background shading on alternate rows for improved readability

**AdvSysCon** · 05-01-2007, 07:40 AM

For improved readability on a long spreadsheet, I would like to add barely noticeable backgound shading to alternate rows.

I tried: Format > Cells > Patterns > Color > "Lightest Gray"
but that prints shading that's a little too dark on an inkjet.

I tried: Format > Cells > Patterns > Pattern > "12.5% Gray"
but that prints shading that's a little too dark on an inkjet.

I tried: Format > Cells > Patterns > Pattern > "6.25% Gray"
but that prints a grid of dots, not a nice even shade.

What combination of Color & Pattern will give the lightest barely noticeable background shading on an inkjet?

This probably applies to most versions of Excel, but specifically, I'm using MS Excel 2003 under Windows XL Pro. I recall that the "6.25 Gray" pattern works great on a laser printer, but does not work on an HP inkjet printer.

Thanks in advance for any hints from anyone that has done this before.

**chrismar035** · 05-11-2007, 02:48 PM

I use a black and white printer at work and have used some of the really light blues or yellows to get a light grey.
If you don't have other colors on the sheet, try printing in black and white with come of those light colors.

Hope this helps...