If you’re managing long tables or complex datasets, learning how to color every other row in Excel can significantly boost your productivity and clarity. This formatting style, often called banded rows or zebra striping, makes spreadsheets easier to read and visually appealing. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, Excel and LibreOffice Calc provide quick and powerful tools to apply alternate row colors using built-in menus and smart formulas.
🎯 Why Use Alternate Row Coloring?
Coloring every other row helps you:
- Instantly improve data readability
- Visually separate rows in dense tables
- Add a professional look to reports
- Highlight patterns and improve user focus
🪟 How to Color Every Other Row in Excel (Windows)
Option 1: Format as Table (Quickest Method)
- Select your data range
- Click Home > Format as Table
- Choose a style with alternating row colors
- Confirm table headers if prompted
✅ Shortcut: Ctrl + T to quickly open the “Create Table” dialog
Option 2: Conditional Formatting with Formula
- Select your table range
- Go to Home > Conditional Formatting > New Rule
- Choose: Use a formula to determine which cells to format
- Enter formula:
=ISEVEN(ROW()) - Click Format > Fill, select a background color
- Apply the rule
✅ Shortcut to open Conditional Formatting: Alt + H + L
🍏 How to Color Every Other Row in Excel (macOS)
Method: Format as Table
- Highlight your dataset
- Click Home > Format as Table
- Choose a style with alternate row colors
Method: Conditional Formatting
- Select your data
- Click Home > Conditional Formatting > New Rule
- Choose “Classic” format style
- Formula:
=ISEVEN(ROW()) - Set your desired fill color
🔑 macOS Tip: Use the Excel toolbar or ribbon since shortcut keys differ from Windows.
🐧 Color Every Other Row in LibreOffice Calc (Ubuntu)
Method: Conditional Formatting
- Select the range
- Go to Format > Conditional > Condition
- Set Condition: “Formula is”
- Enter formula:
MOD(ROW();2)=0 - Click New Style, name it, and choose a background color
- Confirm and apply the style
✅ Shortcut to open Format Cells: Ctrl + 1
📌 LibreOffice doesn’t have “Format as Table,” so conditional formatting is the go-to solution.
🎨 Alternate Row Styling – Customization Options
| Technique | Custom Formula | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Highlight every 2nd row | =ISEVEN(ROW()) | Basic alternate rows |
| Start at odd row | =ISODD(ROW()) | Begin coloring from first row |
| Specific interval | =MOD(ROW(),3)=0 | Every 3rd row, etc. |
| Columns instead | =ISEVEN(COLUMN()) | Apply alternate column colors |
🔍 Keyboard Shortcut Overview
| Task | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu (LibreOffice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format as Table | Ctrl + T | Ribbon/Menu only | Not available |
| Conditional Formatting | Alt + H + L | Menu navigation | Format > Conditional |
| Format Cells Dialog | Ctrl + 1 | Cmd + 1 | Ctrl + 1 |
❓ FAQ – Coloring Every Other Row in Excel
Can I change the stripe color later?
Yes! Just reapply conditional formatting or change the table style in the “Design” tab.
Will row colors adjust when I add data?
In “Format as Table” – yes. In conditional formatting – only if you apply the rule to the new range.
Can I remove banded rows?
Yes. Just clear the formatting or convert the table back to a range via Table Tools > Convert to Range.
Do formulas like =ISEVEN(ROW()) work with hidden rows?
Yes, they apply regardless of visibility unless specific filtering is used.
✅ Conclusion
Applying Excel alternate row colors is a simple but powerful way to enhance the look and usability of your spreadsheets. Whether you prefer using the built-in Format as Table feature or writing your own conditional formatting formula, the process is quick and customizable. And the best part? It works across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu platforms.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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