If you’re working with spreadsheets, knowing how to add borders in Excel is a basic yet powerful formatting skill. Borders help organize and highlight data clearly, making your worksheets look polished and easier to read. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu (LibreOffice Calc), Excel offers multiple ways to add borders—through menus or fast keyboard shortcuts.
🎯 Why Use Borders in Excel?
Adding borders improves:
- Readability: Separate data visually
- Structure: Define headers, tables, or blocks
- Presentation: Professional-looking reports and forms
- Data Entry: Guide users when filling out spreadsheets
🪟 How to Add Borders in Excel on Windows
Method 1: Use the Ribbon
- Select the cells you want to format
- Go to Home > Font > Borders (border icon)
- Click the dropdown to choose:
- Bottom Border
- Top Border
- All Borders
- Outside Borders
- Thick Box Border, etc.
Method 2: Keyboard Shortcut
- Add Outline Border:
Ctrl + Shift + 7 - Remove Outline Border:
Ctrl + Shift + _
💡 Tip: For full customization, press Alt + H + B to open the border menu, then choose a letter for each border type (e.g., A for All Borders, T for Top Border).
🍏 How to Add Borders in Excel on macOS
Via Menu:
- Highlight the desired range
- Go to Format > Cells > Border Tab
- Choose border types and click OK
Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Add Outline Border:
Cmd + Option + 0(Older versions) - Customize Borders: No direct shortcut; use menu bar or toolbar options
Ribbon Tip: Click the Borders icon on the Home tab—same as on Windows.
🐧 Add Borders in LibreOffice Calc (Ubuntu)
- Select the target cell range
- Go to Format > Cells or right-click → Format Cells
- Click the Borders tab
- Choose line style, color, and placement
Keyboard Shortcut (LibreOffice Default):
- Open Format Cells dialog:
Ctrl + 1 - Navigate to Borders tab using arrow keys
LibreOffice allows border presets like Box, Grid, or custom lines via the UI.
🧠 Quick Border Types to Use
| Border Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| All Borders | Adds lines between all selected cells | Full tables or data grids |
| Outside Borders | Borders only around the outer edge | Highlighting a section |
| Top/Bottom | For column headers or totals | Subtotals, header separation |
| Thick Box Border | Strong visual outline | Emphasis or key sections |
| No Border | Removes all borders | Cleanup or minimal layout |
🧾 Keyboard Shortcut Comparison Table
| Action | Windows Shortcut | macOS Shortcut | Ubuntu (LibreOffice Calc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Add Outline Border | Ctrl + Shift + 7 | Cmd + Option + 0* | Ctrl + 1 → Borders Tab |
| Remove Outline Border | Ctrl + Shift + _ | No default shortcut | Ctrl + 1 → Unset borders |
| Open Border Menu (Ribbon) | Alt + H + B | Menu navigation only | Format > Cells |
*Note: macOS Excel versions may vary in shortcut support.
✨ Pro Tips for Border Formatting
- Combine borders with cell fill colors for better visual grouping
- Use conditional formatting for dynamic border application
- Use Table Tools (Insert > Table) for automatic grid-style borders
- Apply thicker or colored borders to highlight key metrics
❓ FAQ – Adding Borders in Excel
Can I apply borders diagonally?
Yes! Use the Format Cells > Border tab and select diagonal lines.
Will borders print automatically?
Yes. However, ensure your Print Gridlines setting is unchecked if using borders alone for layout.
Can I add different border styles in the same range?
Absolutely. Use the Borders tab to apply individual styles to each side of a cell.
Do borders affect formulas or data?
No. Borders are purely visual—they don’t impact calculations or references.
✅ Conclusion
Now that you know how to add borders in Excel, you can transform plain sheets into professional reports. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, borders are easy to apply and help make your data stand out. Use the keyboard shortcuts or explore the ribbon to format faster and work smarter.
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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