Skip to main content
  • Login
Cart
Exceljet logo Exceljet
  • Training
  • Videos
  • Functions
  • Formulas
  • Shortcuts
  • Articles
Cart
  • Login
  • Training
  • Videos
  • Functions
  • Formulas
  • Shortcuts
  • Articles
  • Login

You are here

Home › Videos › How to apply a fill to cells in Excel

How to apply a fill to cells in Excel

Transcript 

In this lesson we'll look at cell fills. Fills define the background color of cells. They are a key tool in building good-looking and easy to read worksheets.

Let's take a look.

To apply a fill, start by selecting the cells you want to fill. Then, open the Format Cells dialog box and navigate to the Fill tab.

There are two basic types of fills. The first is a solid background color. Just select the color you'd like to use from the color grid. You'll see the color appear below in the sample area. When you're happy with the color, just click OK to apply.

The second basic fill option is a gradient fill. To apply a gradient, click the Fill Effects button. You can then define the gradient you like. Click OK to accept the gradient and see a preview in the sample area. And OK again to apply the fill.

In addition to solid and gradient fills, you can apply a pattern to a solid fill. 

First, select the background color as usual. Then, select the pattern and a suitable color. The pattern sits on top of the background and has its own color. Click OK to apply. Patterns and gradients are interesting, but you'll probably find that solid fills are more useful all around.

Note that you can apply basic solid fills using the Fill Color menu on the ribbon located in the Font group. When you use the ribbon, Excel will build a live preview of the fill applied to the worksheet in the background as you move your mouse across the color grid.

The Fill Color menu on the ribbon also has a handy option to remove all fills. Select the cells that have the fill you'd like to remove and choose No Fill from the menu.
 

Master Excel with practice. Download this worksheet (and dozens more) in our Core Excel course. Learn by doing.

Dave Bruns Profile Picture

Author

Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Award  

Exceljet Training

  • Excel 101
  • Excel Fundamentals
  • Conditional Formatting
  • Essential Formulas
  • Advanced Formulas
  • Pivot Tables
  • Excel Tables
  • Excel Shortcuts
  • Excel Charts
  • Course Bundles
Just wanted to say "Thank you" and I feel lucky I found your website! I work with contracts and your link lead me to a concise answer. No other link came close.
Karen
More Testimonials

Get Training

Quick, clean, and to the point training

Learn Excel with high quality video training. Our videos are quick, clean, and to the point, so you can learn Excel in less time, and easily review key topics when needed. Each video comes with its own practice worksheet.

View Paid Training & Bundles
Excel foundational video course
Excel Pivot Table video training course
Excel formulas and functions video training course
Excel Charts video training course
Video training for Excel Tables
Dynamic Array Formulas
Exceljet logo Exceljet
Quick, clean, and to the point

Resources

  • Training
  • Videos
  • Functions
  • Formulas
  • Shortcuts
  • Articles

About Us

  • About
  • Testimonials
  • Topics
  • Contact
  • Donate

Newsletter Sign-up

Work faster in Excel. Join more than 100,000 people who get weekly tips from us.
© 2012-2025 Exceljet. Terms of use
  • Visit our Twitter page