how to turn off print lines in excel and why does the font size affect the readability of text on a printed page

When it comes to printing data from an Excel spreadsheet, there are several factors that can influence the final output quality. One such factor is the visibility of gridlines or print lines, which can often be distracting or even interfere with the readability of the text on the printed page. In this article, we will explore how to turn off these print lines in Excel and discuss the impact that font size has on the overall readability of the document when printed.

Turning Off Print Lines in Excel

Excel offers various methods to control the appearance of printouts. To turn off print lines, follow these steps:

Method 1: Using the Print Preview Feature

Open your Excel workbook and navigate to the “File” tab.
Click on “Print Preview” to see the layout as it would appear on paper.
In the Print Preview window, you’ll find an option to hide the gridlines. This method is straightforward and allows you to preview the document before printing.
If you decide to proceed with the print, simply click “Print” at the bottom of the Print Preview window.

Method 2: Using the “Page Layout” View

Switch to the “Page Layout” view by going to the “View” tab and selecting “Page Layout.”
Here, you’ll see options for hiding gridlines. Use the drop-down menu to choose whether you want to hide vertical, horizontal, or both types of gridlines.
Once you’ve made your selection, the gridlines will disappear, and you can continue editing your worksheet.
After making any necessary changes, switch back to the “Normal” view if needed and then proceed with the print.

Method 3: Using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)

For more advanced users who want to automate this process, VBA can be used to create a macro that hides the gridlines every time a user prints a worksheet. This method requires some programming knowledge but ensures consistency across all print jobs.

By turning off print lines, you not only improve the aesthetic appeal of your printed documents but also enhance their legibility. However, it’s important to note that while gridlines help in visualizing the structure of the worksheet, they can sometimes obscure critical information, especially when dealing with dense tables or charts.

The Impact of Font Size on Readability

Another crucial aspect of ensuring clear and readable printouts is the choice of font size. Larger fonts make the text easier to read, especially for those with visual impairments or for documents intended to be viewed on small screens. Conversely, smaller fonts may be suitable for reports or presentations where space is limited but still require clarity.

Factors Affecting Font Choice

Type of Document: For formal documents like reports or academic papers, it’s generally recommended to use a larger font size (e.g., 12 points) for better readability. For more casual or short documents, a slightly smaller font (e.g., 10 points) might suffice.
Audience: Consider the age and literacy level of your audience. Younger readers or those with less formal education may benefit from larger font sizes.
Content Type: If your document contains a lot of technical details or complex information, consider using a sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica, which are often easier to read than serif fonts.

Best Practices

Always review your printed document to ensure that all text remains legible. Adjusting the font size or line spacing can significantly improve readability.
Use headings and subheadings effectively to guide the reader through the content and reduce clutter.
Avoid excessive use of color and graphics; these elements should complement the text rather than distract from it.

In conclusion, mastering the art of controlling gridlines and choosing appropriate font sizes can transform a cluttered Excel worksheet into a professional, easy-to-read document. By following these tips, you can ensure that your printed outputs meet the needs of your audience and deliver valuable information clearly and efficiently.