How to Insert Lines Between Cells in Google Sheets

Google Sheets offers the ability to add lines between cells to make data more organized and easy to read. This feature is particularly useful in business settings where data needs to be presented in a clear and concise manner. It allows for better data visualization and analysis, making it an important tool for decision-making and planning.

overview image of adding lines between cells in google sheets


A Sample of Practice Spreadsheet

You can copy our spreadsheet that we’ve used to prepare this article.


3 Scenarios to Insert Lines Between Cells in Google Sheets

In Google Sheets, lines or borders can be added to cells to separate and organize data. Different border styles include top, bottom, left, right, and outer border lines. These can be useful in business to clearly display important data.

data for adding line between cells

Assume that we have a dataset of some products, their quantity, and their price. We will use the dataset to demonstrate the two scenarios.

1. Placing Line Border

Consider that we will use a line between rows 4 and 5 to separate the header and data. To understand how to add a line, check the following.

Steps:

  • First, select the cell range B2:D2.

selecting cells for adding lines

  • Next, select the Borders button from the Toolbar.
  • From the Borders options, select the Bottom border.

how to navigate borders option from toolbar

  • This will create a line under the cells B2:D2, effectively separating the header and data between rows 4 and 5.

use of bottom border line between cells in google sheets


Further Examples of Different Border Types

Explore the versatility of border types in Google Sheets with further examples, such as using a double-line border for emphasis or a dotted line for subtle separation.

Outer Border
We can also use the Outer border to create a line surrounding the table. Check the following Steps:

  • First, we are going to select the cell range B5:D9.

selecting a range of cells

  • Then, from the Borders option, select Outer border.

where to find outer border in google sheets

  • This will create a line surrounding the table

adding line all over the cells in google sheets

NOTE: You can also use CTRL+SHIFT+& in the keyboard to create an outside border.

All Borders

We can also add lines between all the cells using the All borders option.

Steps:

  • Once again we will select the data to range from B5 to D9.
  • Toolbar > Borders > All borders.

all border feature of google sheets

  • It will create a line on the top, bottom, left, and right of each cell.
  • This can be useful for creating a table-like structure or for separating groups of data within a worksheet.

adding lines between cells in google sheets


Customize Lines Between Cells

Google Sheets also has the ability to customize lines between cells allowing for more precise organization and emphasis on important data.

Border Colour

Adding border color to cells in Google Sheets can enhance the overall appearance of your spreadsheet and make it more visually appealing. It can also be used to highlight important information or separate different sections of data. Using different border colors makes it easier to identify specific cells or groups of cells in your sheet, which can make your data more organized and easier to understand.

border colour feature for customization in google sheets

For this instance, we used the blue color and All borders to highlight the cells.

customised blue border lines

Border Style

Using different border styles in Google Sheets can enhance the visual appeal and organization of a spreadsheet. It can also draw attention to important information and make it easier to read and understand. With various styles to choose from, it’s easy to customize and personalize your data.

border style features

In Google Sheets, there are several types of borders that you can apply to cells or ranges of cells to format the appearance of your data. Some of the types of borders include:

  • Solid line: A single, solid line that surrounds the cells.
  • Dotted line: A series of small dots that form a border around the cells.
  • Dashed line: A series of dashes that form a border around the cells.
  • Double line: A double-thick line that surrounds the cells.

As an example, we used the Double line border style with the Outer border option.

example of double line border in google sheets

Read More: Conditional Formatting Between Two Values in Google Sheets


Similar Readings


2. Adding New Line

In Google Sheets, you can quickly add a new line within a cell by using the keyboard shortcut “CTRL+ENTER”. This allows you to add multiple lines of text within a single cell without having to manually adjust the row height. This can be especially useful for creating structured, organized spreadsheets, and for fitting more information into a smaller space. Check the following example. Consider that we are going to write “Item 1” and “Sub Item 1” together in cell B6.

how to add lines in cell google sheets

Steps:

  • First, select cell B6.
  • Type “Item 1” and then use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+ENTER to add a new line.

using of keyboard shortcut

  • Type “Sub Item 1” on the new line. Cell height will automatically adjust.

auto adjustment of cell height using keyboard shortcut in google sheets

Additionally, it can be useful when you want to add a line break between the text in a cell, for example when you want to create a bullet point list inside a cell. Using this keyboard shortcut can save you time and make your spreadsheet look more professional.

Note: You can also use ALT+ENTER to add a new line between cells.

3. Using Gridlines in Google Sheets

Gridlines in Google Sheets are important for organizing data and making it more legible. They help to separate and distinguish the different cells in a sheet, making it easier to read and understand the data. Additionally, gridlines can also be used for formatting and creating a more professional-looking document. Here are the steps for adding gridlines between cells in google sheets.

Steps: 

  • To view gridlines in Google Sheets, go to the “View” menu and select “Show” and then “Gridlines“.

how to add grid lines in google sheets

  • The gridlines will now appear between the cells.

gridline view in google sheets


Conclusion

Adding lines between cells in Google Sheets can greatly improve the organization and readability of data in a business setting. It allows for a clear separation of information, making it easier to quickly identify and reference specific data. Additionally, it can improve the overall aesthetic and professionalism of the spreadsheet. For more advanced help, you can check out the website OfficeWheel.


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Ishrak Khan

Ishrak Khan

Ishrak Khan is a writer and urban planner born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, one of the largest mega-cities. He is a professional Content Developer closely working with OfficeWheel. He simply likes to enthrall his readers. He loves Football, Nico Robin, Deserts, and Twix. If you like the post, give him a heart on Instagram.

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