You can use an image as a background or a solid color or pattern. There are basically three ways you can do this in Excel: using Page Layout, adjusting the transparency of an image and inserting an object.
Add an Excel Background Image In Excel Using Page Layout
Background can be set to one of the following options: None - No background will be displayed. White - The background will be white. Gray - The background will be gray. ..
Background: Microsoft has released three new options for finding images - from a file, Bing Image Search, and OneDrive-Personal. ..
I will start by selecting the first option from a file and choose an image from my computer.
To insert a screenshot of your data, select an image and then click Insert.
The image repeats itself in the background as you scroll down the page or move from side to side.
If you want to use an Excel background image, make sure it is of a light color so the data is easily visible. The image above shows how the data can be obscured in some areas because the background is dark.
You can change the color of the text and italicize it. ..
Keep in mind that your data is the most important part of your spreadsheet. If the Excel background image makes it hard to see, you are reducing the impact of your information. ..
When using background images, you may want to consider how it will affect your data.
When you zoom in on a spreadsheet, the data gets smaller, but when you zoom out, the image size remains relatively the same.
If you enlarge the image, the text gets smaller and the image becomes unstable.
The Excel background image does not follow the data by staying proportional to it. Let’s use the second option now to add a background.
Now, go to Page Layout > Add Background and select the blue sky. Finally, go to Text > Text Styles and select the Default text style. Now, enter the following into your document: The blue sky is a beautiful backdrop for any event. ..
The second option is to insert a picture from a Bing Image Search. This is often a better option because you might not have the best image on your computer. ..
Since this spreadsheet is about financial information in different countries, let’s search for images that depict maps. ..
To search for images that are not Creative Commons, you can use the following command: Image search
I only want images of sizes, types, layouts, and colors.
The map in the screenshot is of a city. The text on the map is in black, and it says “Baghdad.” The text on the right side of the map is in green, and it says “Syria.”
Backgrounds can be visually appealing, but you must be careful that they don’t overpower your text. ..
When you insert an Excel background image using this method, the image does not show up when printed.
It is a useful tool for presentations when you want to grab the attention of others.
Insert a Picture & Adjust Its Transparency
Select the picture you want to insert into the text area.
When you insert an image into a spreadsheet, it becomes a floating image that is not part of the data. This can be confusing, so let’s take a look at how it works. ..
You can resize the image by putting your cursor on one of the circles on the edges and dragging it. ..
An advantage of using an Excel background image rather than adding a background is that you can adjust the transparency. If your spreadsheet is very long, this method might not be the most convenient method.
To make sure your spreadsheet looks its best, start by positioning the image at the top left-hand corner. Then drag it so that it covers all of the data. ..
Picture Format tab > Transparency > Picture Transparency Options
The data in this report is hidden behind a layer of opacity. The Transparency option can be to the right to show the data in its entirety, or to the left to hide it.
This method uses an inserted picture that behaves like a background image and will show up when printed.
Insert An Object In Excel
If your spreadsheet is very long, the previous method could be cumbersome. Inserting an object might be a better option.
Click the Rectangle shape. The rectangle will be created and its properties will be set. The rectangle’s width and height will be set to 100px and 50px, respectively. The rectangle’s color will be set to black.
Select a shape by clicking on it. We will use a rectangular shape. Drag the shape onto your spreadsheet to create it. ..
Then, in the Format Shape dialog, select the Rectangle tab and change the Width to 100 and Height to 50. Click OK to save your changes.
To insert a picture into your document, click the “Fill from the menu” button and select “Picture or texture fill.” Then under “Picture source,” select “Insert.” Under “Format Shape,” select “Picture or texture fill.” Finally, under “Texture,” select one of the options to use. ..
The texture will fill the shape and cover your data. Use the slider next to Transparency to set a percentage that allows your data behind the texture to show. In the screenshot below, we used 75% transparency.
This method uses a background that will show up when you print.
When adding a background to an Excel spreadsheet, make sure it is easy to read. ..
Adjusting the transparency of the background and changing the font color or style can improve the readability of your data while adding a little pizzazz to your spreadsheet. ..
Have you had any trouble adding an Excel background image – or perhaps you have a tip on how to add other background features? Join the conversation and let us know in the comments below.
