Using a 3-D Effect on a Table of Data

Next, we'll experiment with this tool to see the sorts of effects you can apply to your tables or spreadsheets to give them some 3-D excitement.

Select cells D5 and E5, and click the Format Painter tool (the paintbrush icon) under Clipboard options on the Home tab (for pre-2007 users it's on the standard toolbar). While holding down the left mouse button, click in cell F5 and drag across to cell J5, then release.

Nowselect cells D5:J5 and again click the Format Painter tool. While holding down the left mouse button, select cell D6 and drag it across and down to cell J15, then release.

If you want to save your Table Style, select Home → Styles → Format as Table → NewTable Style. You cannot save a Table Style in versions prior to Excel 2007.

We have used a fairly thick border to ensure that the effect is seen clearly; however, you might want to make this a little subtler by using a thinner line style. You also could use one of the other line styles to produce an even greater effect. The easiest way to find good combinations is to use trial and error on a blank worksheet to create the effect you want. You are limited only by your imagination and, perhaps, your taste.

Always keep in mind that 3-D effects can enhance readability and give spreadsheets a more professional look and feel, but when they're used in excess, they can have the opposite effect. Remember, use everything in moderation.

If you want to take this a step further and apply 3-D effects automatically and dynamically, you can combine the 3-D with conditional formatting, automating the application of the style choices you prefer.