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Fix Excel for Mac Printing Gridlines but No Cell Data
Question details
The user needs to resolve an issue where printing a spreadsheet results in visible gridlines but missing cell values and text.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print a populated spreadsheet document from a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- The printer outputs the worksheet outline and gridlines, but leaves all the cell contents completely blank.
Before changing any software settings, check your printer's ink levels and print a test page. A depleted or defective black ink cartridge often causes text to vanish while colored gridlines still print.
Test Output by Saving as PDF
Isolate whether the issue is caused by Excel settings or your physical printer hardware.
By exporting the document to a PDF, you bypass the physical printer entirely. If the cell data appears in the PDF, your printer driver or ink cartridge is the culprit. If the PDF is also blank, the issue lies within Excel's formatting or print area settings.
Go to File > Print from the top menu bar in Excel for Mac.
Click the PDF dropdown menu at the bottom left of the print dialog box and select 'Save as PDF'.
Open the saved PDF on your Mac. If the numbers and text are visible, inspect your physical printer cartridges and drivers.
Clear Print Area and Check Gridline Settings
Reset the print area to ensure Excel isn't restricted from printing your specific data range.
Verify Cell Font Color and Formatting
Ensure that cell formatting isn't hiding the text against the background.
How to Print Spreadsheets Reliably in WPS Office
WPS Spreadsheet offers an intuitive Page Layout and Print Preview system, ensuring what you see on your Mac screen is exactly what gets printed. It natively handles standard Excel files with flawless compatibility.
- 1. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your Excel workbook.
- 2. Configure Print Settings: Navigate to the Page Layout tab. Here, you can define your print area, adjust margins, and check the 'Print Gridlines' box.
- 3. Access Print Preview: Click Menu > Print to open the Print Preview dialog.
- 4. Verify and Print: Check the preview to confirm your cell data and gridlines are visible, then click the Print button to send it to your printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel print blank pages even when there is data?
This can happen if the text color is set to white, the print area is defined incorrectly, or the printer's black ink cartridge is empty or defective.
How do I force Excel to print gridlines on a Mac?
Navigate to the Page Layout tab on the ribbon and check the 'Print' box located directly under the Gridlines section before sending the document to the printer.
Can a faulty printer cartridge cause only text to disappear?
Yes. If your spreadsheet's gridlines are formatted in a color (like gray or blue) but the cell values are in black, an empty or defective black ink cartridge will result in printed gridlines but completely blank cell contents.
