How to Fix Custom Excel Table Style Formatting and Column Stripes
Question details
Users need to fix an issue where custom Excel table styles lose their formatting when saved to the gallery, specifically struggling to keep alternating column stripes applied.
- Product
- Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating and saving custom table styles to apply alternating format stripes to table columns.
- Observed behavior
- The custom table style appears correct in the preview window, but the formatting resets or disappears once saved and applied to the table from the style gallery.
Verify that your selected data range is actually formatted as a Table (Insert > Table) rather than just a regular range of cells before modifying table styles.
Use the First Column Stripe Option
To successfully apply alternating column formatting, you must modify the specific 'First Column Stripe' element in the style editor.
Many users accidentally apply formatting to the 'Whole Table' element instead of the specific stripe elements, causing alternating colors to fail or reset.
Navigate to the Table Design tab, expand the Table Styles gallery, and click 'New Table Style' (or right-click an existing style and choose 'Modify').
In the 'Table Element' list, find and click on 'First Column Stripe'. This is usually the second item in the list and controls the formatting for alternating columns.
Click the 'Format' button, choose your desired fill color, fonts, or borders, and click 'OK'. Ensure the preview window displays the alternating colors correctly.
Click 'OK' to save your custom table style. Select your table, open the Table Styles gallery, and click your newly created style under the 'Custom' section to apply it.
Recreate the Style in the Current Workbook
If styles continuously reset, recreating the custom style in a fresh workbook can bypass potential file corruption.
Create and Manage Custom Table Styles in WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet offers an intuitive Table Style interface that lets you easily apply banded columns and rows without losing your custom formatting.
- 1. Select Your Data: Open your spreadsheet in WPS Office and highlight the data range you want to format as a table.
- 2. Format as Table: Navigate to the 'Home' tab and click on the 'Format as Table' icon.
- 3. Apply or Customize Styles: Select a preset style with column stripes, or click 'New Table Style' to define your custom alternating column colors effortlessly.
- 4. Toggle Banded Columns: Once the table is created, use the 'Table Tools' tab to check or uncheck 'Banded Columns' to instantly show or hide your stripes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my table stripes not showing up even after applying the style?
You likely need to enable the visibility of the stripes. Click anywhere inside your table, go to the Table Design tab, and ensure the 'Banded Rows' or 'Banded Columns' checkbox is ticked in the Table Style Options group.
What is the difference between First Column Stripe and Second Column Stripe?
The First Column Stripe applies formatting to the odd-numbered columns (1st, 3rd, 5th), while the Second Column Stripe targets the even-numbered columns (2nd, 4th, 6th). Modifying both allows you to create highly customized alternating color patterns.
Can I make my custom table style the default for all new tables?
Yes. Right-click your custom table style in the Table Styles gallery and select 'Set as Default'. Any new tables you create in that specific workbook will automatically use your custom style.
