Fix PowerPoint View Gridlines Not Showing for Tables
Question details
The user is unable to see table gridlines in PowerPoint even after enabling the View Gridlines option in the layout settings.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing a presentation table where visual gridlines are needed to assist with content alignment and formatting.
- Observed behavior
- Table gridlines do not display on the slide after selecting Table Tools > Layout > View Gridlines, particularly when certain table styles are applied.
Ensure your presentation slide background color does not exactly match the default gridline color, as this can camouflage the lines and make them appear hidden.
Change the Applied Table Style
Certain table styles in older versions of PowerPoint obscure or hide the non-printing gridlines feature. Applying a different style often restores their visibility.
In PowerPoint 2013 and some older versions, specific pre-set table styles contain formatting that overrides the default gridline display. Switching to a more basic style helps determine if the issue is tied to the current formatting.
Click anywhere inside the affected table on your PowerPoint slide to activate the Table Tools menu.
Navigate to the 'Table Tools' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Design'.
Expand the Table Styles gallery and select a different, preferably simpler, table style.
Go to 'Table Tools' > 'Layout' and click the 'View Gridlines' button to check if the gridlines are now visible.
Temporarily Add Physical Cell Borders
If you cannot change your table style due to strict branding or design requirements, manually adding standard borders can serve as an editing guide.
Update Microsoft Office
Older versions of PowerPoint have known graphical and display limitations. Upgrading your software may permanently resolve these rendering bugs.
Design Presentations Flawlessly with WPS Office
If PowerPoint's display bugs and older version limitations are slowing you down, try WPS Presentation. It is a highly compatible, free alternative that accurately renders tables, gridlines, and borders, ensuring a smooth and frustration-free editing experience.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your device.
- 2. Open your Presentation: Launch WPS Presentation, click 'Open', and select your existing PowerPoint (.pptx) file.
- 3. Edit with Ease: Select your table and use the familiar layout tools to view gridlines perfectly without display glitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some PowerPoint table styles hide gridlines?
Certain pre-set table styles in older versions of PowerPoint apply subtle background fills or complex border formatting that inadvertently override or mask the default non-printing gridline display layer, making them invisible to the user.
Are table gridlines the same as table borders in PowerPoint?
No. Table borders are physical, printable lines that you format to appear in your final slideshow. Gridlines are non-printing visual guides used exclusively during the editing process to help you align text and elements within cells.
Can I use drawing guides instead of table gridlines?
Yes. While drawing guides (enabled via View > Guides) will not show individual table cells, they can help you align the overall table and other objects on the slide. However, for internal cell alignment, temporary cell borders might be a better workaround.
