How to Change Background Color to Grey in Excel (Step by Step)

In this article, we will explain how to change the Excel background color to grey. Unfortunately we can’t simply change the Excel background color with a single command in Excel. Instead, we’ll have to create the grey backgrounds in Powerpoint, then insert them in Excel.

Step 1 – Saving Grey Shades As Images in PowerPoint

The first step is to create and save the grey shades to use as backgrounds in Excel as images in PowerPoint.

• In Powerpoint, go to the Design tab.
• Select Customize —> Format Background from the ribbon.
• Choose Color from the sidebar titled Format Background.

• Choose one of the 5 shades of grey offered.

The PowerPoint Slide now has a grey background.

• Make 4 copies of the same slide by right-clicking on the slide and selecting Duplicate Slide. Alternatively, press CTRL + D.

We have 5 slides with the same background.

• Apply a different shade of grey to each of the other 4 slides using the same process as above.

• Click Save As to open the Save dialog box.

• Save the file as type PNG Portable Network Graphics Format.

A box will appear with the optionto export all slides / just the current slide / cancel the process.

• Click on All Slides.

A warning message will appear.

• Click on OK.

The slides with the background shades are saved in PNG Format.

Read More: How to Change Background in Excel Sheet

Step 2 – Apply Grey Shades As Background in Excel

Now we’ll set the saved slides as the background in Excel.

• In Excel, go to Page Layout tab.
• Select Background from the ribbon.

• Click on Browse from the option From a file.

• Select one of the saved slides.
• Click on Insert.

The Excel background will be changed to grey.

Read More: How Do I Change the Default Background Color in Excel

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