How to apply shading to alternate rows and columns in Excel? In order to apply shading to alternative rows and columns in Excel, you need to use Conditional Formatting.

Q. I know I can use conditional formatting to shade every other row (or every nth row) of an Excel data table. But how do you do that in a Word table? A.

If you're using Excel 2007, you have a whole range of new formatting tools at your disposal, including the alternate row shading offered through the Format As Table options.

How do you set up a worksheet with alternating colored rows like the traditional columnar pad design? There are many ways, but the easiest, for both Excel 2003 and 2007 is with a Conditional ...