How To Underline in Google Sheets
Dec 07, 2024
You can emphasize important data in Google Sheets by underlining it. Google Sheets users can underline text, sections, headers, totals, etc.
While Google Sheets doesn’t have a direct underline option for cells like word processors, there are clever ways to achieve it. This article explores various methods to underline in Google Sheets so that you can choose the best option.
How To Quickly Underline in Google Sheets Using AI
You can quickly underline in Google Sheets using Google Apps Script. AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude can help you generate the necessary scripts.
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Example prompt: "Generate an Apps Script code to underline all cells in the "Age" column greater than 30."
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Open Apps Script editor: Click Extensions > Apps Script in your Google Sheets document.
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Copy and paste the script: AI will generate a code similar to this:
function underlineAgeAbove30() {
const sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
const range = sheet.getRange(2, 2, sheet.getLastRow() - 1, 1); // Assuming "Age" column is the second column and starts from row 2
const values = range.getValues();
const textStyles = range.getTextStyles();
for (let i = 0; i < values.length; i++) {
if (values[i][0] > 30) {
textStyles[i][0] = SpreadsheetApp.newTextStyle()
.setUnderline(true)
.build();
}
}
range.setTextStyles(textStyles);
}
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Save and run:
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Save the script and give it a name.
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Close the Apps Script window, then return to your Google Sheet.
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Highlight the cell(s) you want to underline, then run the script from Extensions > Apps Script > underlineText.
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How To Underline Text in Google Sheets
This section looks at how you can manually underline text in Google Sheets. We have made the steps as simple as possible:
1. Using keyboard shortcuts.
The quickest way to underline text is through keyboard shortcuts:
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Windows: Select the cell or text, then press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + U. If you don't want to underline the entire text, double-click the cell or press F2 to enter edit mode. Then, highlight the portion of text to underline.
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Mac: Use Command + U.
This method toggles the underlining feature on or off.
2. Using the Format menu.
If you prefer navigating the menu:
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Select the desired cell(s) or text.
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Click Format in the toolbar.
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Hover over Text, then select Underline.
This applies the Google Sheets underline formatting. The result will look like this:
How To Underline Cells Using Borders
In some cases, underlining an entire cell or multiple cells might be more effective than underlining text. Cell borders can achieve this effect, and here’s how:
1. Adding a bottom border.
Borders are a great way to underline entire cells for better visual separation. This method is ideal for emphasizing rows or columns of data.
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Select the cell(s) you want to underline.
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Click the Borders icon in the toolbar.
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Choose the Bottom Border option.
Result:
2. Applying double underline.
For additional emphasis, you can create a double underline effect. This technique works well for highlighting totals or significant values in your data.
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Select the cell(s).
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Open the Borders menu and choose Border style.
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Select the double-line style and apply it as a bottom border.
Result:
How To Remove Underlining in Google Sheets
Whether you’re changing styles or correcting mistakes, removing underlining is simple. Here are the two primary methods you can use.
1. Using keyboard shortcuts.
To remove underlining quickly, simply:
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Select the underlined cell or text and press Ctrl + U (Windows) or Command + U (Mac).
2. Using the Format menu.
If you used the menu to add underlining, you can also use it to remove it:
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Select the underlined cell(s).
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Navigate to Format > Text > Underline to toggle the formatting off.
Final Thoughts
AI tools are making spreadsheet tasks as simple as ever. By applying the techniques in this post, you'll improve your spreadsheets' visual appeal and readability. Explore and experiment to find the best approach for your specific tasks.
For more easy-to-follow Excel guides and the latest Excel Templates, visit Simple Sheets and the related articles section of this blog post.
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FAQ
Can I underline specific parts of text within a cell in Google Sheets?
You can underline specific text by double-clicking the cell to enter edit mode, highlighting the text, and using Ctrl + U (Windows) or Command + U (Mac).
How do I apply a double underline to cells in Google Sheets?
Use the Borders icon in the toolbar, select Border Style, choose the double-line style, and apply it as a bottom border.
Can I use AI to underline cells in Google Sheets?
AI tools like ChatGPT can generate Apps Script code to underline specific cells based on conditions. Simply run the provided script in the Apps Script Editor to automate the process.
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