In general, most of us have seen Excel as monotonous and straightforward software.

But have you ever thought of how you can use your creativity to create fantastic and engaging spreadsheets?

In this article, I will share such a technique. Here we will learn how to add background images to your Excel spreadsheets.

Option 1: Add a Wallpaper to your worksheet:

For Excel 2003:

  1. First of all, open the worksheet where you want to add the background.

  2. After navigating to ‘Format’> ‘Sheet’> ‘Background’.
  3. Now, browse through all available pictures, select the image you want to add and click the insert button shown in the image below.

  4. This will add the picture you just selected as the sheet background.

For Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013:

  1. First, open the worksheet where you must add the background.
  2. Next, navigate to the ‘Page Layout’ tab in the ribbon and click on the ‘Background’ option.
  1. This will open the sheet background window, select the picture you want to use as the background, and then click the insert button.

  1. Now the image you just selected will be used in your spreadsheet background.

  1. The result should look like the image above.

Some important tips for spreadsheet backgrounds:

  • Try using contrasting colors to make your spreadsheet more comfortable to read. For example, if you use a dark font on a light background, it will be easier to read.
  • You can also use the Alt + PG keyboard shortcut to add a background image to your worksheet.
  • Pictures in your spreadsheet background can increase the overall size of your spreadsheet. So choose only small images.
  • You cannot add a background image to multiple sheets at the same time. You can only add background to one sheet at a time.
  • Delete grid lines on your worksheet when you are using the background image; this makes them smooth.
  • It should be noted that when you add a background image to your worksheet using the above method, it will not be visible when you print the worksheet. To add a printable background image to your spreadsheet, use the second option.

How to delete background image in Excel:

To remove the background in the image, follow the below steps:

For Excel 2003:

  1. First, open the spreadsheet where you have added an image as the background.
  2. Next, navigate to ‘Format’> ‘Sheet’> ‘Delete Background’.

  1. This will remove the image from the background.

For Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013:

  1. First of all, open the worksheet where you have added the image as the background.
  2. Then navigate to the ‘Page Layout’ tab in the ribbon and click on the ‘Delete Background’ option.

  1. Now the pictures in the background of your workbook will be deleted.

Option 2: Add a printable picture to your worksheet:

In this method, we will not add an image as the background, but instead, we will add the image on top of another object. And then, we’ll adjust the item so that it fits the entire printable area. To use the method, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the worksheet where you want to add your background image. Before proceeding, make sure that you’ve filled in the required data in your spreadsheet.

  1. Next, navigate to the ‘Insert’ tab> ‘Shapes’> ‘Rectangle’ and draw a rectangle on your sheet.

  1. Then right-click on the rectangle and choose the option ‘Format Shape’ as shown in the image.

  1. This will open the ‘Format Shape’ option, click on the ‘Fill’ option, choose the ‘Gradient or Texture’ radio button in the’ Fill’ category. Using the ‘File’ button, select the image you select as the background and set the transparency to your needs.

  1. Now adjust the image so that it is visible in the printable area and then print the worksheet.

So this is all from my side. I hope you enjoy this post.