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How to Fill Cells with Gradient Colors in WPS Office (A Complete Guide)

January 25, 2024 1.6K views

Spreadsheets offer versatile capabilities – from presenting data to organizing work plans, managing budgets, and scheduling activities. However, the potential extends far beyond merely creating conventional spreadsheets. In this article, we explore how to elevate your sheets by incorporating Excel gradient fill in WPS Office, seamlessly adding depth and visual appeal to your data.

How to Fill Cells with Gradient Colors in WPS Office


Gradient fill in WPS Office

Gradient fill is a crucial feature in Excel, serving not only to enhance the visual appeal of your data but also to make distinctions more visually striking. This feature is also available in WPS Office, and we can utilize it through a set of steps. Let's learn how to add gradient fill in Excel using WPS Office. This is advantageous not only due to its significance but also because it is both effective and free.

Step 1: Select the Table to Which You Want to Add a Gradient Effect

  • First, open the spreadsheet using the WPS Office Sheets application.

  • Next, employ your mouse to highlight or select the column to which you wish to apply the gradient fill.

WPS Office Sheets select table


Step 2: Open the Format Cells Dialog Box.

  • After making the selection, proceed to format your cells. Right-click to open the context menu.

  • Within the context menu, choose the "Format Cells" option to access the Format Cells dialog box.

WPS Office Sheets context menu


  • Additionally, you have the option to use the shortcut "CTRL + 1" to swiftly open the Format Cells dialog box.

Step 3: Click “Patterns” and then “Fill Effects”.

  • Within the Format Cells dialog box, navigate to the "Patterns" tab.

  • Under the "Patterns" tab, you will find various options for cell shading. Click on "Fill Effects" to explore different effects that can be applied to shade your cells.

WPS Office Sheets Format Cells dialog box


Step 4: Set the Shading Styles and Variant of the Gradient Fill.

  • With the Fill Effects dialog box open, navigate to the Color section.

  • Choose Color 1 and Color 2 from the color options. Select the two distinct colors used in your table for visual appeal.

WPS Office Sheets select gradient colors


  • In the Shading Styles section, opt for "Vertical" as we aim for a gradient that transitions from left to right.

WPS Office Sheets shading styles


  • Move to the Variants section to explore different gradient variations. For a smooth transition from Color 1 to Color 2, select the initial variant.

WPS Office Sheets shading variants


Step 5: Preview the Gradient Effect and Click “OK”.

  • You can preview the gradient fill in the Sample section before proceeding with the actual application. This allows you to visualize the gradient effect before finalizing the fill.

WPS Office Sheets Preview Gradient Fill


  • If you are satisfied with the preview, proceed by clicking "OK".

WPS Office Sheets Fill Effects dialog box


  • You will be redirected to the Format Cells window; simply click "OK" to return to WPS Sheets.

WPS Office Sheets exit Format Cells dialog box


  • As observed, the Vertical gradient fill similar to Excel has been successfully applied.

WPS Office Sheets Vertical Gradient fill


  • Similarly, if you desire a top-to-bottom gradient fill, choose "Horizontal" in the Shading Styles section.

WPS Office Sheets Horizontal Gradient Fill

Tips

Here are some tips for adding gradient fill to enhance the visual appeal of your tables or cells:

  • Color Harmony: Choose colors that harmonize well together. Opt for a color scheme that aligns with the overall theme of your document or presentation. Harmonious colors contribute to a visually appealing gradient.

  • Subtle Transition: Keep the transition between colors subtle. Avoid using highly contrasting colors that may distract or overwhelm. A smooth transition creates a polished and professional look.

  • Readability Focus: Prioritize readability. Ensure that the text or content within the cells remains legible against the gradient background. Adjust text color or cell borders if needed to maintain clarity.

  • Directional Consistency: Maintain consistency in the direction of the gradient. Whether vertical or horizontal, a consistent direction provides a cohesive visual flow across cells or tables within your document.

  • Preview and Adjust: Take advantage of preview options before applying the gradient fill. This allows you to visualize the effect and make adjustments as needed. Previewing ensures that the final result aligns with your design intent.

How to Download WPS Office for Free

Step 1: Grab your trusty web browser and chart a course for the WPS Office website. On arrival, head straight for the central beacon – the bright and inviting "Download" button – and give it a click.

WPS Office Download

Step 2: Look for your trusty "wps_wid.exe" file in your browser's download list. It's usually hanging out in the corner, either top right or bottom left, like a friendly pirate waving you in.

WPS Office installation file

Step 3: Sometimes a friendly pop-up might ask you to “Keep” the downloaded file. Don't fret, that's just our security system giving you a high five! Just click 'Keep' and you're good to go.

WPS Office trusted products

Step 4: Got the terms and conditions all checked? Time to unleash the WPS Office beast! Click that big, friendly "Install Now" button, and sit back and relax.

WPS Office Install now

Step 5: WPS Office is live and kicking!  Access it anytime, anywhere on your computer and unlock a world of productivity possibilities. Get ready to write, edit, organize, and impress!

WPS Office interface

WPS Office interface

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FAQs

Q1. What are Fill Effects?

Fill Effects in Excel allows you to enhance cells, shapes, and charts with various fills. These tools can include solid colors, patterns, and gradients. You can add these effects to the background of your cells. Solid colors highlight specific data or separate worksheet sections.

Patterns offer two-coloured background designs with style and color choices. Gradients create a gradual blend of colors for a stylish look applicable to cells, shapes, or charts. While Fill Effects enhance data presentation, it's crucial not to overuse them to maintain a clean and organized worksheet appearance. Balance is the key to effective visual communication in your Excel documents.

Q2. How to fill cells with pure colors?

To fill cells with pure colors in Excel, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose the cell or cells you wish to fill.

Step 2: Navigate to the Home tab and find the Font group.

Step 3: Click on the Fill Color. You can locate this in the Font group.

Step 4: A dropdown menu will appear. Select More Colors at the bottom.

Step 5: In the Colors dialog box, opt for the Standard tab for basic colors or the Custom tab to create your own.

Step 6: Click on your desired color to select it.

Step 7: Press OK to close the dialog box.

Q3. What is the purpose of using gradient fill in a spreadsheet?

Gradient fill serves a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal of spreadsheets, injecting vibrancy into tables. Its primary purpose is to make data more engaging and facilitate a professional appearance for your documents. By smoothly transitioning between two colors, gradient fill captures attention, allowing you to highlight essential information effectively. In essence, gradient fill elevates the overall presentation of your spreadsheet, making it more attractive and impactful.

Get Creative With WPS Office

WPS Office is an exceptional platform for accomplishing tasks efficiently. Whether utilizing its Writer, Presentation, or Spreadsheet tools, it goes beyond mere functionality. WPS Office invites you to immerse yourself in creativity, transforming routine tasks into appealing and engaging work. Within the WPS Office Spreadsheet you can unfold canvases of creativity and by learning how to do Excel gradient fill in WPS Office, you can make your sheets immensely appealing. Opt for WPS Office and experience a blend of efficiency and creativity.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.