How to use and customize themes in Google Sheets

Google Sheets allows you to choose a pre-made theme and customize it to match the content and ideas you want to include in the spreadsheet.

An introduction to the interface (theme) in Google Sheets

Themes in Google Sheets only apply to specific areas and sections of your sheet. This is very useful if you want to design a spreadsheet with an intuitive interface for each specific item corresponding to different content. Items that apply custom skins can include:

1. Font style and color of grid text, charts, and pivot tables
2. Link color of grid text
3. Background color in chart
4. Series color in chart
5. Background color in the pivot table

However, there are also a few things you should keep in mind before deciding to use a custom theme on your worksheet:

1. The colors available in the theme you choose apply to both the text and the fill palette.
2. If you adjust the sheet format after you apply the look, the formatting will override the theme.

Apply the look in Google Sheets

Now, if you're ready to use the built-in theme to customize the look and feel of your spreadsheet, log into Google Sheets and open the sheet you want to edit.

Next, navigate to Format > Theme.

When the Theme menu opens, you'll see a collection of available options, including 15 theme themes in styles ranging from Retro and Groovy to Energetic and Earthy. Click the look you want to use and it will be applied to your sheet immediately.

Customize a look in Google Sheets

You may come across an interface that you like, but still want to tweak it a bit to make it more suitable. On the theme selection menu, click 'Customize' at the top.

You can start customizing by choosing a different font style in the Font drop-down menu. These are all familiar font options, such as Arial, Georgia, or Verdana.

Next, you can choose the interface color. For each option, choose a color from the available palette, or click 'Custom' to enter the Hex code, or you can also use the slider to get the exact color you want.

You can choose color for text (Text), chart background (Chart Background), accent color and hyperlinks (Hyperlinks). All allow you to personalize your sheet thoroughly.

As you make changes, they appear immediately in the theme preview at the top of the menu as well as on your current sheet.

When you're done customizing, click 'Done' at the top of the menu. You will also notice that the name of the theme changes.

Wish you have a sheet with the best interface!

Kareem Winters

Update 17 September 2021