Ampler applies company-standard alternating row shading to a range in one click — the readability of a table without converting the data to an Excel Table object.
Quick answer: Select the cells and click Cycle alternating row shading on the Ampler ribbon; click again to cycle to the next shading style.
How to use it
Select the range, then cycle the alternating row shading.
- Select the cells you wish to format.
- Click Cycle alternating row shading to apply the row formatting, and click again to cycle to the next style.
The formats it cycles through are the ones defined under Settings → Cycles, so you can set them to your company standards.
Why use it
Excel’s Table object changes how formulas and references behave, which isn’t always wanted. Ampler gives a range the banded, readable look of a table — in your company’s shading — without converting it to a Table.
How consultants use it
A banded data table is easier to read, and consultants want that readability without the side effects of an Excel Table. Three habits apply:
- Readable data ranges: alternating shading makes rows easy to follow
- No Table side effects: the data stays a plain range, so formulas behave as expected
- On the company standard: the shading comes from the defined cycle, not an ad-hoc fill
Alternating row shading gives table readability without a Table object.
Tips & best practices
- Use it on data ranges that must stay plain ranges.
- Cycle to the shading style your firm uses.
- Define the shading under Settings → Cycles.
Availability
Included in Ampler for Excel and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop Excel.
Frequently asked questions
How do you add alternating row colours in Excel without a table?
Select the range and click Cycle alternating row shading on the Ampler ribbon. It applies banded shading without converting the data to an Excel Table.
How do you get a table look without an Excel Table?
Ampler’s alternating row shading gives the banded, readable look of a table while keeping the data a plain range.
Where is the shading style defined?
Under Settings → Cycles, so it matches your company standard.