How to Use a Gradient Fill Effect in Excel 2013

A gradient fill blends two colors across a cell, which can make headers, title rows and dashboard labels stand out more than a flat color. In Excel 2013 (and every later version, including Excel for Microsoft 365), the gradient option is tucked away in the Format Cells dialog under Fill Effects. This guide shows how to apply a gradient to cells, pick the direction, use gradients in shapes and charts, and remove them.

Quick Answer

Select the cells, press Ctrl + 1 to open Format Cells, click the Fill tab, and click Fill Effects. Choose Two colors, pick Color 1 and Color 2, select a Shading style and Variant, then click OK twice.

Apply a Gradient Fill to Cells in Excel 2013

1. Select the cell or range, such as a header row.
2. Right-click and choose Format Cells, or press Ctrl + 1.
3. Click the Fill tab.
4. Click Fill Effects below the color palette.
5. Under Colors, select Two colors, then choose Color 1 and Color 2.
6. Under Shading styles, choose Horizontal, Vertical, Diagonal up, Diagonal down, From corner or From center.
7. Click a Variant to set the direction (for example, light to dark from top to bottom). Check the Sample box.
8. Click OK, then OK again.

Each selected cell gets its own gradient; the gradient doesn’t stretch across a whole range. For a gradient across a wide title, merge the cells first (Home > Merge & Center) or use a shape.

Tips for Readable Gradients

• Pick two shades of the same color for a subtle, professional look.
• Use a text color that contrasts with both ends of the gradient, such as white on a dark-to-medium blue, or bold dark text on light colors.
• Choose One color to fade a single color to white (or black), adjusting it with the Dark/Light slider.
• Gradient fills print in color, but they can look muddy on black-and-white printers.

Apply a Gradient to a Shape, Text Box or Chart

Shapes and charts have more gradient options than cells, including multiple stops, angles and transparency:

1. Right-click the shape, text box, chart area or data series and choose Format Shape (or Format Chart Area / Format Data Series).
2. In the Fill section, choose Gradient fill.
3. Pick a Preset gradient, or set Type, Direction, Angle and Gradient stops (color, position, transparency).

For a title that spans many columns, insert a rectangle (Insert > Shapes), give it a gradient and type the title inside it.

Remove a Gradient Fill

Select the cells and choose Home > Fill Color > No Fill. Or press Ctrl + 1, go to the Fill tab and click No Color.

Copy a Gradient to Other Cells

Select a cell with the gradient, click Format Painter on the Home tab, then click or drag across the cells to copy it. Double-click Format Painter to apply it to several places, and press Esc when done. You can also save the formatting as a Cell Style (Home > Cell Styles > New Cell Style).

For a plain solid color, see how to fill a cell with color in Excel 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use more than two colors in a cell gradient?

No. Cell gradients support two colors (or one color and white/black). Use a shape for multi-color gradients.

Can conditional formatting use gradients?

Yes. Home > Conditional Formatting > Data Bars offers gradient-filled bars, and Color Scales shade cells based on their values.

Does Excel for Mac have Fill Effects?

Yes. Press Command + 1, open the Fill tab, and click Fill Effects.

Why does my gradient disappear in Google Sheets?

Google Sheets doesn’t support cell gradients, so they’re converted to a solid color or removed when you open the file there.

Summary

1. Select the cells and press Ctrl + 1.
2. On the Fill tab, click Fill Effects.
3. Choose two colors, a shading style and a variant.
4. Click OK twice.