Where Did the Gridlines Go in Google Sheets? (And How to Fix It)

If you open a Google Sheets document and suddenly notice that the familiar gridlines are missing, don’t panic. This is a common issue that happens due to settings changes, formatting, or display options. Google Sheets doesn’t remove the gridlines—they are just hidden.

This guide explains why gridlines disappear in Google Sheets and how to restore them quickly.

Why Are Gridlines Missing in Google Sheets?

Gridlines might disappear for several reasons:

Gridlines are turned off in the settings.
Cell background color has been applied, hiding the gridlines.
Conditional formatting or styles override default gridlines.
Print layout or view settings make them invisible temporarily.

How to Show Gridlines in Google Sheets

Step 1: Check Gridline Settings

Open your Google Sheets document.
Click on View in the top menu.
Make sure Show gridlines is checked.
- If it isn’t, click it to enable gridlines.

Step 2: Check Cell Background Colors

Select the cells where gridlines are missing.
Click the Fill color icon (paint bucket) in the toolbar.
If the fill is set to any color other than default/white, gridlines may be hidden.
Set the fill to None or white to reveal gridlines.

Step 3: Check Print Settings

If you are in Print Preview, gridlines may not appear unless selected:
1. Go to File > Print.
2. In the Formatting section, check Show gridlines.
3. Adjust as needed before printing.

Step 4: Check Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting with a background color can hide gridlines:
1. Click Format > Conditional formatting.
2. Review rules that apply a background color.
3. Adjust or remove the color to reveal the gridlines.

Tips for Maintaining Gridlines in Google Sheets

Avoid setting unnecessary background colors on cells.
Always check View > Show gridlines if they disappear.
For printed documents, ensure Show gridlines is selected in print settings.
Use borders for more permanent visibility when sharing sheets.

Final Thoughts

Missing gridlines in Google Sheets are usually caused by simple settings or formatting issues. By checking the View menu, cell backgrounds, and print settings, you can quickly restore the familiar gridlines.

Maintaining gridlines makes your spreadsheet easier to read, organize, and share with others, ensuring your data always looks neat and professional.