Bulk Convert Google Sheets to PDF Without Gridlines
Gridlines make sense on screen, but they look cluttered in a PDF that you are sending to a client or attaching to a report. Removing gridlines from a Google Sheets PDF export is a per-spreadsheet setting. Once you configure it, the bulk export picks it up and every PDF in the batch comes out clean.
Turning off gridlines before bulk export
Open each spreadsheet and go to File > Print (or Ctrl+P). In the print settings panel, look for 'Formatting' and uncheck 'Show gridlines'. Close the print dialog. The setting is saved per spreadsheet. Now when you run the bulk export, that spreadsheet will produce a PDF without gridlines.
Doing this across many spreadsheets
If you have many spreadsheets that all need gridlines removed, the fastest approach is to open each one, set the print option, and then run the full bulk export. For a recurring workflow, keep a template spreadsheet with gridlines disabled and copy that template for new data.
View gridlines vs print gridlines
Turning off gridlines in View > Show > Gridlines only affects what you see on screen. It does not change the PDF output. You need to disable gridlines in File > Print settings to affect the exported PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to disable gridlines for all sheets at once?
No single setting controls all spreadsheets at once. You must configure each spreadsheet's print settings individually.
Will hiding gridlines also hide cell borders I defined in the spreadsheet?
No. Gridlines and cell borders are different. Disabling gridlines removes the default cell grid. Cell borders you applied with Format > Borders are kept.
Related article
Google Docs to PDF with Google Sheets →Ready to Try It?
Install the free Chrome extension and start converting your Google Docs to PDF in one click.
Install Free Extension