Export Google Sheets as PDF Without Gridlines
Exporting a Google Sheet without gridlines produces a cleaner PDF that looks like a formatted report rather than a raw spreadsheet. This is the default behavior in Google Sheets, but it can be toggled in the print settings.
Gridlines are off by default
When you export a Google Sheet as PDF, gridlines are not included by default. If your exported PDF is already showing gridlines, it is because a previous print setting enabled them.
How to turn off gridlines
Go to File > Print in Google Sheets. Under the 'Formatting' section, find the 'Show gridlines' checkbox and uncheck it. The preview on the right will update to show the sheet without gridlines. Close the dialog and run the extension to export.
Using cell borders instead
If you want lines to delineate your data but not the full spreadsheet grid, use Format > Borders to add borders only to the cells you want outlined. This gives you control over which divisions are visible in the PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove gridlines from a Google Sheets PDF export?
Go to File > Print, uncheck 'Show gridlines' under Formatting, close the dialog, then export with the extension.
Can I export some columns with borders and others without?
Yes. Use Format > Borders to apply borders selectively. Turn off gridlines in the print settings. Only the explicit borders you added will appear in the PDF.
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