📋 How to Color Alternate Rows in Google Sheets

1. Overview

\[ \begin{array}{l} \textbf{Google Sheets can automatically color alternate rows --} \\ \text{to improve readability of large datasets using conditional formatting or Apps Script.} \\ \textbf{This feature helps visually separate rows --} \\ \text{making it easier to track data across the sheet.} \end{array} \]

2. Core Steps

\[ \begin{array}{ll} \textbf{Step 1:} & \text{Select the range of data you want to format.} \\ \textbf{Step 2:} & \text{Go to Format $\rightarrow$ Conditional formatting.} \\ \textbf{Step 3:} & \text{Under "Custom formula is", enter: } \texttt{=ISEVEN(ROW())}. \\ \textbf{Step 4:} & \text{Choose your preferred background color for even rows.} \\ \textbf{Step 5:} & \text{Click "Done" to apply the alternating color pattern.} \end{array} \]

3. Sample Google Apps Script

// Color alternate rows using Apps Script
function colorAlternateRows() {
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  var range = sheet.getDataRange();
  var numRows = range.getNumRows();
  
  for (var i = 1; i <= numRows; i++) {
    if (i % 2 === 0) {
      sheet.getRange(i, 1, 1, range.getNumColumns())
           .setBackground('#f2f2f2'); // Light gray
    } else {
      sheet.getRange(i, 1, 1, range.getNumColumns())
           .setBackground(null); // Default
    }
  }
}

4. Important Notes

\[ \begin{array}{l} \text{• Conditional formatting is preferred for dynamic ranges.} \\ \text{• Apps Script method is useful for fixed or one-time formatting.} \\ \text{• ISEVEN(ROW()) highlights even-numbered rows; use ISODD(ROW()) for odd rows.} \\ \text{• Avoid manually changing colors if using conditional formatting.} \end{array} \]

5. Conceptual Flow (in LaTeX)

The process can be described as:

\[ \text{Sheet Data} \xrightarrow{\text{Conditional Formatting / Script}} \text{Alternately Colored Rows} \]

Where: \[ \text{Pattern} = \{ \text{Even Row Color}, \text{Odd Row Color} \} \]