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Leon Davis
Leon Davis

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How to Autofit Row Height and Column Width in Excel Using Python

#python #excel #autofitrows #autofitcolumns

Ensuring that all content in Excel cells is fully visible is a common task when working with spreadsheets. Manually adjusting row heights and column widths can be time-consuming, but Python developers can automate this process efficiently using Free Spire.XLS for Python. This library allows you to create, read, and manipulate Excel files, including automatically resizing rows and columns to fit their content.

This article shows how to autofit rows and columns in Excel in Python using Free Spire.XLS for Python.

Installing Free Spire.XLS

Before you start, install Free Spire.XLS for Python using pip:

pip install spire.xls.free
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This library supports a wide range of Excel operations, including formatting, formulas, charts, and cell adjustments.

Autofit a Specific Row or Column

Sometimes you only need to adjust a single row or column. Free Spire.XLS provides simple methods for this.

from spire.xls import *
from spire.xls.common import *

# Create a Workbook object
workbook = Workbook()
workbook.LoadFromFile("Sample.xlsx")

# Access the first worksheet
sheet = workbook.Worksheets[0]

# Automatically adjust the height of the 3rd row
sheet.AutoFitRow(3)

# Automatically adjust the width of the 4th column
sheet.AutoFitColumn(4)

# Save the updated file
workbook.SaveToFile("AutoFitSpecificRowAndColumn.xlsx", ExcelVersion.Version2016)
workbook.Dispose()
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Explanation:

  • AutoFitRow(row_index) adjusts the height of a specific row to fit its content.
  • AutoFitColumn(column_index) adjusts the width of a specific column based on the longest cell content.
  • row_index and column_index start at 1, corresponding to Excel’s first row and column.

This approach is ideal when you know exactly which row or column needs adjustment.

Autofit Multiple Rows and Columns

For worksheets with multiple rows and columns, you can autofit a cell range efficiently.

from spire.xls import *
from spire.xls.common import *

# Create a Workbook object
workbook = Workbook()
workbook.LoadFromFile("Sample.xlsx")

# Access the first worksheet
sheet = workbook.Worksheets[0]

# Get a specific range of cells
range = sheet.Range["A1:E14"]

# Alternatively, use the used range of the worksheet
# range = sheet.AllocatedRange

# Autofit all rows in the range
range.AutoFitRows()

# Autofit all columns in the range
range.AutoFitColumns()

# Save the updated file
workbook.SaveToFile("AutoFitMultipleRowsAndColumns.xlsx", ExcelVersion.Version2016)
workbook.Dispose()
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Explanation:

  • Range["A1:E14"] specifies a cell range. You can also use AllocatedRange to automatically select all used cells.
  • AutoFitRows() adjusts the height of all rows in the range to fit their content.
  • AutoFitColumns() adjusts the width of all columns in the range based on the content.

This method is useful for tables, reports, or any area where multiple rows and columns need formatting.

Practical Tips

  1. Wrapped Text: If a cell contains wrapped text, make sure wrap_text is enabled before autofitting the row.
  2. Merged Cells: Autofit may not work as expected on merged cells; manual adjustment might be required.
  3. Performance: For large worksheets, autofitting all rows and columns can take more time. Autofit only the range of interest for efficiency.

Advantages of Using Free Spire.XLS for Autofit

  • Automation-Friendly: Automatically adjusts rows and columns without manual work.
  • Precise Formatting: Ensures content is fully visible, including long text and multi-line entries.
  • Supports Ranges: Can adjust both individual rows/columns and entire ranges.
  • Integration with Python: Works seamlessly in Python scripts for generating or formatting Excel reports.

Conclusion

Autofitting row heights and column widths is an essential step in creating readable and professional Excel worksheets. Spire.XLS for Python makes this task easy and efficient. By using AutoFitRow and AutoFitColumn for specific rows or columns, or AutoFitRows and AutoFitColumns for ranges, developers can automate the process of formatting Excel files, ensuring that all content is fully visible and neatly presented.

Whether you are working with small tables or large reports, these methods save time and improve the overall presentation of your Excel data.

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