In the realm of enterprise content management, SharePoint is a name that stands out, and among its many features, the SharePoint Zebra striping is a lesser-known yet powerful tool. This article delves into the intricacies of SharePoint Zebra striping, its benefits, and how to enable it, ensuring your SharePoint list views are not just functional but also visually appealing.
Understanding SharePoint Zebra Striping
SharePoint Zebra striping, also known as row coloring, is a feature that alternates the background color of rows in a list view. This visual enhancement improves readability and makes it easier to differentiate between rows, especially in long lists. The pattern follows a simple rule: every alternate row is colored differently, much like the stripes on a zebra, hence the name.
Benefits of Enabling SharePoint Zebra Striping
- Improved Readability: The color contrast makes it easier to scan and read long lists.
- Enhanced Visual Appeal: Zebra striping adds a touch of professionalism and tidiness to your list views.
- Better Navigation: The distinct rows help users navigate through the list more efficiently.
Enabling SharePoint Zebra Striping: A Step-by-Step Guide
Enabling Zebra striping is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

- Navigate to the list view where you want to enable Zebra striping.
- Click on the gear icon in the top-right corner and select 'Create view'.
- In the 'Create View' page, under 'Style', check the box next to 'Alternate row color'.
- Choose the color for the alternate rows from the drop-down menu.
- Click 'OK' to save the view.
Customizing SharePoint Zebra Striping
SharePoint offers some customization options for Zebra striping. You can choose from a range of colors for the alternate rows, or even use a custom color. Additionally, you can apply Zebra striping to both new and existing views.
Troubleshooting SharePoint Zebra Striping Issues
While SharePoint Zebra striping is generally reliable, you might encounter issues like the striping not showing up or displaying incorrectly. These issues can often be resolved by clearing the browser cache, checking for any custom CSS that might be overriding the default styles, or ensuring that the view is set to display in 'Standard View'.
Best Practices for Using SharePoint Zebra Striping
While Zebra striping is a useful feature, it's important to use it judiciously. Here are some best practices:

- Use colors that provide sufficient contrast for accessibility.
- Don't overuse colors. Stick to a maximum of two colors for the best effect.
- Consider the color scheme of your SharePoint site. Zebra striping should complement, not clash with, your site's design.
SharePoint Zebra striping is a simple yet powerful tool that can significantly enhance the user experience in your SharePoint lists. By understanding and leveraging this feature, you can make your SharePoint lists more readable, navigable, and visually appealing.























