HSSF -- applying style to merged cells

Hi Everyone,

I may need to join some HSSF forum, but I figured I start here. I'm using Scott Klement's HSSFR4 service program to read a template spreadsheet, add data to it, and save it as a new spreadsheet.

One of the requirements is to have headings that span several columns. Product Class headings span B - K, Family headings span C - K. Rather than programmatically set the style for the headings, I look for special values (e.g. '~classhdg') and use the style from that cell as the style for the added headings.

The style for the Class headings is white font on blue background. Using Scott's shortcut, hssf_text, I put the class heading text into column B with the class heading style picked up from the '~classhdg' cell. Then I merge cells B - K. The style (white on blue, center align, font, etc) expands to cover the appropriate cells.

When I do something similar for Family headings, all works well except the grid lines. The cell from which I get the style has a bottom grid line. When applied to the family heading cell, it carries the grid line. When cells C - K are merged, the grid line only shows on cell C. If I merge the cells first, same thing -- only cell C gets the bottom grid line.

In Excel, if I put a bottom grid line on a cell, then merge that cell with other cells on the same row, the grid line disappears. If I merge the cells first, then add the grid line, it covers all the merged cells.

I really don't want to do this programmatically set the grid lines, I would really like to get the setting from the designated style cell.

*Peter Dow* /
Dow Software Services, Inc.
909 793-9050
pdow@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:pdow@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> /