Deleting a header in Excel might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple once you know the steps. Whether you’ve added a header by mistake or just need to clean up your document, removing it can help make your spreadsheet look more professional. In the following article, I’ll explain how you can easily delete a header in Excel.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Delete a Header in Excel
Before jumping into the steps, let’s understand what we aim to achieve. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to remove the header from your Excel worksheet, which will no longer appear on your printed documents or in Print Preview mode.
Step 1: Open the Page Layout View
Open your Excel document and switch to the Page Layout view.
When you’re in Excel, you typically work in Normal view. However, to delete a header, you need to switch to the Page Layout view. This can be done by clicking on the ‘View’ tab on the ribbon and selecting the ‘Page Layout’ option.
Step 2: Select the Header
Click on the header area at the top of your Excel worksheet.
Once in Page Layout view, you’ll see a box at the top of each page labeled ‘Click to add header.’ Click inside this box to select the header.
Step 3: Delete the Header Content
Press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard to remove the header content.
After selecting the header, your cursor will appear, and you can simply press the Delete or Backspace key to clear any text or images you have in the header.
Step 4: Return to Normal View
Return to the Normal view by clicking on the ‘View’ tab and selecting ‘Normal.’
After deleting the header content, you can go back to working in the usual Excel environment by switching back to Normal view.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the header will no longer be a part of your Excel worksheet. It’ll be as if it was never there!
Tips: How to Delete a Header in Excel
- Make sure you’re in Page Layout view to see and edit the header.
- Double-clicking the header area can also activate it for editing.
- If you have multiple headers in different sections of your document, you’ll need to delete each one individually.
- Headers are different from top row data; make sure you’re editing the correct area.
- Remember that deleting a header cannot be undone with the undo button once you switch back to Normal view.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a header and a top row?
A header in Excel is a space at the top of a printed page where you can add text or images. The top row is the first row of your actual spreadsheet data.
Can I undo the deletion of a header?
Once you switch back to Normal view after deleting a header, you cannot undo this action. Be sure you want to delete it before doing so.
Will deleting a header affect my spreadsheet data?
No, deleting a header will not affect the data in your spreadsheet. It only affects what appears at the top of a printed page.
Can I delete a footer in the same way as a header?
Yes, you can delete a footer by following similar steps, except you’ll click on the footer area at the bottom of the Page Layout view.
How can I add a header back after deleting it?
To add a header back, simply go to the Page Layout view and click on the header area to add your text or images again.
Summary
- Open the Page Layout View.
- Select the Header.
- Delete the Header Content.
- Return to Normal View.
Conclusion
Deleting a header in Excel is as easy as following a few straightforward steps. Whether you’re tidying up your spreadsheet or removing unnecessary elements before printing, it’s a skill that can help maintain the professionalism of your documents. Remember, deleting a header is a permanent action once you switch back to Normal view, so always double-check before you clear that content. Also, keep in mind that headers are not the same as the top row of your spreadsheet data. They are designed for printing purposes, and removing them will not delete or alter your data in any way. If you ever need to add a header back, just switch to Page Layout view, and you’re good to go. With these tips and steps, you’re now fully equipped to manage headers in your Excel worksheets like a pro!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.