Stuck in header and footer view in Excel and can’t get out? Don’t worry, it’s an easy fix. Just double-click anywhere outside of the header or footer area on the spreadsheet, and voila! You’re back to the regular view. It’s like magic, but without the wand.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Get Out of Header and Footer View in Excel
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve. We want to exit the header and footer view in Excel, which can sometimes be a bit pesky to get out of. But fear not, these steps will guide you out of that view with ease.
Step 1: Double-click outside of the header or footer area
Simply place your cursor outside of the header or footer areas and double-click.
When you’re editing the header or footer in Excel, the rest of the sheet dims to allow you to focus on the task at hand. However, it can be confusing when you want to return to the regular view. By double-clicking outside these areas, you’re telling Excel you’re done with the editing and want to go back to your regular spreadsheet view.
Step 2: Use the ‘Close Header and Footer’ button
If double-clicking doesn’t work, look for the ‘Close Header and Footer’ button on the Ribbon and click it.
Occasionally, double-clicking may not work, especially if your Excel is a bit sluggish or your mouse is on the fritz. In that case, Excel provides a ‘Close Header and Footer’ button, usually located on the right-hand side of the Ribbon under the ‘Header & Footer Tools’ tab. Clicking this will immediately return you to the standard view.
Once you complete these actions, your Excel spreadsheet should return to the regular view. You can now continue working on your data without the distraction of the header or footer areas.
Tips: Navigating Out of Header and Footer View in Excel
- If you’re using a laptop, ensure that your touchpad’s double-click functionality is enabled.
- Check if your Excel version has any specific quirks with the header and footer view.
- Customize your Quick Access Toolbar to include the ‘Close Header and Footer’ button for easy access.
- Remember that you can use the ‘ESC’ key as a shortcut to exit header and footer editing mode.
- After exiting the header and footer view, always save your work to prevent any loss of data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’m in header and footer view?
Your spreadsheet will dim, and the header and footer areas will become editable fields. You’ll also see the ‘Header & Footer Tools’ tab appear on the Ribbon.
Can I edit the header and footer without entering the special view?
Yes, you can edit the header and footer by going to the ‘Insert’ tab and choosing the ‘Header & Footer’ option. This will open the header and footer for editing without changing the view of your spreadsheet.
What if the ‘Close Header and Footer’ button is missing?
If the button is missing, it could be due to your Excel version or custom settings. Try right-clicking on the Ribbon and selecting ‘Customize the Ribbon’ to add the button back in.
Can I use a keyboard shortcut to exit header and footer view?
Yes, pressing the ‘ESC’ key on your keyboard will often exit the header and footer editing mode.
Why won’t Excel let me exit header and footer view?
Ensure that Excel isn’t frozen and that your computer isn’t experiencing any performance issues. If it persists, try restarting Excel.
Summary
- Double-click outside of the header or footer area.
- Click the ‘Close Header and Footer’ button on the Ribbon if step 1 doesn’t work.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a simple and straightforward guide on how to get out of header and footer view in Excel. Whether you’re a seasoned Excel user or just starting, it’s always good to know these little tricks that can make your workflow smoother and more efficient. Remember, Excel is a powerful tool, and getting to know its ins and outs can significantly enhance your data management capabilities. So next time you find yourself trapped in the header and footer realm, just double-click your way out, and keep crunching those numbers like the Excel wizard you are!
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.
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