Have you ever been working in Excel and suddenly everything looks different? Maybe the font size changed, or the columns got wider, and you’re not sure how to get things back to normal. Don’t worry; it’s an easy fix. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be back to your standard Excel view in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: Returning to Normal View in Excel
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what we mean by "normal view." In Excel, the normal view is the default setting where you can see the cells, columns, and rows in their standard size and formatting. If your spreadsheet looks off, it’s likely you’ve accidentally changed the view.
Step 1: Check your zoom level
Make sure your zoom level is set to 100%.
Sometimes, the view in Excel can look strange simply because you’ve zoomed in or out too much. To check this, look in the bottom right corner of your Excel window. You’ll see a zoom slider and a percentage. If it’s not set to 100%, slide it back to the standard zoom level.
Step 2: Reset the ribbon
Reset your ribbon back to its default setting.
If you can’t find the tools you’re used to seeing, you may have customized your ribbon and forgotten about it. To reset it, right-click the ribbon and select "Customize the Ribbon." Then, click "Reset" and choose "Reset all customizations."
Step 3: Check for full screen mode
Exit full screen mode if you’re in it.
Sometimes, you might accidentally enter full screen mode, which hides the ribbon and other toolbars. To exit, just press the "Escape" key on your keyboard or double-click near the top of your Excel window.
Step 4: Switch views
Switch back to normal view if you’re in Page Layout or Page Break Preview.
Excel has several different view modes, and if you’re in the wrong one, it can make your spreadsheet look odd. To switch back, go to the "View" tab on the ribbon and click "Normal" in the "Workbook Views" group.
Step 5: Close and reopen Excel
If all else fails, close Excel and reopen it.
Sometimes, the best solution is to start fresh. Save your work, close Excel, and then reopen it. More often than not, this will reset your view back to normal.
After completing these steps, your Excel spreadsheet should be back to looking the way you’re used to. You’ll be able to see all your data clearly, and everything will be right where it belongs.
Tips for Maintaining Normal View in Excel
- Always check your zoom level if something looks off.
- Avoid customizing the ribbon unless you’re sure you’ll remember the changes.
- Learn the keyboard shortcuts for switching views to save time.
- Save your work frequently to avoid losing data if you need to restart Excel.
- Familiarize yourself with Excel’s different view modes so you can switch between them easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the default zoom level in Excel?
The default zoom level in Excel is 100%. This means that the cells, text, and data appear at their standard size.
Can customizing the ribbon affect my view in Excel?
Yes, customizing the ribbon can sometimes affect your view in Excel. If you’ve hidden certain tools or tabs, it may make it more difficult to navigate and find the options you need to return to normal view.
What are the different view modes in Excel?
Excel has three main view modes: Normal, Page Layout, and Page Break Preview. Normal view is the standard view for editing, Page Layout shows how your spreadsheet will look when printed, and Page Break Preview helps you adjust where pages will break when you print.
Why would I use full screen mode in Excel?
Full screen mode in Excel can be useful when you want to focus on your worksheet without any distractions. It hides the ribbon and other toolbars, giving you more screen space to work with.
Is closing and reopening Excel the only way to reset the view?
Closing and reopening Excel is a last resort when other methods fail. Before doing this, try adjusting the zoom level, resetting the ribbon, exiting full screen mode, and switching views.
Summary
- Check your zoom level.
- Reset the ribbon.
- Exit full screen mode.
- Switch views.
- Close and reopen Excel.
Conclusion
Getting back to normal view in Excel is typically a breeze, but sometimes things can get a tad tricky. Whether it’s accidentally zooming in too much or unintentionally customizing your ribbon, it’s important to know how to quickly remedy the situation. Thankfully, Excel is a user-friendly program, and most issues can be solved with a few simple clicks. Just remember to keep an eye on your zoom level and to familiarize yourself with the different view modes Excel offers. And, if all else fails, a quick restart of the program can work wonders. So, the next time your spreadsheet looks a bit off, don’t panic! You now have the know-how to return to normal view in Excel and get back to crunching those numbers 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.
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