Learn how to Freeze Panes to lock specific cells, rows, and columns in place. This function is yours if you are working with large tables!
When your spreadsheets become beyond control, you should have to freeze the rows and columns.
How does the Freeze Panes tool work?
First, here are just a few words about the Freeze Panes tool. It is one of the most wanted time-saving features in Excel. Locate the ribbon! Find the Window group on the View Tab.
You have three options if you are using the drop-down list.
- The Freeze Panes option can freeze some of the data to keep it visible while you scroll through the rest of the main Worksheet.
- Use the Freeze Top Row feature to keep only the top row visible while you scroll down.
- Keep the first column visible using the Freeze First Column command.
In the next part of the guide, you will learn how to freeze a row (or rows) of a worksheet while you scroll to another area of the worksheet.
How to Freeze the Top Row?
Steps to freeze the top row in Excel:
- Select the row you want to freeze.
- Click the View tab on the ribbon.
- Choose the Freeze Panes command.
- Click the Freeze Panes option from the menu.
Example
In the example, we have four products in a few regions. The list contains the sales by month from Jan. 2019 to Dec. 2020. The practice file contains 400 rows and 7 columns with different headers. Try to scroll down; for example, jump to cell A122. Houston, we have a problem. The main header will disappear, and the table will not look the best. How should we keep the table headers in mind? What should we do?
Choose the Freeze Panes command and pick the Freeze Panes option from the menu.
How to freeze multiple rows (top n rows)
Steps to freeze the top n rows in Excel:
- Select the row just below the rows you want to freeze
- Click the View tab on the ribbon.
- Select Freeze Panes from the menu.
- Choose Freeze Panes from the drop-down options.
This will lock the selected rows, allowing you to scroll through the rest of the worksheet while keeping the top rows visible.
Example
In the next example, you want to freeze the top 5 rows to make a quick comparison. Let us see the steps!
To keep the selected range fixed, go to the next cell in a column and apply the Freeze Panes command using a drop-down menu.
Tip: To unfreeze a top row or rows, click the Freeze Panes command, then use Unfreeze Panes from the drop-down menu.
How to freeze the first column?
Steps to freeze the first column in Excel:
- Click anywhere on the worksheet.
- Go to the View tab on the ribbon.
- Select Freeze Panes.
- From the drop-down options, choose Freeze First Column.
This will keep the first column visible while you scroll horizontally, ensuring the data in that column remains accessible.
Example
How do you fix your worksheet if some of your data is out of your viewport? The Freeze First Column command will keep the leftmost column visible when you scroll from left to right or vice versa.
Here is an example:
Okay, try moving the table from left to right using the slider. The Worksheet looks bad! Where is column A? You have not seen the first column, but you must keep the full range visible while you scroll to the right.
It would be best if you fixed it. It’s easy! Select the Freeze First Column in the drop-down menu.
Yes, it works fine! Now, you can scroll to the right and back to the left; the main region will remain. That is what you need.
Move the slider at the end of your table, and the first column will become visible.
How to freeze more than one column?
Steps to freeze more than one column in Excel:
- Select the cell in the column right after the columns you want to freeze.
- Go to the View tab on the ribbon.
- Select Freeze Panes from the menu.
- Choose Freeze Panes from the drop-down options.
Example
Let’s talk about a special case! Let’s say you want to remain in view, not just the first column. In the example, you will learn how to freeze the first three columns.
Like this:
To do that, select a cell in Column D and use the Freeze Panes menu command again!
The result looks great. Scroll to the right at the end of the table, and the first three rows remain visible. Quick win!
This action will lock the selected columns, keeping them visible while you scroll horizontally through the rest of the worksheet.
How to Freeze columns and rows at the same time?
Steps to freeze columns and rows at the same time:
- Select the cell directly below the rows and to the right of the columns you want to freeze.
- Go to the View tab on the ribbon.
- Select Freeze Panes from the menu.
- Choose Freeze Panes from the drop-down options.
This will lock the selected rows and columns, keeping them visible as you scroll through the worksheet.
Example
Now you know how to freeze single and multiple rows and columns quickly and easily. It’s time to learn how to freeze columns and rows in sync. How do you freeze the first 3 columns and the first 6 rows simultaneously with a single step? Yes, why not?
In the example, select cell D7.
The golden rule: The Freeze Panes command will freeze all rows and columns above and to the left. If you want to freeze the first 2 rows and the 3 columns, select cell D3!