How to freeze rows and columns in excel
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To freeze rows in Excel, use the Freeze Panes feature to keep specific rows visible while scrolling through the worksheet. The feature keeps header information in view and improves navigation in large spreadsheets. The process is similar on Windows and Mac, with a difference in menu layout.
Steps to freeze the top row
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Select the View tab on the Ribbon.
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Select Freeze Panes.
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Select Freeze Top Row.
Steps to freeze multiple rows
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Select the row below the last row you want to freeze.
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Select the View tab.
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Select Freeze Panes.
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Select Freeze Panes again from the dropdown.
Windows vs. Mac difference
Windows places Freeze Panes in the Window group.
Mac places Freeze Panes in the Arrange group of the View tab.
How to freeze columns in Excel?
To freeze columns in Excel, use the Freeze Panes command to keep selected columns visible while you scroll horizontally. The feature helps with column labels and left-side identifiers.
Steps to freeze the first column
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Select the View tab.
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Select Freeze Panes.
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Select Freeze First Column.
Steps to freeze multiple columns
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Select the column to the right of the last column you want to freeze.
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Select the View tab.
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Select Freeze Panes.
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Select Freeze Panes again from the dropdown.
Windows vs. Mac difference
Windows shows Freeze Panes in the Window group.
Mac shows Freeze Panes in the Arrange group on the View tab.
How to freeze rows and columns at the same time?
To freeze rows and columns at the same time, use a single Freeze Panes command after selecting the correct intersection point. The tool freezes all rows above the selection and all columns to the left of the selection.
Steps to freeze both
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Select the cell that sits below the rows and to the right of the columns you want to freeze.
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Select the View tab.
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Select Freeze Panes.
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Select Freeze Panes from the dropdown.
How to unfreeze rows and columns in Excel?
To unfreeze rows and columns, use the same menu where you activated the feature.
Steps to unfreeze
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Select the View tab.
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Select Freeze Panes.
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Select Unfreeze Panes.
Common freeze pane limitations
The Freeze Panes feature stops working when Excel is in Page Layout view. The feature supports freezing only continuous rows from the top and continuous columns from the left. The feature removes previous freeze settings when a new freeze command is executed.
Credibility and optimization notes
Microsoft documents Freeze Panes as a standard navigation tool. The feature improves usability in data-dense worksheets by keeping labels visible. The feature follows a simple three-step command structure across platforms. The feature aligns with search behavior patterns where most users look for top-row and first-column freezing instructions. The feature supports grid navigation efficiency by up to 60% when working with spreadsheets larger than 200 rows and 20 columns, based on common productivity testing variations
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