Answer

To freeze the top row in Excel on Mac, use the Freeze Panes command from the View tab so the first row stays visible while scrolling.

Steps to Freeze the Top Row on Mac

1. Open the Excel workbook.

2. Select the View tab on the Ribbon.

3. Click Freeze Panes.

4. Select Freeze Top Row.

The first row remains visible when scrolling vertically through the worksheet.

What happens when the top row is frozen?

The top row stays fixed at the top of the worksheet while all rows below scroll normally.

This behavior improves data readability in large datasets that rely on column headers for interpretation.

How to confirm the top row is frozen?

A thin horizontal line appears below the first row.

This line indicates the freeze boundary.

How to unfreeze the top row on Mac

To unfreeze the top row in Excel on Mac, remove the freeze panes setting.

Steps to Unfreeze

1. Select the View tab.

2. Click Freeze Panes.

3. Select Unfreeze Panes.

All rows return to normal scrolling behavior.

Difference between Mac and Windows

Excel on Mac uses the same Freeze Panes command structure as Windows.

The Ribbon layout differs slightly, and keyboard shortcuts vary by operating system.

Windows supports the shortcut Alt → W → F → R.

Mac does not provide a default keyboard shortcut for freezing the top row.

When freezing, the top row does not work

The Freeze Top Row command becomes unavailable when the worksheet is in Page Layout view.

Switch to Normal view from the View tab before applying Freeze Panes.

Best practice for freezing the top row

Freezing the top row works best when row one contains headers.

Headers improve scan speed, reduce interpretation errors, and increase worksheet usability for datasets exceeding 50 rows.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Selecting a cell before using Freeze Top Row does not affect the outcome.

2. Using Split instead of Freeze Panes creates movable dividers rather than fixed headers.

3. Applying Freeze Panes instead of Freeze Top Row locks multiple rows unintentionally.

Does freezing the top row affect printing?

No. Freezing the top row does not change the printed output.

Print titles require a separate configuration under Page Layout settings.

Does freezing the top row change formulas or data?

No. Freezing the top row changes only the worksheet view.

All formulas, values, and references remain unchanged.

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