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Locking columns in Excel allows you to keep specific columns visible while scrolling horizontally through your worksheet.

Understanding Locked Columns in Excel

Locking columns in Excel uses the Freeze Panes feature.

·         Columns remain visible on screen while scrolling.

·         This feature only affects viewing, not editing.

·         To prevent editing, you must additionally protect the worksheet.

Steps to Lock Columns

Locking Columns Using Freeze Panes

1.      Select the column immediately to the right of the columns you want to lock.

2.      Go to the View tab on the ribbon.

3.      Click Freeze Panes in the Window group.

4.      Select Freeze Panes from the dropdown.

All columns to the left of your selection will remain fixed during horizontal scrolling.

Locking the First Column

1.      Click any cell in your worksheet.

2.      Navigate to View → Freeze Panes.

3.      Select Freeze First Column.

A thin vertical line appears after column A, indicating the column is locked.

Locking Multiple Columns

1.      Click the column header immediately to the right of the last column you want to lock.

2.      Go to View → Freeze Panes → Freeze Panes.

All columns to the left of your selected column stay visible while scrolling.

Keyboard Shortcuts

·         Windows: Alt + W + F + F → Freeze panes quickly after selecting a cell.

·         Mac: Option + Command + 0 → Access Freeze Panes feature.

Unlocking Columns

To remove frozen columns:

1.      Go to View → Freeze Panes.

2.      Select Unfreeze Panes.

This releases all frozen rows and columns in the worksheet.

Important Considerations

·         Freeze Panes locks columns only for viewing, not for editing.

·         Columns cannot be locked in the middle of the worksheet; only columns from the left side can be frozen.

·         Locked columns appear in all views except Page Layout and Print Preview.

·         Save your workbook to preserve the Freeze Panes settings; they remain active when reopening the file.

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