Let’s face it: scrolling endlessly through Excel to find that one crucial row you need is a waste of time. Excel can feel like a time-sucking abyss if you haven’t mastered and memorized the program’s various tips and tricks. For example, learning how to freeze a row in Excel is one trick that takes your Excel game to the next level.

Article Roadmap

• Cheat Sheet
• Key Considerations
• Windows
• MacOS
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• FAQs
• Next Steps

In this guide, we’ll show you the different methods and steps to freeze rows based on your system and even throw in a nifty shortcut for good measure. Let’s begin!

Cheat Sheet

You’re a busy bee buzzing through your work. We get it. Here’s a tl;dr version to help you zoom through the steps and get back to your busy schedule in no time!

Windows:

• Freeze Pane Method: View tab > Freeze Panes drop-down button > Freeze Panes
• Split Option: View tab > Split
• Shortcut: Alt + W + F + F + Enter

MacOS:

• Freeze Pane Method: Window > Freeze Panes
• Split Method: Window > Split
• Shortcut: Command + Option + 0

Key Considerations

The split screen method only allows you to split the worksheet into two panes vertically or horizontally, which means the rows will still move with the rest of the sheet as you scroll.

On the other hand, the freeze panes option gives you more control over which rows or columns to freeze and allows you to freeze them in any combination.

While the split screen method is a useful alternative, it’s not always the best option depending on your needs. It’s always a good idea to consider both methods and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Windows

Microsoft Excel has been a staple of the Windows platform since its inception. However, managing large amounts of data can be overwhelming. Keep your Windows system ready, and let’s get started! Let’s explore different ways to freeze rows in Excel.

Method 1: Freeze Pane

First, open the file on your system. A typical view should look like the following:

An example of an Excel worksheet on a Windows system.

1. Select the row below the one you want to freeze.

Example: Select row six if you want to freeze row five.

Select the row below the required one.

2. Click on the View tab in the top menu ribbon.

Tip: You’ll find the View tab on the right side of the ribbon.

Click on the View tab.

3. Click on the Freeze Panes button.

Select Freeze Panes.

4. In the drop-down list, select the Freeze Pane option.

Click on the Freeze Panes option in the drop-down list.

You also have the option to freeze the first row. Simply click on the Freeze Top Row option in the dropdown list.

Click on Freeze Top Row to freeze the first row.

Method 2: Split Screen

The split screen option is another way to keep track of your rows. Explore the steps below and choose the best method for you:

1. Once you select the row or cell below the row you want to freeze, click on the View tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on the cell or row where you want the split to occur.
3. Locate the Split option in the ribbon, and click on it. This function will create a split between the rows above and below the selected cell.

Tip: The Split option is next to the Freeze Panes button.

Click Split in the ribbon to create a split between the selected row.

MacOS

MacOS and Windows users may have different opinions on the superior system, but when using Excel, they’re like two peas in a pod.

The row freezing option is a basic function available for both systems. Here’s how you can freeze rows in Excel using MacOS:

Method 1: Freeze Panes

After opening the Excel file on your system, you should see a range of typical functions and menus. Here’s what a typical view looks like:

An example of an Excel worksheet in MacOS.

1. Select the row below the one you want to freeze.

Example: Select row six if you want to freeze row five.

Select the row below the one you want to freeze.

2. Locate and click on Window on the menu bar.

Tip: You’ll find the Window button on the right side of the menu bar.

Click on Window.

3. In the drop-down list, click on the Freeze Panes option.

Select Freeze Panes.

And you’re done!

Method 2: Split Screen

Who says Mac users can’t have it all? Not only do they get to enjoy sleek design and easy-to-use interfaces, but they also have an alternative way to freeze rows in Excel:

1. Select the row below the one you want to freeze.
2. Click on the Window menu located on the menu bar.
3. A drop-down menu should appear. Click on the Split option.

Click on Split located in the Window menu.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Want to feel like an Excel wizard? There’s a magical keyboard shortcut that allows you to freeze rows in a snap:

• For Windows: Alt + W + F + F + Enter
• For MacOS: Command + Option + 0

FAQs

Below, we’ll answer some common questions about freezing rows to wrap up this guide and help you tackle any issues that may arise. So, before you try out this new knowledge, take a quick look through these answers to ensure you’re all set:

1. What is freezing a row in Excel?

Freezing a row means fixing a specific row in place to remain visible while scrolling through the rest of the worksheet. This function helps keep important information like headers or totals in view at all times.

2. How do I freeze multiple rows in Excel?

Select the row below the last row in the group you want to freeze, then click View > Freeze Panes menu > Freeze Panes if you’re using a Windows desktop.

In MacOS, click on Window > Freeze Panes. Following these steps will freeze all rows above the selected row.

3. How do I freeze a column in Excel?

The steps to freeze a column are the same as freezing a row. The only difference is that you select the column to the right of the last column you want to freeze and follow the instructions based on the system.

4. How do I unfreeze rows in Excel?

To unfreeze rows in Excel, click View > Freeze Panes menu > Unfreeze Panes. This function will unfreeze any frozen rows or columns on a Windows system.

In MacOS, you can use the shortcut key Command + Option + 0 to unfreeze rows quickly.

5. Why can’t I freeze rows in Excel?

The following reasons can prevent you from freezing rows:

• The selected row is above the topmost visible row. Excel requires that the row you want to freeze must be visible on the screen to freeze it. You can’t freeze if you have scrolled away, so the selected row is no longer visible.
• Filters or grouping applied to the worksheet. Filters or grouping can interfere with the ability to freeze rows. You may need to remove the filters or grouping to access this function.
• Unsupported Excel version. Freezing panes isn’t supported in all Excel versions. If you’re using an older or stripped-down version, you may not have access to the freeze panes feature. Installing an up-to-date version is ideal.

Next Steps

You conquer even the most massive spreadsheets once you freeze rows. No more scrolling through endless rows and data to find that crucial information. Now all that’s left to do is use this guide and apply your newfound Excel skills.

Want to learn how to do more with Excel? Check out some of our other guides, like how to merge cells in Excel and using Excel for business intelligence.

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