How to Create Header in Excel

In Microsoft Excel, headers are a useful way to label the top row of each page in a printed workbook or to add additional information at the top of a worksheet. Headers can include page numbers, the document’s name, or any other text you want to repeat on every printed page. Creating headers in Excel is a straightforward process that can streamline professional-looking spreadsheets and make navigation easier. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps on how to create headers in Excel.

Step 1: Open Your Worksheet

The first step is to open the worksheet you want to add a header to. Note that headers are only visible in the Page Layout view of your workbook, so make sure you’re in that view.

Step 2: Navigate to the Header Section

Click the Insert tab on the Ribbon, then click the Header & Footer button in the Text group. This will take you to the Header & Footer Tools Design tab.

Step 3: Choose Your Header Format

Once you’re in the Header & Footer Tools Design tab, you can choose the header format you want to use. There are three header sections to choose from: the left section, the center section, and the right section. Click the section where you want to add text.

Step 4: Add Text to the Header

To add text to the header, simply click in the section and type your text. If you want to include page numbers, click the Page Number button in the Header & Footer Elements group.

Step 5: Customize the Header

You can customize your header by adding various elements, such as the date or time, your company logo, or a custom image. Click the Picture button in the Header & Footer Elements group to add an image. You can also format the text in your header using the options in the Font group.

Step 6: Save Your Changes

Once you’re satisfied with your header, click the Close Header and Footer button in the Close group on the Design tab. Your header will now be visible on every page of your workbook.

Tips:

• Remember that headers are only visible in the Page Layout view.
• If you need more space for your header text, you can use the Merge & Center button in the Alignment group to merge cells and create a larger header section.
• If you want to remove the header from your worksheet, simply repeat steps 2-4 and delete the text in the header section.

Using Pre-Designed Headers

If you’re short on time or would rather not create a header from scratch, Excel offers pre-designed headers that you can use and modify as needed. To access these headers, click the pre-designed header button in the header section you want. Then, scroll through the list of available headers and click the one you want to use. These headers are fully customizable, and you can edit the text, font, color, and other elements to match your needs.

Adding Headers to Specific Pages

By default, headers in Excel are applied to every page of a workbook. However, if you want to add a header only to a specific page, you can do so using Excel’s Page Setup feature. Here’s how:

• Click on the Page Layout tab on the Ribbon.
• Click on the small arrow button located at the bottom-right corner of the Page Setup group. This will open the Page Setup dialog box.
• Click on the Sheet tab in the Page Setup dialog box.
• In the “Rows to repeat at top” field, click on the small icon to the right. This will take you to your worksheet, where you can select the rows you want to repeat at the top of the page.
• Click the OK button to save your changes. The selected rows will now be repeated at the top of each page when you print your worksheet.

Conclusion

Adding a header to your Excel worksheet is a simple process that can enhance the look and functionality of your workbook. Creating a header allows you to add important information to the top of each page and also gives your workbook a more professional appearance. Whether you choose to create a custom header from scratch or use one of Excel’s pre-designed headers, taking the time to add a header is a small but worthwhile step that can improve the overall quality of your spreadsheet.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about creating headers in Excel:

Can I add a different header to the first page of my workbook?

Yes, you can add a different header to the first page of your workbook by using Excel’s Page Setup feature. Simply select the rows you want to repeat at the top of the first page in the “Rows to repeat at top” field of the Sheet tab in the Page Setup dialog box. Then, select the rows you want to repeat on the remaining pages in the “Rows to repeat at top” field of the Page tab in the Page Setup dialog box.

How can I delete a header from my worksheet?

To delete a header from your worksheet, click the Insert tab on the Ribbon, then click the Header & Footer button in the Text group. This will take you to the Header & Footer Tools Design tab. Click the header section you want to delete and press the Delete key on your keyboard. Then, click the Close Header and Footer button in the Close group on the Design tab.

Can I add an image to my header?

Yes, you can add an image to your header by clicking the Picture button in the Header & Footer Elements group on the Header & Footer Tools Design tab. This will allow you to select an image from your computer or other location. Once you’ve selected your image, you can resize and position it as needed within your header section.

Can I add a footer to my worksheet?

Yes, you can add a footer to your worksheet by following the same steps as adding a header. Simply click the Footer button in the Header & Footer group on the Insert tab, choose the section where you want to add text, and customize the footer as needed.

Can I change the font or color of my header?

Yes, you can change the font and color of your header by highlighting the text you want to modify and using the formatting options in the Font group on the Header & Footer Tools Design tab. Simply select your desired font family, font size, and text color to apply your changes.