How to Unhide Columns in Excel

As an expert in Microsoft Excel, one of the most common issues that users face is the accidental hiding of columns. Whether by clicking on the wrong button or unknowingly applying a filter, it can be incredibly frustrating to not see the data you need. The good news is that unhiding columns in Excel is a relatively simple process, but it may not be immediately obvious how to go about it. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps you need to take to unhide columns in Excel, whether you’re using the desktop version or the online version of the application.

How to Unhide Columns in Excel

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you accidentally hid some columns in Excel, and now you can’t find them? What do you do? Fortunately, Excel makes it easy to unhide columns, and in this post, we’ll guide you through the steps you need to take to make your hidden columns visible again.

Step 1: Highlight the Columns to Unhide

The first step to unhide columns is to select the columns to unhide. To do this, click on the header of the column on the left of the hidden columns, and drag the cursor over the headers of the hidden columns to highlight them all. Alternatively, you can click on the first column header (to the left of the hidden columns), hold down the Shift key and click on the last column header (to the right of the hidden columns) to highlight them all.

Step 2: Access the ‘Format’ Menu

Once you have highlighted the hidden columns, you need to access the ‘Format’ menu. To do this, right-click on any of the highlighted column headers, and a drop-down menu will appear. Click on ‘Format Cells’ at the bottom of the menu.

Step 3: Choose ‘Unhide Columns’

In the Format Cells dialog box, click on the ‘Hidden’ option under ‘Visibility’ and select ‘Unhide Columns’ from the sub-menu. Click ‘OK’ to apply the changes. The hidden columns will now be displayed in their original position.

Step 4: Check the Formatting Applied

If the hidden columns were formatted with the same format as the adjacent columns, then you may not see any change in the appearance of the worksheet after unhiding them. To make sure that they are visible, check for the small gap between the column letters where the hidden columns were.

Unhiding Columns in Excel Online

If you’re using Excel Online, the process of unhiding columns is essentially the same as that of the desktop version of the application. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Highlight the Hidden Columns

Click on the letter of the column to the left of the hidden columns, and drag the cursor over the headers of the hidden columns to highlight them all. Alternatively, you can click on the first column header (to the left of the hidden columns), hold down the Shift key and click on the last column header (to the right of the hidden columns) to highlight them all.

Step 2: Select ‘Unhide’ from the ‘Home’ Tab

With the hidden columns selected, click on the ‘Home’ tab at the top of the screen and select ‘Unhide’ from the ‘Cells’ group. Excel will unhide the columns, and they will now be visible in your worksheet.

In Conclusion

Unhiding columns in Excel may seem like a daunting task at first, but it’s a simple process that can be done in a few clicks. By following the steps we’ve outlined in this post, you’ll be able to quickly unhide columns, making your data more accessible and easier to work with.

What to Do If the Unhide Columns Option is Grayed Out

Sometimes, you may find that the ‘Unhide Columns’ option under the ‘Visibility’ menu is grayed out and cannot be selected. This can happen if the columns were hidden due to the inclusion of a filter or grouping. In such a case, you need to remove the filter or grouping to unhide the columns. To do this, select the range of cells where the hidden columns are and click on the ‘Data’ tab. If there is a filter applied, click on the ‘Clear’ button under the ‘Sort & Filter’ group to remove the filter, and the hidden columns will become visible. If there is a grouping applied, click on the ‘Ungroup’ button under the ‘Outline’ group to remove the grouping, and the hidden columns will become visible.

How to Protect Hidden Columns from Unhiding

If you want to protect your hidden columns from being accidentally unhidden, Excel provides a way to do so. First, select the range of cells containing the hidden columns. Then, click on the ‘Home’ tab and select ‘Format’ from the ‘Cells’ group. From there, select ‘Hide & Unhide’ and click on ‘Hide Columns’. The selected columns will be hidden and locked. You can then protect the sheet by clicking on the ‘Review’ tab and selecting ‘Protect Sheet’ under the ‘Changes’ group. In the ‘Protect Sheet’ dialog box, ensure that the ‘Format columns’ option is unchecked, and click on ‘OK’ to apply the protection. The hidden columns are now protected from being unhidden accidentally.

When to Use Hidden Columns in Excel

While it’s important to know how to unhide columns in Excel, it’s also important to know when to use hidden columns. Hidden columns can be useful when you have large data sets with several columns, and you don’t want to see all the columns at once. In such a case, you can hide the less important columns and focus on the columns you want to work with. Hidden columns can also be useful when you’re working with sensitive data that you don’t want others to see. By hiding the columns, you’re preventing unauthorized access to the sensitive data.

In Conclusion

Excel provides a straightforward process for unhiding columns, allowing you to access your data without obstruction. By following the steps outlined in this post, you’ll be able to unhide columns in no time and be prepared for any situation where columns go missing. Furthermore, you have learned how to protect hidden columns, when to use them, and what to do in certain scenarios that could cause you to lose your column data. With these tips, you can use Excel with more confidence, knowing that you have the tools and skill to manage your data efficiently.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions related to unhiding columns in Excel.

Can I unhide multiple columns at once in Excel?

Yes, you can. Simply highlight the columns you want to unhide by clicking on the first column header to their left and dragging your mouse over all of the column headers. Once you have highlighted all the columns you want to unhide, right-click on the selection, choose ‘Format Cells’ and then click on ‘Visibility > Unhide Columns’. All the selected columns will appear unhidden.

What do I do if a column is hidden with a password?

If a column is hidden with a password, you will have to enter the password before un-hiding the column. If you do not know the password, you may need to contact the person who hid the column for assistance, or consult with your IT department for a resolution.

How do I hide a column in Excel?

To hide a column in Excel, select the column by clicking on the header of the column on the left of the column you want to hide, and drag your mouse over the column header that corresponds to the column you want to hide. Right-click on the selection, choose ‘Hide’, and the column will be hidden from view.

Can I hide multiple columns at once in Excel?

Yes, you sure can. Simply highlight all the columns you want to hide by clicking on the first column header to their left and dragging your mouse over all of the column headers. Once you have highlighted all the columns you want to hide, right-click on the selection and choose ‘Hide’. The selected columns will disappear from view, but they will not be deleted.

Why can’t I unhide columns in Excel?

If the ‘Unhide Columns’ option is grayed out or unselectable, it may be because of one of the following reasons: the columns have already been unhidden; the columns are hidden due to a filter or grouping; the columns are locked, and you do not have permission to unhide them; or there is a macro-enabled workbook that is password protected.