Most of the worksheets that are created Excel contain headings in the top row of the sheet. Usually, when we scroll down the sheet, any headings at the top will simply disappear. In the same way, if we scroll to the right, any headings on the left will disappear. The Freeze Panes command, which is located in the View Tab of the Excel Ribbon, allows us to freeze our headings so that, as we scroll the worksheet, our headings remain in view.
Excel gives us three options: firstly, we can choose “Freeze Top Row”. A bold horizontal line is then visible underneath the first row which extends into the row headings. As we scroll down the worksheet, the headings at the top of the sheet will now remain in view. Similarly, we can use the “Freeze First Column” command. This time, the bold line will extend to the right of the first column and into the column heading area. Then, as we scroll to the right of the worksheet, the first column remains frozen so that we can see the headings it contains and compare them with data in the adjacent cells. To return to normal scrolling, we simply use the “Unfreeze Panes” command in the “Freeze Panes” drop-down menu.
It is also possible to freeze an arbitrary number of rows and columns. To do this, select the cell below the last row you want frozen and to the right of the last column you want frozen. So, for example, to freeze the first row and the first column you would select cell “B2”. Having highlighted the cell, in the “Freeze Panes” drop-down menu, you would then choose “Freeze Panes”.
This time, you should see two bold lines: one indicating the column that is frozen and one indicating the row that is frozen. Then, when scrolling down, the first row remains frozen and, similarly, when scrolling to the right, the first column remains frozen. Once again, to normal scrolling, simply choose “Unfreeze Panes” in the “Freeze Panes” drop-down menu.
Since this command allows us to freeze any number of rows or columns, if you are working on a large worksheet perhaps containing multiple row and column headings, you will probably find it pretty much an essential feature.
Author is a developer and trainer with TrainingCompany.Com, an independent computer training company offering Microsoft Excel 2007training courses in London and throughout the UK.