Microsoft Excel is a robust productivity tool for data analysis, data management, and organization. However, when columns are hidden, and you cannot access critical information, it can be pretty frustrating. Fortunately, there are several easy methods anyone can implement to unhide columns in Excel and access valuable data.
This article walks you through 4 simple ways to unhide columns in an online Excel sheet so that you can easily access all of your data. Whether you’re a new user or an experienced Excel specialist, these quick tips will help you improve your efficiency and productivity.
How You Can Unhide Columns in Excel
If you are dealing with hidden columns in Excel, there are 4 methods to use to unhide them. Here they are:
Method 1: Use Adjacent Columns
This is the easiest method of unhiding columns in Excel. It generally involves selecting those columns adjacent to the hidden ones and un-hiding them.
Instructions:
- Launch the Excel worksheet containing the hidden columns
- Select the columns on the right and left of the hidden column(s) by clicking on the column letter at the top.
- Right-click on one of the selected columns and pick “Unhide” when the drop-down menu appears.
The hidden columns in the Excel worksheet will become visible almost immediately.
Method 2: The “Go To” Function
You can also use the “Go To” function to reveal hidden columns in Excel. This option makes it easier and quicker to select and unhide several hidden columns without manually selecting adjacent ones.
Instructions:
- Launch the Excel worksheet containing the hidden columns.
- Press “Ctrl + F5” (or G) on your keyboard to open the “Go To” dialog box.
- Within the “Reference” area, type or enter the range of the hidden columns you want to unhide.
- Click OK to select the hidden columns.
- Right-click on one of the selected columns and then choose “Unhide” from the drop-down menu.
The previously hidden columns will become visible almost immediately.
Tips to bear in mind when using this method
- Ensure you only enter the correct range of hidden columns within the “Reference” section. This is to avoid selecting the wrong columns in the worksheet.
- This method only works when the hidden columns are not adjacent to each other.
- Use any other methods when dealing with an unusually large number of hidden columns in Excel.
Method 3: The Format Option
This is another easy-to-apply method for un-hiding columns in Excel. This option enables you to unhide multiple hidden columns in Excel at once.
Instructions:
- Launch the Excel worksheet containing the hidden columns
- Click on the column letter at the top to select the columns on the right and left of the hidden columns, respectively.
- Click on the “Home” tab inside the Excel ribbon.
- Click on the “Format” button within the “Cells” group.
- When a menu drops down, select “Unhide Columns.”
The hidden columns in the Excel worksheet will become visible almost immediately.
Tips to bear in mind when using this method:
- You should only use this option if the goal is to unhide multiple columns in the worksheet at once.
- If you are not 100 percent sure which columns are hidden, search for two lines between the column letters to identify them.
- Ensure you select only the appropriate columns adjacent to the hidden ones to avoid accidentally unhiding other columns.
Method 4: Using Virtual Basic for Applications (VBA)
This is a more advanced method involving the use of Virtual Basic for Applications (VBA) to create a macro that unhides columns. This method makes it possible to automate the process of revealing hidden columns.
Instructions:
- Launch the Excel worksheet containing the hidden columns.
- Press the “Alt + F11” keys on your keyboard to pen the Visual Basic Editor.
- Click on the “Insert” within the menu bar and then select “Module.”
- Copy and paste this code into the module:
Sub UnhideColumns() Columns.Hidden = False End Sub
- Click on the “Run” button in the toolbar or press “F5” on your keyboard to run the macro.
The hidden columns will become visible after this action.
Tips to bear in mind when using this method:
- This is the perfect method to use when dealing with large numbers of hidden columns.
- If you don’t know how to use this method, focus on the other ones
- Ensure you save the macros in the workbooks to use it in the future.
Conclusion
Revealing hidden columns in Excel is an incredibly simple but crucial task with the potential to save you time and unnecessary frustration. By using the methods outlined above, you can quickly access all your data and significantly boost your productivity.
Therefore, follow these tips whenever you encounter hidden columns while working in Excel, and you’ll work more effectively and efficiently with the robust Microsoft tool.
