To delete a header in Excel 2013, you simply need to access the “Page Layout” tab, click on “Print Titles” to open the Page Setup dialog box, navigate to the “Header/Footer” tab, and select “(none)” from the Header drop-down list. This quick action will remove any existing header from your Excel worksheet.
After completing the action, the header space will be removed from your worksheet, and any content that was previously in the header will no longer be visible. This will give you a cleaner-looking sheet, especially if you’re preparing to print or share the document.
Introduction
Headers in Excel can be incredibly useful for adding context and information to your spreadsheets. They’re great for titles, dates, or any other details you want to keep visible at all times. But what if you’ve added a header and later decide it’s no longer needed? Maybe it’s taking up too much space, or the content within it is no longer relevant. Whatever the reason, you’ll need to know how to delete it.
Being able to delete a header is important for anyone who uses Excel 2013, whether you’re a student organizing data for a project, a business professional preparing a report, or just someone keeping track of household expenses. By removing unnecessary headers, you can streamline your worksheets and make your data the star of the show. The process isn’t immediately obvious to all users, so let’s walk through it step by step.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Delete a Header in Excel 2013
The following steps will guide you through the process of deleting a header in Excel 2013.
Step 1
Access the Page Layout tab in the Excel ribbon.
The Page Layout tab is where you’ll find various options to adjust the appearance of your worksheet, including headers and footers.
Step 2
Click on “Print Titles” within the Page Setup group.
This will open the Page Setup dialog box, where you can make changes to how your worksheet will appear when printed, including adding or removing headers and footers.
Step 3
Navigate to the “Header/Footer” tab in the dialog box.
Once you’re in the Header/Footer tab, you’ll see options for both headers and footers. Here is where you can edit or remove them.
Step 4
Select “(none)” from the Header drop-down list.
Choosing “(none)” will effectively remove the header from your worksheet. After selecting this option, any content in the header will disappear.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cleaner Look | Removing an unnecessary header can declutter your worksheet and give it a cleaner, more professional appearance. |
| More Space | Headers take up space even when they’re empty. Deleting them can give you more room for your actual content. |
| Focus on Data | Without a header, there’s nothing to distract from the data, making it the focal point of your worksheet. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Loss of Context | Important information in the header will be lost unless it’s relocated elsewhere in the document. |
| No Quick Reversal | If you decide you need the header back, you’ll have to recreate it from scratch. |
| Accidental Deletion | It’s possible to unintentionally remove a header that contained needed information without realizing it. |
Additional Information
When you’re working with Excel 2013, headers can serve as a vital part of organizing and presenting your data. However, when the time comes to remove them, it’s important to proceed carefully to avoid any potential data loss. Before deleting a header, always ensure that you’ve saved or moved any crucial information elsewhere in your worksheet.
Another tip is to utilize the “Undo” feature in Excel if you accidentally remove a header you later decide you want to keep. Simply press ‘Ctrl + Z’, and your header will reappear. Keep in mind, this only works if you haven’t closed the workbook since deleting the header.
Deleting a header in Excel 2013 is a simple task, but it’s one that can make a significant difference in the presentation and utility of your spreadsheet. Always remember to review your document to ensure that it still conveys the necessary information and maintains its intended purpose without the header.
Summary
- Access the Page Layout tab.
- Click on “Print Titles” in the Page Setup group.
- Navigate to the “Header/Footer” tab.
- Select “(none)” from the Header drop-down list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete a footer the same way I delete a header?
Yes, the process for deleting a footer in Excel 2013 is the same as deleting a header. You would simply select “(none)” from the Footer drop-down list instead.
Will deleting a header affect the rest of my spreadsheet?
No, deleting a header will not affect the rest of your spreadsheet’s data or formatting. It simply removes the header content and space.
How can I add a header back after deleting it?
To add a header back, you will need to go through the process of creating a new one. Access the “Header/Footer” tab and select a header option or create a custom header.
Is it possible to delete a header from multiple sheets at once?
Yes, by selecting multiple sheets (by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking the tabs of the sheets) before accessing the Page Setup dialog box, you can delete headers from all selected sheets simultaneously.
What if I can’t find the Page Layout tab?
If the Page Layout tab is not visible, it could be that your Excel window is too small, and the tabs are condensed. Try expanding the window or looking for the Page Layout tab in the condensed menu.
Conclusion
Deleting a header in Excel 2013 is a straightforward process that can have a significant impact on the appearance and functionality of your spreadsheet. Whether you’re looking to clean up your document’s look, reclaim valuable space, or shift the focus entirely to your data, knowing how to remove a header is a skill worth having.
Remember to always save any important information from your headers before you delete them, and don’t hesitate to use the “Undo” feature if you need to bring a header back. As you become more familiar with Excel’s features and tools, you’ll find that even small changes like this can greatly enhance your workflow and the quality of your spreadsheets.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.