How to Exit Full Screen in Excel
Exiting full screen in Excel is pretty simple. You just need to press the "Esc" key on your keyboard, or you can use a few clicks with your mouse. Either way, you’ll quickly be back to your regular view.
How to Exit Full Screen in Excel
In this section, you’ll learn different methods to exit full screen in Excel. Whether you favor keyboard shortcuts or mouse clicks, we’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Press the "Esc" Key
The most straightforward way to exit full screen in Excel is to press the "Esc" key.
The "Esc" key is typically found in the top-left corner of your keyboard. By pressing it, you’ll immediately revert to the standard view, making it the quickest method available.
Step 2: Click the "Restore Down" Button
Locate the "Restore Down" button at the top-right corner of the window.
This button looks like two overlapping squares and is situated between the minimize and close buttons. Clicking it will resize your Excel window back to its previous state.
Step 3: Use the Ribbon Menu
Hover your mouse at the top of the screen until the Ribbon reappears, then click "View," followed by "Full Screen."
When you can’t see your menus, hovering at the top will make them reappear. Clicking the "View" tab followed by "Full Screen" will toggle off the full screen mode.
Step 4: Use Alt + Spacebar Shortcut
Press "Alt + Spacebar," then select "Restore" from the menu that appears.
This opens a system menu with various window options. By choosing "Restore," your Excel window will shrink back to its normal size.
Step 5: Close and Reopen Excel
Close Excel using the "X" button at the top-right corner, then reopen it.
If all else fails, closing and reopening Excel is a surefire way to exit full screen. While not the most efficient method, it’s a guaranteed fix.
Once you’ve completed these steps, Excel will exit full screen mode and return to its standard window size, allowing you to see other applications and tools on your desktop.
Tips for Exiting Full Screen in Excel
- Consider using keyboard shortcuts to save time.
- Always remember where the "Esc" key is located for quick exits.
- Familiarize yourself with the Ribbon menu options.
- Customizing your toolbar can make accessing exit options quicker.
- Regularly save your work to avoid losing data during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the "Esc" key doesn’t work?
If the "Esc" key doesn’t work, try another method like clicking the "Restore Down" button or using the Alt + Spacebar shortcut.
Can I customize a shortcut to exit full screen?
Excel doesn’t allow you to customize shortcuts for exiting full screen. However, you can use the existing shortcuts like "Esc" and "Alt + Spacebar."
How do I enter full screen mode?
To enter full screen mode, go to the "View" tab on the Ribbon and select "Full Screen."
Why does Excel go into full screen mode automatically?
This might be due to your settings or a previous session where you manually entered full screen mode.
How do I exit full screen on a Mac?
On a Mac, you can exit full screen by hovering at the top of the screen and clicking the green button in the top-left corner.
Summary
- Press the "Esc" key.
- Click the "Restore Down" button.
- Use the Ribbon Menu.
- Use Alt + Spacebar shortcut.
- Close and reopen Excel.
Conclusion
Exiting full screen in Excel doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a variety of methods at your disposal, you can quickly revert back to the standard view and continue working efficiently. Whether you prefer using keyboard shortcuts or navigating through menus, knowing these techniques will save you time and frustration.
Remember, the "Esc" key is your best friend for quick exits. But if that doesn’t work, the "Restore Down" button, Ribbon menu options, and other shortcuts are just as effective. Familiarizing yourself with these options will make transitioning between full screen and normal view seamless.
For further reading, explore more Excel tips and tricks to enhance your productivity. Mastering these simple yet essential skills can make a significant difference in your day-to-day tasks. So, next time you find yourself stuck in full screen mode, you’ll know exactly what to do.
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.