Getting out of header and footer view in Excel 2010 is a simple process. All you need to do is double-click on the main body of the worksheet, or press the Esc key on your keyboard. This action will immediately take you out of the header or footer edit view and back to the normal view of your Excel spreadsheet.
After completing this action, you’ll be able to continue working on your spreadsheet without the header and footer areas being highlighted or active for editing.
Introduction
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the header and footer view in Excel 2010, unable to return to the main spreadsheet? It can be quite frustrating, especially if you’re not sure how to get out of it. But fear not, it’s actually quite a simple fix, and knowing how to do it can save you time and prevent unnecessary stress.
The header and footer view in Excel 2010 is a specific mode that allows you to edit the top and bottom portions of each page of your spreadsheet. This is particularly useful when you want to add titles, dates, page numbers, or any other information that you want to appear on every page when printed. However, when you’re done editing, you need to know how to exit this view to return to your regular worksheet. This topic is relevant to any Excel user, whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone managing personal data. Understanding how to navigate Excel efficiently can improve your productivity and make your work much easier.
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand what you’ll achieve by following these instructions. Essentially, you’ll be exiting the header and footer edit mode and returning to the standard view of your worksheet, where you can continue manipulating data as usual.
Step 1: Double-click on the worksheet
Double-click anywhere outside of the header or footer areas on the main body of the worksheet.
When you double-click on the main part of your spreadsheet, Excel recognizes that you want to exit header or footer edit mode. It’s a quick and intuitive way to switch back to the standard view. Make sure you’re not double-clicking on an actual cell, as that will put you in edit mode for that cell.
Step 2: Press the Esc Key
Press the Esc key on your keyboard.
If you’re more of a keyboard shortcut person, pressing the Esc key gets the job done just as efficiently as double-clicking. It’s a simple step that quickly takes you out of header or footer view without the need for any mouse clicks.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Speed | Exiting header and footer view with a double-click or Esc is quick and painless. |
| Simplicity | The process is straightforward, and even novice Excel users can execute it without hassle. |
| Keyboard Shortcut | For those who prefer using the keyboard, the Esc key provides an alternative to mouse clicks. |
Exiting header and footer view in Excel 2010 using the double-click method or the Esc key is incredibly fast. You won’t waste any time fiddling with menus or searching for the right option, which means you can get back to your work immediately.
The simplicity of the process is its biggest advantage. It doesn’t require navigating through complex menus or remembering convoluted steps, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
For users who are more comfortable with keyboard shortcuts or who prefer not to use the mouse, pressing the Esc key provides a convenient alternative. It’s especially helpful if you’re working on a laptop without a mouse or prefer to keep your hands on the keyboard for faster workflow.
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Accidental Exit | It’s easy to accidentally exit header or footer view by randomly clicking or pressing Esc, which can be annoying if it’s unintentional. |
| Limited Accessibility | For users with disabilities or those who cannot use a mouse or keyboard easily, these methods may not be the most accessible. |
| Overlooking Method | Some users might not be aware of these shortcuts, leading to frustration and wasted time. |
One potential downside of the quick exit methods is that it can be too easy to accidentally exit header and footer view if you’re not careful where you click or if you hit the Esc key unintentionally.
For users with certain disabilities, or those who find using a mouse or keyboard difficult, these methods may not be the most accessible options, potentially limiting their ability to use Excel effectively.
Some users might not be aware that these shortcuts exist, which can lead to unnecessary frustration. If they don’t know to double-click or press Esc, they might waste time trying to find another way out of header and footer view.
Additional Information
While getting out of header and footer view in Excel 2010 is a breeze, there are some additional tips and insights that could enhance your Excel experience. For instance, did you know that you can customize your headers and footers to include images or logos? This can give a more professional look to your printed spreadsheets. Also, it’s possible to set up different headers and footers for different pages, which is particularly useful for more complex documents.
Another handy feature is the ability to save your header and footer setup as a template, so you don’t have to recreate it every time you start a new project. This can be a real time-saver if you’re working with standardized documents regularly. Moreover, remember that changes made in header or footer view won’t be reflected in the Excel print preview until you exit the header/footer edit mode. So always make sure to double-check how your spreadsheet will look when printed by hopping out of header and footer view and taking a peek at the print preview.
Summary
- Double-click on the worksheet
- Press the
Esckey
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my header and footer in Excel 2010?
Yes, Excel 2010 allows you to customize headers and footers with text, images, page numbers, and more.
Will my header and footer changes appear in print preview?
Your changes will appear in print preview only after you exit the header and footer edit mode.
Is there a way to exit the header and footer view using the Excel menu?
Yes, you can also exit by clicking on the “View” tab and then selecting “Normal” from the Workbook Views group.
Can I set different headers and footers for different pages?
Absolutely, Excel 2010 allows you to set up different headers and footers for different pages within the same document.
Are there keyboard shortcuts for entering header and footer view?
To enter header and footer view, you can use the Alt + N, H keyboard shortcut sequence.
Conclusion
Mastering Excel is about knowing all the tips and tricks to work efficiently, and understanding how to get out of header and footer view in Excel 2010 is part and parcel of that. Whether you double-click or hit Esc, you’re just a quick action away from returning to your main spreadsheet. Remember, productivity in Excel isn’t just about crunching numbers; it’s also about navigating the platform with ease. Happy spreadsheeting!
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.