Removing a footer in Excel is a straightforward task that can be quickly accomplished. Basically, you need to get into the Page Layout view, select the footer you wish to remove, and simply delete the text or elements within it. After doing so, your Excel worksheet will no longer display the selected footer information when printed.
Before diving into the details, it’s important to note that footers in Excel are primarily used for printing purposes. They often contain page numbers, dates, or file names and are not visible in the normal worksheet view. Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing a footer in Excel.
Step 1: Switch to Page Layout View
Open your Excel workbook and click on the ‘View’ tab, then select ‘Page Layout’.
In Page Layout view, you’ll see your worksheet as it will appear on a printed page, including any headers and footers present. This view makes it easier to work with page elements like footers.
Step 2: Select the Footer
In the Page Layout view, scroll down to the bottom of the sheet to find the footer area, then click on the footer that you want to remove.
Once you click on the footer section, it becomes editable. You can see any content, such as text or images, that was previously set up in the footer.
Step 3: Delete the Footer Content
After selecting the footer, delete the text or any other elements from the footer box.
If the footer contains different elements like a page number or date, you need to delete each part individually. Ensure that all content within the footer box is removed to completely clear the footer.
Step 4: Exit the Footer
Click anywhere outside the footer box or press the ‘Esc’ key to exit the footer editing mode.
Once you exit the footer editing mode, you’ll see that the footer no longer contains any content. However, it will still appear as a blank space reserved for a footer until you print or preview the print.
Step 5: Save Changes
Don’t forget to save your Excel worksheet to keep the changes you’ve made to the footer.
Saving your changes is crucial, especially if you’re going to share the document or print it at a later time. It ensures that the footer remains removed as per your edits.
After completing these steps, the footer will be removed from your Excel worksheet. When you print the document, the footer area will be blank without any of the previous content you deleted.
- Before removing a footer, consider whether you might need it in the future. If so, you could simply hide it temporarily by reducing its font size to ‘0’ or ‘1’ instead of deleting it.
- Double-check that you are in the correct worksheet tab within your Excel workbook before removing a footer, as changes will only apply to the active sheet.
- If you’re working with multiple headers and footers, make sure to remove content from all sections (left, center, and right) to fully clear the footer area.
- Remember that any changes made to a footer in Excel only affect the printed document, not the on-screen display in normal view.
- After removing a footer, use the ‘Print Preview’ function to check that the footer is indeed removed before you proceed with printing the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo the removal of a footer in Excel?
Yes, you can undo the removal of a footer by pressing ‘Ctrl + Z’ or by clicking the ‘Undo’ button in the toolbar immediately after deleting the footer content.
How do I remove a footer from every sheet in an Excel workbook?
To remove a footer from every sheet, you’ll need to manually repeat the removal process on each sheet, as changes to a footer only apply to the sheet that is currently active.
Is it possible to remove a footer from an Excel sheet without going into Page Layout view?
No, you need to be in Page Layout view to edit or remove footers in Excel, as they are not visible or editable in the Normal view.
Will removing a footer affect my worksheet’s data or formatting?
No, removing a footer will not affect the data or formatting of your worksheet. It only affects the printed version of the document.
Can I remove a header in the same way that I remove a footer in Excel?
Yes, the process for removing a header is similar to that of removing a footer. Simply select the header in Page Layout view and delete the content.
Summary
- Switch to Page Layout View.
- Select the Footer.
- Delete the Footer Content.
- Exit the Footer.
- Save Changes.
Conclusion
Footers in Excel can be handy for adding extra information to printed documents, but there are times when you just don’t need them cluttering up your pages. Whether you’re looking to create a cleaner look on your printouts or simply don’t require the additional details, removing a footer is a no-brainer with the simple steps outlined above. It’s all about getting into the right view, selecting the footer, and hitting that delete button. And hey, if you accidentally remove something you shouldn’t have, Excel’s got your back with that handy undo feature. So go on, give it a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of a footer-free document. Remember, mastering how to remove a footer in Excel is just one of the many skills that can help you become an Excel wizard!
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.