Ever been stuck on Excel 2013 with a screen you don’t recognize? Fear not, returning to normal view is a breeze. Simply click on the ‘View’ tab, then select ‘Normal’ under the Workbook Views group. Voila! You’re back to the familiar gridlines and cells.
After completing this action, you’ll find your Excel 2013 workbook will revert to the default view. This means you’ll see the standard gridlines, rows, and columns, without any page breaks or additional formatting that may have been applied in other views.
Introduction
Excel 2013 is a powerful tool for data analysis and visualization, but sometimes we can get lost in its multitude of features and views. One minute you’re working on a spreadsheet, and the next thing you know, you’ve accidentally clicked something that’s thrown your entire workbook into an unfamiliar layout. This can be disorienting and frustrating, especially if you’re on a deadline or trying to quickly analyze data.
Returning to the ‘Normal’ view in Excel 2013 is a common need, whether you’ve ventured into ‘Page Layout’ view by mistake, or you’re done with ‘Page Break Preview’ and want to go back to the default setting. Knowing how to efficiently navigate the Excel interface is crucial for anyone who relies on this software for work or personal use. It’s a simple fix but knowing how to do it can save you time and headaches.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Return to Normal View in Excel 2013
Following the steps below will help you return to the ‘Normal’ view in Excel 2013, restoring your spreadsheet to its default appearance.
Step 1: Click the ‘View’ tab
Click on the ‘View’ tab located at the top of the Excel window.
This tab is part of the Ribbon in Excel 2013 and houses all the different viewing options available for your workbook.
Step 2: Select ‘Normal’
Under the ‘Workbook Views’ group, click on ‘Normal’.
This action will instantly switch your workbook view back to ‘Normal’, displaying the standard gridlines and cell layout.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Familiarity | Returning to ‘Normal’ view brings back the familiar gridlines and cell structure, making it easier to work on the data without any distractions from other views. |
| Efficiency | Knowing how to quickly switch back to ‘Normal’ view can save time, especially if you accidentally enter a different view. |
| Better for Editing | ‘Normal’ view is typically better for editing and entering data, as it provides a clear and straightforward interface without any additional page formatting. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited Display | ‘Normal’ view doesn’t show how the data will look when printed or in ‘Page Layout’, which might be important for some tasks. |
| No Page Breaks | If you’re trying to control where page breaks occur for printing, ‘Normal’ view won’t display these, unlike ‘Page Break Preview’. |
| Basic Features | For those looking to do more complex tasks like working with headers and footers, ‘Normal’ view might be too basic. |
Additional Information
While returning to ‘Normal’ view in Excel 2013 is usually a straightforward process, there are nuances that might affect your experience. For instance, if your workbook has frozen panes, these will remain even in ‘Normal’ view. It’s also worth noting that ‘Normal’ view is the best choice for most data entry and analysis tasks, as it doesn’t include distractions like page margins or headers and footers.
It might be tempting to work in ‘Page Layout’ view if you’re concerned with how your data will appear when printed, but for everyday tasks, ‘Normal’ view is more efficient. Plus, you can always switch views depending on the task at hand. Excel 2013 is designed to be flexible, catering to a wide array of user preferences and needs.
Summary
- Click the ‘View’ tab
- Select ‘Normal’
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Normal’ view in Excel 2013?
‘Normal’ view is the default view in Excel that displays the worksheet without additional formatting for printing.
Can I return to ‘Normal’ view from any other view?
Yes, no matter what view you’re currently in, you can always switch back to ‘Normal’ view.
Will returning to ‘Normal’ view affect my data?
No, switching views does not alter the data in your spreadsheet. It only changes how the data is displayed on the screen.
Can I customize what ‘Normal’ view looks like?
While ‘Normal’ view has a standard layout, you can adjust things like zoom level and whether gridlines are displayed.
What’s the quickest way to return to ‘Normal’ view?
Use the keyboard shortcut Alt + W, then L, which will switch to ‘Normal’ view without having to use the Ribbon.
Conclusion
In Excel 2013, the ability to navigate between different views seamlessly can significantly impact your productivity and data management. Whether you’re an Excel newbie or a seasoned pro, understanding how to return to ‘Normal’ view is an essential skill that can help maintain your workflow’s efficiency and accuracy.
Remember, ‘Normal’ view is your go-to for most tasks, providing a clean, distraction-free canvas for your data. So next time you find yourself in a different view, don’t panic—just a couple of clicks and you’ll be back in familiar territory, ready to tackle your spreadsheets with confidence.
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.