Excel’s Full-Screen Mode can help you to focus on your data without the distraction of the Ribbon and other interface elements. This mode can be particularly useful for presenting data or when working on a large worksheet.
Activate Full-Screen Mode from Ribbon in Excel
To activate Full-Screen mode in Excel, allowing you to view your workbook without the Ribbon, status bar, and formula bar, follow these steps.
Quick Steps
- First, move your cursor to the right of the screen.
- Now, click on the down arrow from the ribbon.
- After that, move your cursor to the “Full-screen mode”.
- In the end, click on the option to activate the screen mode.
When you click on it, your Excel will convert into a full screen mode where it hides the ribbon and quick access toolbar.
And if you also want to hide the formula bar and headers, you can go to the View Tab:
- Go to the View Tab: First, click on the “View” tab on the Ribbon to access view options.
- Find the Workbook Views Group: Look for the “Workbook Views” group within the View tab.
- Click on “Full Screen”: In the Workbook Views group, click on “Full Screen” to enter Full-Screen Mode
To exit Full-Screen Mode, you can press the “Esc” key on your keyboard.
Important Note: Full-screen mode applies to the current workbook, not the entire Excel application.
For Older Versions of Excel (Before 2013)
If you’re using an older version of Excel, where the Full-Screen command is not directly available in the Ribbon, you might not find this option readily accessible from the Ribbon.
- Minimize the Ribbon: Double-click any of the tab names (like “Home,” “Insert,” etc.) or right-click on the Ribbon and select “Minimize the Ribbon.”
- Hide Status Bar: Right-click on the status bar at the bottom of the Excel window and uncheck the “Status Bar” option to hide it.
- Hide Formula Bar: Go to View > Show and uncheck “Formula Bar” to hide it.
Adding Full-Screen Options Button to Quick Access Toolbar
You can also add a button to the quick access toolbar.
- Go to the File Tab > Options > Quick Access Toolbar.
- After that, select “All Commands” from “Choose Commands from”.
- Select “Full Screen” from the list and click Add.
- In the end, click OK to add the button to the quick access toolbar.
Once you click OK, it will add a button on the quick access toolbar.
The full-screen mode with this button slightly differs from the first options we learned above. And to deactivate this full-screen mode, you can use the Esc Key.
Using a Keyboard Shortcut for Full-Screen Mode
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + F1. Once you press this keyboard shortcut, it will activate the full-screen mode. And you can use the same shortcut key to return to the normal mode.
Benefits of Full Screen Mode in Excel
Using Full Screen Mode in Excel offers several benefits:
- Maximizes Workspace: Full-Screen Mode removes the Ribbon, status bar, and potentially other interface elements, maximizing the available screen space for viewing data.
- Enhanced Focus: By hiding most of the Excel interface, Full Screen Mode helps minimize distractions, allowing you to focus more on the data and tasks.
- Improved Data Presentation: When using Excel to present data in meetings or to a group, Full Screen Mode provides a cleaner and more professional look by removing unnecessary interface elements.
- Easier Navigation: With more of the worksheet visible on the screen, it’s easier to scroll through data, review large tables, and analyze charts. This can be particularly helpful during data exploration and when comparing worksheet sections.
- Better Use of Smaller Displays: Users working on laptops or monitors with limited screen size can benefit significantly from Full Screen Mode, as it optimizes the available display area for Excel, making the best use of a smaller workspace.