[Excel Shortcut] Unhide Columns In A Click (Windows & Mac)

Written by Kasper Langmann

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that is widely used in various fields, from business to education. One of the key features of Excel is its ability to hide and unhide columns, which can be particularly useful when dealing with large datasets. However, many users are not aware of the shortcuts that can make this process much more efficient. In this guide, we will explore the Excel shortcuts for unhiding columns in a click on both Windows and Mac.

Understanding Excel’s Hide and Unhide Feature

Before we delve into the shortcuts, it’s important to understand what hiding and unhiding columns in Excel means. When you hide a column, it is not deleted or removed from the worksheet. Instead, it is simply made invisible to the viewer. This can be useful when you want to focus on specific data without being distracted by other information.

Unhiding a column, on the other hand, makes a previously hidden column visible again. This is useful when you need to refer back to data that you had previously hidden. The ability to hide and unhide columns is one of the many ways Excel allows you to customize your view of your data.

Excel Shortcut to Unhide Columns on Windows

For Windows users, the process of unhiding columns in Excel is straightforward. The shortcut involves the use of the keyboard and the mouse. Here are the steps:

Select the columns on either side of the hidden column. You can do this by clicking on the header of the first column, holding down the Shift key, and then clicking on the header of the second column.
Right-click on the selected columns.
From the context menu that appears, select ‘Unhide’.

This will unhide the column that was hidden between the two selected columns. It’s a quick and easy way to unhide columns without having to navigate through Excel’s menu system.

Excel Shortcut to Unhide Columns on Mac

For Mac users, the process is slightly different but still simple. Here are the steps to unhide columns in Excel on a Mac:

Select the columns on either side of the hidden column. You can do this by clicking on the header of the first column, holding down the Shift key, and then clicking on the header of the second column.
Control-click (or right-click if you have a mouse with that capability) on the selected columns.
From the context menu that appears, select ‘Unhide’.

Just like on Windows, this will unhide the column that was hidden between the two selected columns. It’s a quick and easy way to unhide columns without having to navigate through Excel’s menu system.

Additional Tips for Managing Columns in Excel

While the shortcuts for unhiding columns in Excel are quite straightforward, there are a few additional tips that can help you manage your columns more effectively.

Using the ‘Go To’ Function to Unhide Columns

If you’re dealing with a large dataset and you’re not sure where the hidden columns are, the ‘Go To’ function can be a lifesaver. Here’s how to use it:

Press F5 on your keyboard to open the ‘Go To’ dialog box.
Click on ‘Special’.
Select ‘Visible cells only’ and click ‘OK’.

This will select all visible cells in the worksheet. You can then use the ‘Unhide’ option as described above to unhide any hidden columns.

Using the ‘Format’ Menu to Unhide Columns

Another way to unhide columns in Excel is through the ‘Format’ menu. Here’s how:

Click on ‘Format’ in the Home tab.
Hover over ‘Hide & Unhide’.
Select ‘Unhide Columns’.

This will unhide any columns that are currently hidden in the worksheet.

Conclusion

Excel’s ability to hide and unhide columns is a powerful feature that can help you manage your data more effectively. By using the shortcuts and tips outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily unhide columns in Excel, regardless of whether you’re using a Windows or a Mac.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use these shortcuts, the more natural they will become. So, start practicing today and take your Excel skills to the next level!