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When working with large datasets, navigating between different sheets or windows can be time-consuming and inefficient. Fortunately, Excel’s split screen view offers a convenient solution for comparing data side by side. Here’s how to use it.
Viewing Worksheets in Split View
Excel’s split screen feature allows you to divide the window into two or four panes, making it easier to view different sections of the same worksheet or even multiple worksheets simultaneously.
Splitting the Window in a Single Worksheet
In Excel, you can split a worksheet into four parts by using the Split option. To do this, go to theViewtab in your Excel workbook and click theSplitbutton. This will divide your current worksheet into four sections, seperating them with thick gray lines.
You can then scroll each pane independently—both vertically and horizontally—allowing you to view different parts of the worksheet at the same time. If you prefer to split only horizontally, you can drag the vertical gray bar all the way to the left. For a vertical split, drag the horizontal bar to the top.
Comparing Different Sheets From the Same Workbook
To view two different worksheets side by side, go to theViewtab, and clickNew Windowto open a second window of the same workbook. Then, go to theViewtab again and click theView Side by Sidebutton.
Excel will arrange the two windows, one above the other. By default, both windows will scroll simultaneously, which makes it easier to spot differences between the worksheets. If you prefer to scroll independently, simply click theSynchronous Scrollingbutton in theViewtab to deactivate it.
Comparing Worksheets From Different Workbooks
If you need to compare worksheets from two different workbooks, first open both workbooks. Then, navigate to theViewtab and selectCompare Side by Side. If multiple files are open, a dialog box will appear, prompting you to choose which workbook you want to compare with the active one.
Once in side-by-side view, you may scroll through each workbook independently or useSynchronous Scrollingfor simultaneous navigation. Additionally, if you want to adjust the layout, click theArrange Allbutton to switch between horizontal and vertical arrangements.
Once you are done comparing your data side by side in Excel’s split screen view, you may want to remove the split to return to your original view. To do so, all you have to do is go to theViewtab again and click theSplitbutton again.
Tips for Using Split Screen Effectively
If you need to use Excel’s split screen feature regularly, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with thesetips to maximize your efficiency.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts in Excelcan save you time when using the split screen feature. For instance, you can pressAlt + W + Sto quickly enable or disable the Split feature in Excel.
Reset Excel’s Split View
After resizing workbook windows or rearranging your split view, you may find that your layout is not as effective as it once was. To restore the default settings, simply click theReset Window Positionbutton in theViewtab.
Save Your Split Screen Presets
Excel’s Custom Views feature is a powerful tool for saving your preferred layouts, including any split screen settings. To create a preset, navigate to theViewtab, selectCustom Views, and then clickAddto name and save your current layout.
Once saved, you can click theCustom Viewsoption, select your desired view, and hitShowto apply it instantly.
The ability to view multiple sections of your spreadsheet simultaneously provides the clarity and organization needed for effective data comparison. This is especially useful for tasks that require attention to detail, such asanalyzing financial reports, comparing sales figures, or reviewing project timelines. The best part is that using Excel’s split screen feature isn’t complicated once you get the hang of it.
