How to Freeze 2 Columns in Excel – So, have you ever felt frustrated when scrolling in Excel and suddenly losing track of your important data? Well, I have, and I know how annoying it can be! That’s why I want to share how to freeze 2 columns in Excel, and honestly, it’s a game-changer! Since I discovered this trick, my workflow has been so much smoother, and I no longer waste time searching for lost headers. So, let’s dive in and learn this together! 😉
What is Freezing Columns in Excel? 🤔
Now, before we jump into the steps, let’s talk about what freezing columns actually means. Basically, it allows you to lock specific columns in place, so even when you scroll horizontally, they will stay visible. This feature is perfect for people who:
- Often deal with large datasets 📊, making it hard to keep track of key details.
- Need to see important headers or labels at all times to avoid confusion.
- Want to make their Excel sheets more structured and efficient 🏆.
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s get into the actual process!
Step-by-Step Guide to Freeze 2 Columns in Excel 🧊
1. Open Your Excel File
- First, make sure your data is ready and properly formatted.
- Then, decide which two columns you need to freeze.
2. Select the Third Column (C)
- Next, click on the first cell in column C.
- At this point, Excel understands that everything before it (columns A & B) should be frozen.
3. Go to the “View” Tab
- Now, find and click the View tab at the top of the screen.
- After that, you will see multiple options, but don’t get overwhelmed! 🎩✨
4. Click “Freeze Panes”
- Once inside the View tab, locate the “Freeze Panes” button.
- After clicking the dropdown arrow, more options will appear.
5. Select “Freeze Panes” Option
- From the menu, select “Freeze Panes” instead of “Freeze First Column” or “Freeze Top Row.”
- As soon as you do this, columns A & B will be frozen in place! 🥶
Now, test it out by scrolling to the right, and you will see that the first two columns remain visible! 😍
Alternative Methods to Freeze Columns 🛠️
Now, if the standard method doesn’t work for some reason, here are two alternative ways:
1. Using the Split Option
- First, go to the View tab.
- Then, click “Split” (found next to Freeze Panes).
- Finally, drag the split line to separate your frozen columns.
This method is useful when you need more flexibility, but it might feel a bit clunky. 🤷♂️
2. Using VBA (For Advanced Users)⚡
For those who like automation, try using this simple VBA script:
Sub FreezeTwoColumns()
ActiveWindow.FreezePanes = False
Columns("C").Select
ActiveWindow.FreezePanes = True
End Sub- First, press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor.
- Then, copy and paste the code.
- Finally, run the script, and you’re all set! 🎯
Common Problems & How to Fix Them 🛠️
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, but no worries! Here’s how to fix common issues:
Freeze Panes Not Working
✔ First, check if you’ve selected the right column (C).
Freeze Panes Button is Disabled
✔ Then, see if your worksheet is protected (If so, unprotect it from the “Review” tab).
Columns Didn’t Freeze Properly
✔ Always ensure you select the column to the right of the last one you want to freeze.
If none of these solutions work, try closing and reopening Excel, and that might do the trick! 😅
Extra Tips & Tricks ✨
Now that you’ve learned how to freeze columns, here are some bonus tips:
- Want to freeze both rows & columns? Simply select a cell below the row & to the right of the last column you want to freeze, then use “Freeze Panes”.
- Need to unfreeze? Go to View → Freeze Panes → Unfreeze Panes.
- Best practice? Freeze only the most essential columns to avoid confusion. 😵💫
Also Read: How To Make Excel Cells Expand To Fit Text Vertically Easily!
FAQs: How to Freeze 2 Columns in Excel
1. Can I freeze more than 2 columns in Excel?
Yes! Just select the column right after the last one you want frozen, then apply Freeze Panes.
2. Why is Freeze Panes grayed out?
Most likely, your worksheet is protected. Simply go to “Review” → “Unprotect Sheet.”
3. Does freezing columns work on all Excel versions?
Absolutely! It works in Excel 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 365.
4. Can I freeze columns in Excel Online?
Yes, but unfortunately, only one column or row at a time. (Hopefully, Microsoft improves this soon! 😩)
5. Can I freeze columns in Google Sheets?
Of course! Just click “View” → “Freeze” → Choose how many columns you want to freeze.
