How to Exit Full Screen View in Excel (2024 Guide): A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Stuck in full screen view in Excel and can’t figure out how to escape? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. It’s pretty simple to exit full screen view in Excel. All you need to do is hit the "Escape" key on your keyboard or click on the "Restore Down" button in the top-right corner of the window. Voila! You’re back to your regular view.

Step by Step Tutorial: Exiting Full Screen View in Excel

Before we dive into the steps, let me give you a quick heads up. Exiting full screen view will help you access the Excel ribbon and other features that might be hidden in full screen mode.

Step 1: Use the Escape Key

Hit the "Escape" key on your keyboard.

The Escape key is usually located in the top-left corner of your keyboard. Pressing it should instantly take you out of full screen view in Excel.

Step 2: Click the Restore Down Button

Click the "Restore Down" button, which is usually next to the "Close" button at the top-right corner of the Excel window.

If the Escape key doesn’t do the trick, you can use your mouse to click the "Restore Down" button. It looks like two overlapping squares and, when clicked, will resize Excel to a windowed view.

After completing these actions, you should now see Excel in its standard view, with the ribbon and taskbars accessible for you to use.

Tips for Exiting Full Screen View in Excel

• If you frequently switch between full screen and regular view, consider learning the keyboard shortcuts for a quicker transition.
• Customize your Quick Access Toolbar to include the "Exit Full Screen" command for easy access.
• Check if any add-ins or macros are interfering with the standard view settings.
• Remember to save your work before toggling full screen view to prevent any accidental data loss.
• If you’re using Excel on a Mac, the steps to exit full screen might differ slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the Escape key doesn’t work?

If your Escape key doesn’t take you out of full screen view, try clicking the "Restore Down" button or check your keyboard for any issues.

Can I toggle full screen view with a keyboard shortcut?

Yes, you can usually enter full screen view by pressing the "F11" key and exit by pressing it again or using the "Escape" key.

Is there a way to prevent Excel from opening in full screen view by default?

You can adjust your Excel settings or the properties of the Excel shortcut to open in a windowed view by default.

Will exiting full screen view affect my data?

No, changing the view in Excel doesn’t affect the data within your sheets. However, it’s always good practice to save regularly.

What’s the difference between full screen view and maximized window?

Full screen view hides the taskbar and ribbon for a more immersive experience, while a maximized window enlarges the Excel window to fill the screen but keeps the ribbon and taskbar visible.

Summary

1. Use the Escape key.
2. Click the Restore Down button.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to exit full screen view in Excel, you can seamlessly switch between an immersive spreadsheet experience and a view that gives you quick access to all of Excel’s features. Remember, it’s as easy as hitting the Escape key or clicking the Restore Down button. Whether you’re deep into data analysis or just prefer a cleaner workspace without distractions, full screen view can be a handy feature.

But it’s also essential to learn how to exit it when you need to. This guide should help you escape the full screen mode with ease, but don’t hesitate to explore Excel’s settings and customize your workspace to fit your productivity style. Keep practicing those shortcuts, and you’ll be an Excel wizard in no time. If you have any more questions or need further assistance with Excel, plenty of online resources and communities are willing to help. Happy spreadsheeting!