Insert Delete Move Hide Excel 2016

Working in Microsoft Excel 2016 often means organizing data to make it easier to understand. Sometimes, you’ll need to insert new rows or columns, delete extra ones, move them around, or even hide a few for better focus. Luckily, Excel makes all of this simple. Let’s explore how you can manage rows and columns like a pro!

1. How to Insert Rows and Columns in Excel 2016

Adding rows or columns is very useful when you need to include more information in your sheet. Here’s how you can do it:

To Insert a Row:

  • Select the row heading below where you want the new row. For example, to insert between rows 4 and 5, select row 5.
  • Go to the Home tab and click Insert in the Cells group.
  • A new row will appear above the selected one.
Tip: After inserting, a small paintbrush icon appears. Click it to match formatting from the row above or create a new style.

To Insert a Column:

  • Select the column heading to the right of where you want to insert a new column.
  • Click Insert on the Home tab.
  • The new column will appear to the left of the selected one.

If you only select a single cell instead of the whole column, Excel will insert a new cell rather than a full column. So always select the entire column if that’s what you need.

2. How to Delete Rows and Columns

Deleting unwanted data keeps your sheet clean and organized. Here’s how you can do that:

  • Select the row or column you want to delete.
  • Click the Delete command on the Home tab.
  • The selected row or column will disappear, and the others will shift accordingly.

If you only want to remove the contents (not the actual row or column), right-click the heading and choose Clear Contents.

3. How to Move Rows and Columns

Sometimes, you may want to rearrange data for better clarity. Moving rows or columns is easy:

  • Click the heading of the row or column you want to move.
  • Press Ctrl+X or click Cut on the Home tab.
  • Select the location where you want to move it.
  • Click Insert > Insert Cut Cells.

Your data will shift neatly to the new location. You can also use right-click to access Cut and Insert options quickly.

Pro Tip: For smaller data sets, you can drag and drop by selecting the cells and dragging the border when the cursor turns into a four-sided arrow.

4. How to Hide and Unhide Rows or Columns

If you don’t want to delete data but just want to keep it out of sight, hiding is a great option. You can hide both rows and columns easily.

To Hide Columns:

  • Select the columns you want to hide.
  • Right-click and choose Hide.
  • The columns will disappear, but a thin line will mark where they’re hidden.

To Unhide Columns:

  • Select the columns on both sides of the hidden ones.
  • Right-click and choose Unhide.
  • The hidden columns will reappear instantly.

To Hide or Unhide Rows:

Follow the same steps as columns. Just right-click the selected rows and choose Hide or Unhide when needed.

5. Extra Tips for Working Smarter

  • Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Shift+"+" to insert and Ctrl+"-" to delete.
  • Always double-check before deleting to avoid data loss.
  • If you mess up, press Ctrl+Z to undo your last action.

5 FAQs on Inserting, Deleting, Moving, and Hiding in Excel 2016

1. Can I insert multiple rows or columns at once?

Yes! Select the same number of rows or columns as you want to add, then click Insert. Excel will insert that many new rows or columns at once.

2. What’s the shortcut to delete rows quickly?

Press Ctrl+"-" after selecting the rows or columns you want to delete.

3. How do I move data without cutting and pasting?

Simply select the cells, hover over the border until you see a four-arrow icon, and drag them to a new position.

4. Why can’t I see my hidden columns?

Look for a double line between column letters. Select the columns on both sides, right-click, and choose “Unhide.”

5. Can I hide entire worksheets?

Yes. Right-click the sheet tab, choose Hide. To unhide, go to Home > Format > Hide & Unhide > Unhide Sheet.

Conclusion

Learning how to insert, delete, move, and hide in Excel 2016 can make your data handling much smoother. These basic but powerful tools save time and keep your workbook neat and organized. With just a few clicks, you can control exactly how your data looks and behaves. Practice these steps, and soon you’ll handle Excel sheets like a pro!

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