If you want to view two different Excel spreadsheets at the same time and it seems like you can’t, well, you can. If you have one Excel file open and then you open another, it replaces the previous one and you’ll end up jumping back and forth between your spreadsheets. Instead, view them both side by side, this allows you to compare data more effectively.
Here is how you do it:
- Open both of the Excel files you wish to view together.
- Go to the View tab and in the Window section click the View Side by Side command button.
- You will now be able to see both of your spreadsheets simultaneously.
Options:
• You can click and drag, move, and resize your two spreadsheets as needed.
• Synchronous Scrolling - This command on the View tab will let you scroll through your two spreadsheets individually or simultaneously.
• Reset Window Position - This command, also on the View tab, will reset your side by side view to an above and below view. This is the default view and the first time you view side by side spreadsheets they will be above and below.
Excel will remember your last side by side view set up and open future files to the last set position you viewed in.
I hope this will help everyone who is comparing data from one spreadsheet to another.
6 responses so far
We want to hear from you! To keep discussions on-topic and constructive, comments are moderated for relevance and for abusive or profane language. Please note that it may take some time for your comment to appear.
1 lawren // Jul 7, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Is it possible to have each sheet on a different monitor?
2 Cliff // Jul 8, 2009 at 10:24 am
Works great! Thanks!
3 Jeff Hauger // Jul 10, 2009 at 9:10 am
Lawren,
I found this article on using multiple monitors with side by side viewing. Check it out: http://www.lytebyte.com/2008/05/13/how-to-open-two-excel-files-side-by-side-in-separate-monitors/
4 Tamekia // Aug 27, 2009 at 7:45 am
How do you have one excel sheet/file opened on one screen and a totally different excel sheet/file opened on the second monitor? I know it can be done because I was able to do it at an old job, but I don’t know what steps to take. Can anyone help with this?
5 Tamekia // Aug 27, 2009 at 8:04 am
I just found what looks like a solution to my earlier question. If anyone has the same question then check out this link:
http://brett.batie.com/microsoft/open-excel-in-multiple-windows/
It requires you to download this software, but so far it’s working.
6 Holly Green // Aug 27, 2009 at 11:32 am
Tamekia - Thanks for the good question, and for the solution!
Leave a Comment