Learn more about sheet views

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In the meantime, here are some frequently asked questions about sheet views.

Q: Wait, what is a sheet view exactly?

A: Sheet views are an innovative way of letting you create customized views in an Excel worksheet without being disrupted by others. For instance, you can set up a filter to display only the records that are important to you, without being affected by others sorting and filtering in the document. You can even set up multiple sheet views on the same worksheet. Any cell-level edits you make will automatically be saved with the workbook regardless of which view you're in.

Q: How do I create a sheet view?

A: Three ways:

1. If other people are working on the file, you can sort or filter, and we'll ask if you want to apply that sort or filter for just you, or everyone. Then you'll be in a sheet view.

2. If you want to create a sheet view before other people start working in the file, you can go to the View tab, and click New.

3. Lastly, if you want to create a sheet view from a table, you can select any column header Filter button, click Sheet View > New Sheet View.

Q: How do I save a sheet view?

A: You can click the Keep button in the View tab, or you can rename the sheet in the drop down picker in the View tab. When you Exit your Sheet View, you are also prompted with a dialog asking if you would like to rename and keep the view, or not keep it.

Q: How do I get out of the sheet view?

A: You can click the Exit button on the View tab.  Or, if you're ready to close the file, you can close the browser tab, and the next time you come back, you'll be in the file's default view without an active sheet view.

Q: Why would I want a sheet view?

A: If you want to Sort and Filter without being affecting by other people.

Q: Why wouldn't I want a sheet view?

A: If you primarily work in an Excel workbook by yourself, and don't need to worry about others bothering you with sorting and filtering.

Q: Is a sheet view private, and only for me?

A: Not really, sheet views are available to anyone sharing a workbook. When you activate a sheet view, the results will be hidden from others, but they can still activate a view on their end.

Q: What is the maximum number of sheet views I can make?

A: The maximum number of sheet views you can make is 256 per sheet.

Q: What if I accidentally delete a sheet view and I want to recover it?

A: If you want to recover a deleted sheet view, use the version history pane to recover it from the version prior to you deleting it. Go to File > Info > Version History to access the pane.

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You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in the Answers community.

See Also

Sheet views in Excel.