How to Add, Format & Remove Titles in Excel (Complete Guideline)

Dataset Overview

We will use the following dataset containing the sales report of a company.

What Is a Title in Excel?

A title in Excel provides a clear description or heading for your content, whether it’s a worksheet, chart, or graph. It helps readers interpret and analyze information effectively.

What Are the Types of Title in Excel?

• Worksheet Title: Represents the main subject or purpose of an entire worksheet.
• Cell Title: Provides additional context or description for specific cells.
• Column Title: Describes the data within individual columns.
• Row Title: Identifies and categorizes data within each row.
• Chart Title: Summarizes information presented in visual charts or graphs.
• PivotTable Title: Highlights insights from PivotTables.
• Report Title: Captures the main topic in reports or presentations.

What Is the Importance of Titles in Excel?

• Data Organization: Titles offer a quick overview, helping you and others understand the data.
• Data Interpretation: Well-chosen titles provide essential context about spreadsheet content.
• Data Filtering: Titles aid in identifying relevant columns or rows for filtering or sorting large datasets.
• Data Sharing: Clear, descriptive titles make it easier for recipients to grasp the data’s purpose.
• Documentation and Reference: Titles serve as reference points for future use and quick retrieval.
• Presentation and Reporting: Well-crafted titles enhance presentations, capture attention, and add impact.

Inserting a Title

Method 1 – Using the Merge & Center Feature

• Select the range (e.g., B2:H2).
• Go to the Home tab >> Alignment >> Merge & Center.

• Our selected cells are now merged.

• Type Sales Report as the title in the merged cells.

Notes: Merging cells retains data from the first cell; data from other cells is lost.

Method 2 – Inserting a Title Using the Center Across Selection Command

• We have entered a title in cell B2.
• Select the range (e.g., B2:H2) and press Ctrl + 1.
• In the Format Cells dialog, go to the Alignment tab.
• Choose Center Across Selection from the Horizontal drop-down.
• Select Center from the Vertical drop-down and click OK.

• Your title is centered without losing data from the selected cells.

Note: By using the Center Across Selection option, you can center the title without losing any data from the selected cells.

Remember, clear titles improve data communication and understanding.

Method 3 – Adding a Title Using Header and Footer Feature

• Go to the Insert tab.
• Click on Header & Footer in the Text group.
• The Header & Footer box appears on the Excel sheet.

• Click the Add header box.

• From the Header & Footer Elements group, choose File Name and Sheet Name with a space.

• Move your cursor to any other cell to see the title.

Method 4 – Adding Page Numbers, Dates, or Other Text

• Select Header.
• Go to the Header & Footer tab.
• Under Header & Footer Elements, choose Page Number.

Click here to enlarge the image

• Move your cursor to any cell to display the page number.

Formatting the Title in Excel

Method 1 – Using the Font Group

• Select the title of the data table.
• Go to the Home tab.
• Choose the Font group.
• Format the title (e.g., change font color, size, style).

Method 2 – Using Cell Styles

• Select the title.
• Go to the Home tab.
• Choose the Font group.
• Select the Cell Styles drop-down list.
• Choose Heading 1 from the Title and Heading option.

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Method 3 – Editing the Header & Footer Title

• Go to the Page Layout tab.
• Click the arrow in the bottom-right corner.
• In the Page Setup dialog, choose Custom Header from the Header/Footer tab.

• Insert Sales Report in the center section.
• Click OK twice.

• You will see the Sales Report as the header.

Following the above process, you can edit the header title as you want.

Titling a Column in Excel

• Using the Formula Bar:
  • Select cell B4.
  • Enter your desired column title (e.g., Order No) in the Formula Bar.
  • Press Enter.

• Repeat for other columns (e.g., Order Date, Customer Name).

Formatting Column Titles:

• Select the range B4:H4.
• Go to the Home tab.
• Use the Font group to make text bold, italic, or change colors.

• Align the titles using Center and Middle Align from the Alignment group.

Removing a Title in Excel

• Select the cells with titles.
• Go to the Home tab.
• Choose Styles > Cell Styles > Normal.

• Alternatively, select the title and press Delete.

How to Add a Title in an Excel Chart

Method 1 – Adding and Formatting Chart Titles

• Click anywhere on the chart.
• Three buttons should appear to the right of your chart.
• Click on the Chart Elements button (the one with a ‘+’ icon).
• Check the checkbox next to Chart Title.
• Enter your desired title (e.g., Customer vs Sub Total).

• To format the chart title:
  • Select the chart title.
  • Go to the Home tab.
  • Use the Font group for bold, italic, and color formatting.
  • Modify alignment using the Alignment group.

Method 2 – Creating a Dynamic Chart Title

• Select the chart title.
• Go to the Formula Bar.
• Enter an equal sign (=) and select any cell (e.g., $H$4) to create a link.

• Press Enter.

• Verify that the chart title updates dynamically when the linked cell changes (e.g., changing Sub Total to Total).

Method 3 – Adding Axis Titles

• Select the chart.
• Click the ‘+’ symbol at the top-right corner of the chart.
• Check the Axis Titles option from Chart Elements.

• Set the horizontal axis title as Customer Name and the vertical axis title as Sub Total.

Removing Chart or Axis Titles

• Uncheck the Chart Title & Axis Titles option from the Chart Elements group.

Freezing Titles in Excel

• Select the cell below the title (e.g., A3).
• Go to the View tab.
• Choose Window > Freeze Panes.

Your title remains visible during scrolling.

To unfreeze the titles, go back to the Freeze Panes dropdown menu and select Unfreeze Panes.

Hiding Titles

• Choose the View tab.
• Click on Workbook Views and select Normal.
• By default, titles within rows and columns are visible.

• Minimize row height by dragging the mouse upward below Row 2 to hide the title.

Download the Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here:

Things to Remember

• Remember to save your spreadsheet after adding titles.
• Explore additional features like Data Labels and Legends in the Chart Elements section.
• You can also use the Alignment and Font groups from the Home tab to further format your titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a picture or image as the title in Excel?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly add a picture or image as a title in Excel. However, you can create a separate text box or shape and insert an image into it. Position it near the title area to achieve a similar effect.

Is there any character limit for the title in Excel?

Yes, there is a character limit for titles in Excel. The maximum length for a title is 255 characters, including spaces and special characters.

Can I use a formula as a title in Excel?

You can use a formula as a title in Excel. Follow these steps:

• Create the desired formula in a cell.
• If you want to display the formula result as a title, copy the formula cell.
• Right-click the destination cell where you want the title.
• Choose “Paste Values” to convert the formula result into a static title.

Title in Excel: Knowledge Hub

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