If we make the first row as a header in Excel, it will help to organize data and make the document easier to read. Excel provides several methods for creating the first row as a header. In this article, we will discuss four simple methods to make the first row as a header in Excel with an explanation.
1. Create First Row as Header by Freezing in Excel
Assuming, we have a dataset B1:C5, containing some Items with their product IDs. Here, we need to make the first row a header. Now, we are going to use the ‘Freeze Panes’ option to make it happen. ‘Freeze Panes’ option keeps an area of a worksheet visible while scrolling to another section of the worksheet.
Steps:
- First, click on the View tab from the ribbon.
- After that, click on the Freeze Panes.
- Then, a dropdown menu will appear.
- Now, select Freeze Top Row from the dropdown menu.
- Clicking Freeze Top Row locks the first row finally. That means if we scroll down, the top row stays at the top of the document.
Read More: Keep Row Headings in Excel When Scrolling Without Freeze
2. Applying Format as Table Option to Show First Row as Header
Suppose, we need to make the first row as the header of the dataset (B1:C5) below in Excel which includes some items and product IDs. We can use the Format as Table option in the Home tab to do so. Excel automatically converts the data range to a table after selecting the ‘Format as Table’ option.
Steps:
- Firstly, go to the Home tab and click the Format as Table dropdown menu.
- After clicking the dropdown menu, you can select a style for your table.
- Then, the Create Table window will appear.
- Now, check if our selected cells are correct.
- After that, give a tick mark on the My table has headers.
- Lastly, click on OK.
- In the end, a table will be created that contains the header in the first row.
Read More: Hide Row and Column Heading in Excel
3. Making the First Row as Header Using the Excel Print Titles Option
Here, we have the same dataset (B1:C5) in Excel just like the above methods. Now we need to make the first row as a header. We can do this easily by using the Print Titles option in Excel. It specifies rows and columns in Excel that will be printed on each page. This makes printed copies easier to read.
Steps:
- In the beginning, select the Page Layout tab and click on the Print Titles.
- Then, the Page Setup window will appear
- Click on the Rows to repeat at top:
- Now, select the first row.
- After selecting the first row, click on the Print Preview button to make sure the header row is correct.
- Finally, click on the Print button to see the result.
Read More: How to Make a Row Header in Excel
4. Using Power Query Editor to Select the First Row as Header
In our last method, we are using the same dataset (B1:C5) of product items with their IDs. We can easily make the first row the header of the dataset by using Power Query Editor in Excel. It helps to import or connect to external data, and then shape that data, such as removing a column, changing a data type, or merging tables. The steps for this method are given below.
Steps:
- In the first place, choose the Data tab and click on From Table/Range.
- Secondly, a Create Table window will appear.
- Now, click on the box to enter data.
- After that, select the dataset and click on OK.
- Then, go to the Transform.
- At this time, select Use First Row as Headers (see the screenshot).
- In turn, the Power Query will convert the first row of data to a header row.
- Finally, select Home > Close & Load
- Now, you will return to the transformed data where the first row is converted to header.
Read More: How to Create a Double Row Header in Excel
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Conclusion
I hope these four methods will be helpful for you to make the first row as the header in Excel. Download the practice workbook and give it a try. Let us know your feedback in the comment section. Follow our website to get more articles like this.
Related Articles
- How to Promote a Row to a Column Header in Excel
- How to Make Multiple Sortable Headings in Excel
- How to Keep Row Headings in Excel When Scrolling
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