MS Excel: Group & Hide Shortcuts Windows, Mac, Web
- Fakhriddinbek
- May 5
- 2 min read
Organizing large spreadsheets can be overwhelming, especially when managing complex datasets. Microsoft Excel offers powerful grouping and hiding features that let you simplify and summarize your worksheets—hiding details while keeping key summaries visible.
In this article, we’ll explore all the essential keyboard shortcuts and tips for grouping and hiding rows/columns in Excel 2021 across Windows, Mac, and Web platforms.
Why Grouping and Hiding Matters
Simplifies complex data views
Improves worksheet navigation
Enhances presentation for printing or sharing
Focuses attention on summaries, not raw data
Group & Hide Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel
Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut | Excel for Web |
Group rows or columns | Alt + Shift + → | Command + Shift + K | Ribbon only |
Ungroup rows or columns | Alt + Shift + ← | Command + Shift + J | Ribbon only |
Hide selected row(s) | Ctrl + 9 | Command + 9 | Not supported |
Unhide row(s) | Ctrl + Shift + 9 | Command + Shift + 9 | Not supported |
Hide selected column(s) | Ctrl + 0 | Command + 0 | Not supported |
Unhide column(s) | Ctrl + Shift + 0* | Command + Shift + 0 | Not supported |
Collapse grouped section | Alt + Shift + - (on group) | Ribbon or mouse only | Mouse only |
Expand grouped section | Alt + Shift + + (on group) | Ribbon or mouse only | Mouse only |
Show outline symbols | Alt + Shift + K (toggle outline pane) | Ribbon only | Ribbon only |
Ctrl + Shift + 0 may require enabling in Windows settings. MacOS might block Command + 0 for system functions.
How to Group and Collapse Rows or Columns
Example: Monthly Sales Report
You have data for all 12 months, and you want to group them quarterly:
Select rows for Jan–Mar.
Press Alt + Shift + → (Windows) or Command + Shift + K (Mac).
A group with a collapse - button appears.
Click the - or press Alt + Shift + - to collapse.
Repeat for other quarters.
Best Practices
Always highlight full rows or columns before grouping.
Avoid over-grouping; it can confuse collaborators.
Use summary rows outside of grouped ranges for better readability.
Tip: Improve Printing
Group or hide sections you don’t want printed:
Use Ctrl + 9 / Ctrl + 0 to hide data.
Hidden rows/columns don’t print, making reports cleaner.
Final Thoughts
Grouping and hiding are more than just cosmetic features in Excel. They are powerful structuring tools that allow you to collapse, expand, and control what users see—especially when managing large or detailed data.
By mastering these shortcuts, you’ll gain an edge in speed and clarity when working with Excel workbooks.
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