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How to Show Hidden Columns

Learn how to reveal hidden columns in Excel and cobby workbooks.

Identifying Hidden Columns​

Look for gaps in the column header letters. For example, if you see columns A, B, D, E (missing C), then column C is hidden.

Step-by-Step: Show Hidden Columns​

Step 1: Find Hidden Columns​

Locate where columns are hidden by looking for jumps in the column letter sequence.

Step 2: Select Surrounding Columns​

Click and drag to select the two columns on either side of the hidden column(s).

Example: If column C is hidden between B and D:

  1. Click column B header
  2. Drag to column D header
  3. Both B and D should be highlighted

Step 3: Right-Click and Show​

  1. Right-click on one of the selected column headers
  2. Select Unhide from the context menu

The hidden column(s) now appear.

Showing All Hidden Columns at Once​

Method 1: Select All Columns​

  1. Click the Select All button (triangle at top-left corner, above row 1)
  2. Right-click any column header
  3. Choose Unhide

Method 2: Use Name Box​

  1. Type A:XFD in the Name Box (left of formula bar)
  2. Press Enter to select all columns
  3. Right-click any column header
  4. Choose Unhide

Showing Multiple Hidden Columns​

If several columns are hidden in a row:

  1. Select the columns on both sides of the hidden range
  2. Right-click
  3. Choose Unhide

All hidden columns in that range will appear.

Repeat for All Sheets​

Important: If you're working with multiple attribute sets in cobby, repeat the process for each sheet where columns are hidden.

Each worksheet maintains its own column visibility settings.

Why Columns Get Hidden​

Columns may be hidden to:

  • Reduce clutter
  • Focus on specific attributes
  • Improve workbook performance
  • Create simplified views

Hiding Columns (Reverse Process)​

To hide columns you don't need:

  1. Select the column(s) to hide
  2. Right-click the column header
  3. Choose Hide

For better control, use cobby presets to save column visibility preferences.

Tips​

  • Use presets: cobby presets remember which columns are visible
  • Check all sheets: Hidden columns may differ across attribute sets
  • Be careful: Don't hide critical columns like SKU or Name
  • Document: Note why columns are hidden for team members

Troubleshooting​

Can't select columns?
  • Click directly on the column letter headers, not cells
  • Try clicking once on each column while holding Ctrl
Unhide is grayed out?
  • No columns are hidden in the selected range
  • Check you've selected columns on both sides of the hidden ones
Column still not showing?
  • The column width might be set to 0
  • Select surrounding columns
  • Drag the column border to make it wider
Multiple columns hidden?
  • Ensure you've selected wide enough range
  • Try selecting all columns (Select All button)

Alternative: Adjust Column Width​

Sometimes columns appear hidden but are actually very narrow:

  1. Position cursor between column headers where you think a column is hidden
  2. When cursor changes to resize icon (double arrow)
  3. Double-click to auto-fit the column width

Working with Hidden Columns and Formulas​

Formulas Still Work​

Hidden columns:

  • Continue to calculate
  • Are referenced by formulas
  • Maintain their data
  • Are included in saves

Be Careful When Copying​

When copying data:

  • Hidden columns are included in the copy
  • This might paste more data than you expect
  • Consider unhiding first, then copying

cobby-Specific Notes​

Preset Column Visibility​

The better way to manage column visibility in cobby:

  1. Hide/show columns as desired
  2. Save configuration as a preset
  3. Apply preset to restore this view

Learn more: How to Manage Presets

Attribute Sets​

Each attribute set (worksheet) can have different hidden columns:

  • Simple products might show different columns than configurable
  • Check each sheet if columns are missing