The Navigation pane in Excel is an easy way to understand a workbook's layout, see what elements exist within the workbook, and navigate directly to those elements. Whether you're a new user getting familiar with Excel, or an experienced user trying to navigate a large workbook, the Navigation pane can help.
Find and access elements such as tables, charts, PivotTables, and images within your workbook. Once you've opened the Navigation pane, it displays on the right side of the Excel window.
The Navigation pane also makes it easier for those with visual impairments to access all parts of the workbook. It can improve how tools such as screen readers interpret your workbook.
Open the Navigation pane
In an open workbook, select View > Navigation.
The Navigation pane will open on the right side of the window.
The Navigation pane can also be opened from the status bar at the bottom of the screen. Right-click on the status bar and select Sheet Number. This will add a sheet count in the status bar.
Select the sheet count in the status bar and select the sheet you want to see. Focus will shift to that sheet and the Navigation pane will open.
Explore the elements
When the Navigation pane opens, you’ll see a list of elements such as tables, named ranges, and other elements from this sheet. Each sheet within the workbook will be in its own section. Select a section to expand and display its contents.
Each section will show any tables, charts, PivotTables, and images located on the sheet. Selecting an element will move the focus to that element on the sheet.
If the element is on another sheet within the workbook, the focus will switch to the correct sheet and element.
Make changes
Some elements can be modified directly from the Navigation Pane. Right-click on the element name to open a menu of options. Which options are available will depend on the element type.
Charts and images can be renamed, deleted, or hidden from the Navigation pane. PivotTables can only be renamed. There are no additional options for PivotTables in the Navigation pane.
Note: There are no right-click options for tables.
