Controlling Display of the Formula Bar

The formula bar is visible, but the contents of the formula bar does not change when moving the cursor!!!!

I just read the post by JM regarding Column & Row headers not showing. The following macro will toggle their display.
Sub ToggleHeadings()
ActiveWindow.DisplayHeadings = Not ActiveWindow.DisplayHeadings
End Sub

Similarly, in Word the following show or hides the ruler
Sub toggleRuler()
ActiveWindow.ActivePane.DisplayRulers = Not _
ActiveWindow.ActivePane.DisplayRulers
End Sub

Just a thought if word saves macros in the normal template, why are we not given the option with Excel? It woud be handy for hiding parts of the display in the active window.

Maddie, hanging issues can have many causes. A general overview can be found at https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Excel-not-responding-hangs-freezes-or-stops-working-37E7D3C9-9E84-40BF-A805-4CA6853A1FF4. The list is daunting but a bit of sleuthing can narrow down options and point a diagnostic direction. For example, is problem limited to Excel? Is it limited to a single workbook or all workbooks? Are there macros running in the workbook(s)? What exactly are you doing immediately before and at the time the problem occurs, e.g.: entering data, selecting ribbon controls, running a macro, etc. More information would be helpful.

Problem:
Excel appears to lock-up

Symptoms: times
All at the same time -
Not able to continue entering info into cells
unable to copy & paste & "formula bar" appears
Sometimes, but not every time, I'm able to close the file & when I reopen it again works
Other times I have to wait until it allows me to close file

I'd really appreciate you advise on how to resolve this, it occurs freq.
Thanks
Maddi

"Controlling Display of the Formula Bar" Allen, thank you so much, such a quick and easy fix, and illustrated perfectly! I'm surprised that this isn't a default, it's such a necessary thing.

Thank You so much!

Thanks!

JM, A web search suggests several approaches.

If the formula bar is missing entirely, go to View >Show and make sure Formula Bar is checked.

It is possible there may be a copy of Excel running in the background but not visible. Exit Excel. Go to Windows Task Manager > Processes and shut down any instance of Excel that may be running.

If none of the above works, try repairing Excel by running a repair on your office programs: Control Panel > Programs & Features.

Hope this helps.

I lost the pane that shows the cell column letter and row number, which is left to the formula bar. How do I activate it again? Is there a reason why it has gone missing? Thanks in advance.

To automate via VBA for a particular workbook, add the following code in the ThisWorkbook module:

Private Sub Workbook_Activate()
Application.DisplayFormulaBar = False 'Formula Bar hidden when workbook is opened.
End Sub

Private Sub Workbook_Deactivate()
Application.DisplayFormulaBar = True 'Formula Bar unhidden when workbook is closed.
End Sub

To make available on an adhoc basis, add the following macro to a PERSONAL .XLSB module and call with a button on the Quick Access Toolbar or assign to shortcut keys assignment.

Sub Toggle_FormulaBar()
If Application.DisplayFormulaBar = True Then
Application.DisplayFormulaBar = False
Else
Application.DisplayFormulaBar = True
End If
End Sub