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When you change the column width globally, using Format – Column Width, the hidden columns will unhide, as shown in Fig. 1211.
Strategy: Use Format – Column – Standard Width, as shown in Fig. 1212.
The Standard Width dialog allows you to enter one global column width. Changing the column Standard Width will change the default width of all columns without unhiding the hidden columns. See Fig. 1213.
Result: All of the columns will have a width of 4, as shown in Fig. 1214.
Additional Information: Changing the standard width will change the width of hidden columns. When they are later unhidden, they will have the correct width, as shown in Fig. 1215.
Gotcha: The Standard Width does not change the widths of columns that have previously been changed. For example, open a new workbook. Manually change column C to be 20 wide. Use Format Column Standard Width to be 1 wide. All of the columns except C will be changed, as shown in Fig. 1216.
Summary: Use Standard Width to globally adjust the width of all columns without unhiding hidden columns.
Commands Discussed: Format – Column – Standard Width
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