SharePoint Document Issues

How to Manage SharePoint List Scrolling and Pin to Filters Pane

Jason Miller Oct 22, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to scroll columns horizontally in Quick Edit and normal views, and needs an explanation of the 'Pin to filters pane' option.

How to Manage SharePoint List Scrolling and Pin to Filters Pane

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Navigating and filtering data in large SharePoint lists online.
Observed behavior: Horizontal scrolling in Quick Edit mode is limited to specific columns, and the purpose of the Pin to filters pane setting is unclear.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary Edit or Design permissions for the SharePoint list to modify column settings and access Quick Edit mode.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Pin to Filters Pane Option

Pin specific columns to the Filters pane to keep them easily accessible for sorting and filtering, regardless of list scrolling.

The 'Pin to filters pane' feature is designed to make a column permanently appear in the list's Filters pane. A pin icon will display next to each column that has been pinned, allowing you to quickly filter large datasets.

Open Column Settings

Navigate to your SharePoint list and click on the header of the column you want to pin.

Pin the Column

Select 'Column Settings' from the dropdown menu, then click 'Pin to filters pane'. Check the Filters pane on the right to verify the column is now permanently visible for filtering.

Quick Identification: Once pinned, a small pin icon will appear next to the column name in the list view, indicating it is actively available in the filters pane.

Solution 2

Address Horizontal Scrolling Limitations

Understand the built-in restrictions for horizontal scrolling in SharePoint list views and explore alternative methods.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Easily Manage Exported SharePoint Lists in WPS Office

Since SharePoint limits horizontal scrolling in online list views, exporting your data to a spreadsheet allows you to view it without restrictions. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that easily handles large datasets and extensive columns.

1. Export SharePoint Data: Click 'Export to Excel' in your SharePoint list command bar to download your list data.
2. Open in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office, select Spreadsheet, and open the downloaded .xlsx file.
3. Freeze Panes for Scrolling: Navigate to the View tab and click 'Freeze Panes' to lock your primary columns, allowing you to scroll horizontally through the rest of your data seamlessly.

Free, lightweight, and fast spreadsheet processingSeamless compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats exported directly from SharePointAdvanced 'Freeze Panes' feature to lock key columns and freely scroll horizontallyFamiliar user interface with zero learning curve

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I scroll horizontally in SharePoint Quick Edit?

SharePoint Online restricts free horizontal scrolling in Quick Edit mode by design. There is currently no built-in setting to change this behavior, which is why users often export lists to spreadsheet software or utilize custom development solutions.

How do I remove a pinned column from the SharePoint filters pane?

To unpin a column, click on its column header in the list view, select 'Column Settings', and choose 'Unpin from filters pane'. The pin icon will disappear and it will be removed from the default filters.

Can I use WPS Office to view my SharePoint lists?

Yes, you can export your SharePoint list as an Excel file (.xlsx) or CSV file. Once downloaded, you can open it in WPS Spreadsheet to utilize advanced filtering, sorting, and unrestricted horizontal scrolling.

Document & File Issues