How to Make an Excel Hyperlink Display the Destination Like Go To
Question details
The user wants an Excel hyperlink to automatically scroll the worksheet so that the destination cell is brought into the visible area, mimicking the behavior of the Go To command.
- Product
- Excel / WPS Spreadsheet
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Navigating a large worksheet using hyperlinks to jump to specific cells or sections.
- Observed behavior
- Clicking the hyperlink selects the destination cell, but it does not automatically scroll the window to bring the cell into view or place it at the top of the worksheet.
If you plan to use the VBA macro solution, ensure that your workbook is saved as a Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm) and that macros are enabled in your security settings.
Use a VBA Macro to Automatically Scroll to the Destination
By adding a simple VBA event script, Excel will automatically scroll the target cell to the top-left of your visible window whenever a hyperlink is clicked.
The built-in HYPERLINK function does not change the scroll position of your screen. To force the screen to scroll directly to the linked cell, you need to use a Worksheet_FollowHyperlink VBA event.
Right-click on the sheet tab containing your hyperlinks and select 'View Code', or press Alt + F11 to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.
In the code window for your specific worksheet, choose 'Worksheet' from the left dropdown and 'FollowHyperlink' from the right dropdown.
Between the 'Private Sub' and 'End Sub' lines, type: ActiveWindow.ScrollRow = Target.Range.Row and on the next line type: ActiveWindow.ScrollColumn = Target.Range.Column.
Close the VBA editor and click one of your hyperlinks. The window will now automatically scroll to place the destination cell at the top-left of your screen.
Use Freeze Panes as a Layout Workaround
If you cannot use macros, you can use the Freeze Panes feature to keep your navigation hyperlinks visible at all times while manually scrolling through the destination data.
Manage Large Datasets Effortlessly with WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Office provides powerful features for navigating extensive data. You can easily insert hyperlinks, lock layouts with Freeze Panes, and run VBA macros exactly as you would in Microsoft Excel.
- 1. Open Your Workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing data file.
- 2. Create Navigation Links: Go to the Insert tab and click 'Hyperlink' to link to other sheets or cells.
- 3. Apply View Settings: Navigate to the View tab to use Freeze Panes, keeping your headers or navigation menus visible.
- 4. Run Macros: Access the Developer tab to insert or run VBA code to automate your scrolling behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the standard HYPERLINK function not scroll to the target cell?
By design, the built-in HYPERLINK function simply selects the target cell. It does not alter the window's scroll position or bring the cell to the top of the screen unless the cell is entirely out of the active display range.
Will the VBA scrolling solution work if I share the file with others?
Yes, but you must save the file as a Macro-Enabled Workbook (.xlsm). Additionally, the recipient must choose to 'Enable Content' or allow macros when opening the file on their computer.
Can I use the Name Box to quickly jump and scroll to a cell without macros?
Yes. Typing a specific cell reference (such as Z1000) into the Name Box (located to the left of the formula bar) and pressing Enter works exactly like the Go To command, immediately bringing that cell into view.
Does WPS Office support VBA macros for hyperlinks?
Yes, WPS Office Pro and advanced versions fully support VBA macros, allowing you to use the Worksheet_FollowHyperlink event to create auto-scrolling hyperlinks just like in Microsoft Excel.
