When you start typing a function in Excel, a large ScreenTip appears to show the function’s syntax. This pop-up can block your view of the formula bar and the cells below it, making formula editing difficult. The ScreenTip is a default feature designed to provide guidance. This article explains how to turn off this specific ScreenTip to clear your workspace.
Key Takeaways: Disabling the Function ScreenTip
- File > Options > Advanced > Show function ScreenTips: Unchecking this option permanently hides the pop-up that appears when typing functions.
- Formula AutoComplete: This is a separate feature that suggests function names; it remains active even when ScreenTips are off.
- ScreenTip vs. ToolTip: This setting only controls the function argument helper, not the small ToolTips that appear when you hover over a ribbon command.
Understanding Excel’s Function ScreenTip Feature
The Function ScreenTip is part of Excel’s formula assistance tools. When you type an equals sign followed by a function name like VLOOKUP, a yellow pop-up window appears. This window lists the required and optional arguments for that function. Its purpose is to help you build formulas correctly without memorizing syntax.
However, this helper can become a hindrance. On standard monitors or when working with complex formulas, the ScreenTip can cover the formula bar or the cell references you are trying to select. It is a separate feature from Formula AutoComplete, which is the dropdown list of suggested functions. You can disable the ScreenTip while keeping AutoComplete active for a less cluttered but still assisted editing experience.
Steps to Disable the Function ScreenTip
You can turn off the ScreenTip through Excel’s main options. The change applies to all workbooks you open in that instance of Excel.
- Open Excel Options
Launch Excel and click the File tab on the ribbon. Then select Options from the bottom of the left-hand menu. This opens the Excel Options dialog box. - Navigate to Advanced Settings
In the left pane of the Excel Options dialog, click on the Advanced category. This will load many settings related to editing, display, and formulas. - Find the Display Settings
Scroll down within the Advanced options until you see the Display section. Look for the setting labeled Show function ScreenTips. - Disable the ScreenTip
Click the checkbox next to Show function ScreenTips to remove the checkmark. Click the OK button at the bottom of the dialog to save the change and close the window.
After completing these steps, the large yellow argument helper will no longer appear when you type functions. You can still see the function syntax by pressing Ctrl + A after typing the function name to open the full Function Arguments dialog.
Common Mistakes and Limitations
ScreenTip Still Appears After Turning It Off
If the ScreenTip continues to show, you may have changed the setting for the wrong Excel application. If you have both Microsoft 365 and an older standalone version installed, ensure you modify the option in the app you are currently using. Close and restart Excel after making the change for it to take full effect.
Confusing ScreenTip with Formula AutoComplete
Some users want to disable the dropdown list of function names that appears as they type. That is the Formula AutoComplete feature, controlled by a different setting. To turn it off, go to File > Options > Formulas and uncheck Formula AutoComplete under Working with formulas.
ScreenTip Setting Does Not Apply to All Pop-ups
The Show function ScreenTips option only controls the argument helper for worksheet functions. It does not affect ToolTips that appear when you hover over ribbon buttons, nor does it affect comment pop-ups or data validation input messages. Those are managed separately.
Function ScreenTip On vs. Off: Key Differences
| Item | ScreenTip Enabled | ScreenTip Disabled |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Pop-up | Yellow argument helper appears when typing a function | No argument helper pop-up appears |
| Formula Bar Coverage | Can block the view of the formula bar and cells below | Keeps the formula bar and cell grid completely visible |
| Syntax Assistance | Real-time argument list is displayed | Must use Function Arguments dialog (Ctrl+A) for help |
| Formula AutoComplete | Remains active independently | Remains active independently |
| Application Scope | Setting applies to all workbooks in the Excel instance | Setting applies to all workbooks in the Excel instance |
You can now edit formulas without a large ScreenTip blocking your view. If you need help with a function’s syntax, remember you can press Ctrl + A to open the full arguments dialog. For further cleanup, consider also hiding the ribbon by pressing Ctrl + F1 to maximize your worksheet viewing area.