Much more efficient manual entry
As much as I like to automate tasks, and avoid manual entry, sometimes it is unavoidable. But when it is required, it too can be done in an efficient or inefficient way. I see people type into one cell, then use their mouse to click in the next cell to enter the next piece of […]
Text to Columns to the rescue!
I have had two times in the past couple of days when I have needed to use Text to Columns. (Short cuts keys Alt, A, E) It is a niche tool, but so good when it is needed, saving a lot of time compared to doing things manually. So, what did I use it for? […]
Flash Fill: Fill in a flash!
The Flash Fill tool in Excel is a massive time saver and is very easy to use. Use to complete tasks like splitting out first names from a list with first and last names. Yes, you can achieve this with a formula, but for most people that is too complex, and it is quicker and […]
Stop people messing with your cells.
If you share a workbook with others and want to stop them changing the sheet cells you can protect the sheet. By default all cells are protected. If you want to allow them to enter information in some cells, but not others, then you need to unlock the cells to allow them to be changed. […]
Save time, fill across worksheets…
The Fill menu has a number of interesting options. One allows you to copy the same data into multiple worksheets in one go. Select the data to copy.Hold down Ctrl and select the other worksheets that you want to copy to.Go to the Home menu, find the Editing section, select the Fill dropdown. Choose Across […]
Data Types: Get your information here!
Excel includes Data Types that can get information directly from the internet and put it straight into your spreadsheet. You can find the Data Types on the Data Menu. You can choose from twenty different types of information, including Stocks, Geography, Food, and Movies. Type in the thing you are interested in, select which data […]
Increase accuracy of data entry using Data Validation.
Using data validation in Excel means you can put restrictions on what can be entered into the cell, increasing accuracy. There are a lot of different options and settings within the data validation area. Here we have a drop down list of choices that the user can select from. You could also require the data […]
Time saver: Enter data in multiple cells at once.
Select cells to enter the data into (Holding down the ctrl key if they are not in one continuous block). Type into one cell. Press Ctrl + Enter, the data is entered into all the selected cells.
Avoid manual data entry with the Fill Handle.
Instead of doing lots of typing, did you know you can fill a series of cells based on just one manually entered cell? Using the Fill Handle, you can. For example, if you write in a date, and take your mouse to the bottom right-hand corner of the cell, the pointer will turn into a […]
Super Powerful: Power Query
If you are having to collate information from different sources into one place, learn about Get & Transform. (It used to be called Power Query and is still often referred to as this.) It will change your life. The Basics You can find Get & Transform on the Data menu. Basically, Get & Transform is […]