Excel: Tips and Tricks (2023)

Introduction

• Become a proficient Excel user

1. Seven Super Shortcuts

• Enter data or formulas in non-adjacent cells simultaneously
• Copy data or formulas down a column
• Instantly enter today's date or time
• Convert formulas to values with a simple drag
• Display all worksheet formulas instantly
• Create charts instantly with these keyboard shortcuts
• Zoom in and out quickly

2. Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar Tips

• Access ribbon commands with Alt key sequences
• Expand or collapse the ribbon and full screen views

3. Display Shortcuts

• Create split screens and frozen titles in a flash
• Restore missing labels and hide repeating labels

4. Navigation and Selection Shortcuts

• Navigate between workbooks and worksheets efficiently
• Navigate within worksheets efficiently
• Open, close, save, and create new workbooks with shortcuts
• Select an entire row, column, region, or worksheet
• Select non-contiguous ranges and visible cells only

5. Data Entry and Editing Shortcuts

• Accelerate data entry
• Enter dates and date series efficiently
• Enter times and time series efficiently
• Use Custom Lists for rapid data entry and list-based sorting

6. Drag-and-Drop Techniques

• Accelerate copy and move tasks in cells and worksheets
• Drag and insert cells with the Shift key
• Display Paste Special options instantly
• Accelerate formatting with the right mouse button

7. Formula Shortcuts

• Create formulas rapidly
• Select all dependent or precedent cells
• Use AutoSum shortcuts
• Use Conditional Formatting to highlight formula cells only
• Perform calculations without formulas

8. Operational Shortcuts

• Re-align imported text
• Collapse/expand detail quickly with group/ungroup buttons
• Create double-spaced printouts quickly

9. Formatting Shortcuts

• Use keyboard shortcuts for frequently used numeric formats
• Accentuate data with alignment tools
• Add/remove borders and strikethrough with keyboard shortcuts
• Display values in thousands or millions without formulas
• Quickly format phone and SS numbers

10. Data Management Techniques

• Clean up spaces quickly with the TRIM function
• Split column data using Text to Columns and Flash Fill
• Ensure unique entries with data validation rules

11. Charting and Visual Object Tips

• Control chart placement and sizing with dragging techniques
• Create and manipulate shapes with the Shift, Ctrl, and Alt keys
• Create linked dynamic and linked static images

12. Ten Tiny Tips

• Become a more proficient Excel user with these short tips

Conclusion

• Continue learning Excel