Tips to Master Using Excel
In managing documents, especially spreadsheets, this is the only application, program, or tool that comes close to Microsoft Excel. Corporate Finance Institute defines Microsoft Excel as a software program created and developed by Microsoft Corporation that is popular for creating, managing, and editing spreadsheets.
Besides offering generic features and options, MS Excel has other advanced features. Unfortunately, most users do not know the true potential of the application. This article will shed light on numerous tricks and tips which users can master using Excel, starting with how they can convert Excel files into PDFs. Let us dive right into it:
How to Convert Excel Files to PDF:
Using excel files or spreadsheets is standard practice when organizing, managing, or editing data, especially in a tabular form. However, when presenting the data in a standardized way, the PDF format is the go-to format for most users. Fortunately, any user wondering how to save Excel as PDF on Mac can do the job in multiple ways.
For starters, they can use Google Sheets to get the job done within a few minutes. All they need to do is open the file they wish to convert, click on the option labeled “PDF” present in the “Download” menu, make the required adjustments in the settings, and click on the “Export” option. Besides this, users can also get the job done using Microsoft Office or third-party PDF tools like Nitro PDF Pro.
Tips to Master Microsoft Excel:
Find & Replace Data in Spreadsheets
In most cases, spreadsheets host large amounts of data, which results in multiple pages. There are occasions when a specific section contains mistakes. This requires users to rectify mistakes by finding them manually. However, doing so consumes a lot of time and effort. Thankfully, Microsoft Excel’s “Find and Replace” feature allows users to get the job done seamlessly.
To use the powerful feature of the software, users need to press the “Control” and “F” keys together to make the “Find” dialog box appear. Then, they must input the words they want to replace and press “Enter”. Doing so will make all instances of the word appear in the search results. Once the results are available, users need to enter the replacement word, select the ones they wish to replace, and click on the “Ok” option.
- Remove Vacant Cells Quickly
In many spreadsheets, default data fields are left blank. Although it does not alter the file’s contents, it spoils the document’s overall look and professional appeal. This is why most users prefer deleting vacant cells. There are two ways that the vacant cells can be removed – in the manual way, i.e., selecting the cells separately and deleting them, or smartly and quickly.
The second method involves the user selecting the column they wish to filter, selecting the “Filter” option available in the “Data” section, undoing the option labeled “Select All,” and finishing the process by clicking on “Ok” after checking the box labeled “Blanks”. As opposed to the manual way, this method is much faster and more efficient.
- Navigate Seamlessly Between Spreadsheets
Excel files allow users to add multiple spreadsheets in the same file. This eases users’ workload significantly, allowing them to multitask seamlessly. For instance, if an Excel file has five spreadsheets, users can switch between them quickly and work more productively.
However, most users do not know they can switch smoothly between spreadsheets without manually clicking on spreadsheet icons. Users must press the “Control” and “Tab” keys to switch easily between spreadsheets. This native keyboard shortcut of MS Excel is very useful, especially for those who regularly work with multiple spreadsheets daily.
- Add Links to Any Word
Adding links to words or hyperlinking is common practice amongst businesses to enhance their online reach. Microsoft Excel’s “Hyperlink” option allows users to link words with a URL of their choice. To add a link to any word, all users need to do is select the word, press the “Control” and “K” keys together, copy and paste the URL in the URL box, and confirm the action by clicking on “Okay”.
- Mask or Hide Specific Sections of the Data
Like all other word processing applications, Microsoft Excel also offers users the option to mask or hide sections of data in spreadsheets. This is a highly effective way of hiding sensitive or confidential information. Millions of users use the feature to mask information inside spreadsheets.
To hide any information present in a spreadsheet, all users need to select the cell whose data they wish to hide by right-clicking on it, selecting the option labeled “Format Cells” in the menu, clicking on “Custom” followed by “;;;” option to get the job done.
If you use MS Excel regularly and wish to master it, following the above tips will help you get closer to your goal.
