Introduction
Excel is a very complex tool that likes to behave in a certain way and sometimes that isn’t always convenient to what you are working on.
Below are some simple tips to help resolve issues or generally make your Excel work a little more controllable.
Want to put a new line into the same cell?
Excel is not designed to deal with lots of text in the way Word is so putting paragraphs and lines in cells can cause issues. Please note that an excess of text and use of paragraphs within cells may result in formatting problems however it can be achieved:
- Within the cell click where you want the new line/paragraph to go
- Select Alt + Enter on your keyboard
- The cursor will be on the line below but still within the same cell
Excel removes 0 from numbers on input?
You do not have to reformat cells in order to display numbers that start with zero, although if others are going to be inputting it would be a better option to ensure consistency.
If you are inputting yourself you can ensure the zeros stay in place by doing the following:
- Type an ‘ (apostrophe) in front of the zeros as you enter in the cell e.g. ‘0003465
- When you press Enter the apostrophe disappears and you will be left with 0003465.
- You have changed the format of the cell to text
Don’t know which cells contain formula?
Sometimes you need to know if cells contain formula rather than just the results of that formula. This can be useful if you need to delete or remove columns or rows as those may contain formula on which other cell results are dependant, therefore removal can prevent a whole spreadsheet from calculating correctly.
- Use the Ctrl + ` (this key is on the top left of the keyboard, the key before number 1)
- All cells with formula will now display the formula within the cell.
Further Information
See the Guide below for further instruction. More hints and tips are available on this website and training sessions can be provided in accordance with your requirements on application.
Guide – MS Excel – Quick & Easy Format Tips
