In this blog I share 5 useful general tips when using Excel.
Before I edit an Excel file, I will make sure to save the original in its original state, so that I can always go back to it if something goes wrong. This also applies to other files such as Word, data files or photos that I edit. It is best if I am not sure how my next step is going to turn out, too also make copies of my work in between. Then I can always go back to an earlier version if something goes wrong.
In the new versions of Excel, I can even enable a button that records all the steps I take, giving me a history of what I've done. This allows me to undo a step or retrace my steps. Very handy!
Use shortcuts! It makes me work faster, but another very important point for using shortcuts is that it prevents repetitive actions. With shortcuts I use the mouse less, which reduces the chance of mouse arm, RSI.
Nowadays, the Help function of programs such as Excel are very extensive. Sometimes they even include examples and I just need to follow those steps. Take advantage of this. If I do not understand the Help or if it is explained too briefly. Almost everything I want to do in Excel has already been done by someone else before and sometimes there is even a step-by-step plan made for this. Google is definitely my friend here. And if I really can't figure it out or don't want to spend hours looking into this, I can always knock on the door of an Excel specialist or follow an Excel eCourse.
No, the last tip is not a button in Excel, but a button in myself that I have to turn on. Make a copy of my file and have fun messing around in Excel if I have the time, because I'll get a lot out of it. There is always a solution and doing it will get me there. So dare to click in Excel!