Use the Tab key to move across a row or the Return key to move down a column when you reach the edge of the block, press that key again to jump to the beginning of the next row or column.

Here’s a simple time-saver: Select the block of cells by dragging across them before you start entering data. Going from the last cell in one row or column to the first cell of the next usually requires selecting that cell with your mouse, or using several key presses to navigate to it. Say you’re typing information into a three-by-ten block of cells.

When you’re entering data, speed is everything. However, once you’ve applied a custom sort to a column, selecting either the Sort Ascending or Sort Descending command in the AutoFilter menu does invoke the custom list. If you’re using an Excel 2008 AutoFilter on the column (the double arrows next to the column header), you won’t find your custom sort included in its menu. Click on Options in the Sort dialog box, and select your custom list from the pull-down menu. (This is much quicker than creating a list from within the Custom List preference pane.) To use your custom sort order, select the column or area you want sorted and choose Data -> Sort. Choose Excel -> Preferences and go to Custom Lists click on Import and then click on OK. You can do this by creating a custom sort list.Įnter the items in contiguous cells in the order you want, and select those cells. For instance, you may prefer to organize your expenditures by season, with summer listed first, instead of the alphabetical fall, spring, summer, winter. But sometimes you need something beyond the built-in choices. When it comes to sorting data, Excel provides several standard sort options for numbers, dates, text, and so on. Here are my five favorite Excel tips for everyday use and beyond. Whether you’re using Microsoft Excel 2008 ( $400 as part of Office 2008) or 2004, you need some tricks up your sleeve for easing day-to-day tasks, such as entering data or custom sorting, as well as for special situations, such as using colors not included on the Standard palette.

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