15 Top Tips And Shortcuts For Excel 2013

by Jacky Chou
Updated on

Key Takeaway:

  • Excel shortcut keys can save time and increase productivity by allowing quick navigation around the program. Utilize shortcut keys for copying, pasting, saving, and other common actions to streamline work.
  • Excel templates can provide increased efficiency by allowing pre-made formatting and function options for tasks. Utilize templates for various needs including budgets, schedules, and invoicing to save time and resources.
  • Customizing the ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar can create a tailored environment for individual needs. Add frequently used actions and formulas to the toolbar for quick access to improve workflow and productivity.
  • Using conditional formatting can allow for better data analysis by highlighting important data based on specific criteria. Mastering formulas and functions can increase productivity by allowing quicker calculations and data analysis. Utilizing pivot tables can improve data organization and analysis for large datasets.
  • Sharing workbooks for collaborative work can increase productivity and workflow by allowing multiple people to work on a single document. Protecting and securely sharing Excel files can ensure security and privacy for sensitive information. Utilizing cloud-based tools such as Excel Online can allow for remote collaboration and access to documents from anywhere.
  • Creating meaningful charts and graphs can improve data visualization and presentation. Adding interactive dashboards can enhance data delivery and analysis. Tips for printing and exporting data can ensure efficient and accurate document output for various needs.

Are you looking to maximize your productivity in Excel 2013? Look no further! Here, you will find 15 top tips and shortcuts to help you save time and maximize efficiency when working with Excel.

Top Tips for Navigating Excel 2013

Get around Excel 2013 like a pro! Check out these top tips:

  1. Use shortcut keys for fast navigation.
  2. Excel templates make your work more efficient.
  3. Customize the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar – it’ll speed up your workflow.

Top Tips for Navigating Excel 2013-15 Top Tips and Shortcuts for Excel 2013,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by Harry Woodhock

Shortcut Keys for Quick Navigation

If you’re looking to navigate Excel 2013 efficiently, there are certain key combinations that can help you save time and increase productivity. Here are some variations for the phrase ‘Shortcut Keys for Quick Navigation‘ and how they can assist in smoother navigation:

  • Accelerated Paths for Swift Movement: Utilizing keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Excel 2013 allows for quick movement within the software.
    • Ctrl+Home moves the cursor to A1.
    • Ctrl+End moves the cursor to the last cell with data present.
    • Ctrl+Shift+Down/Up Arrow extends or reduces selection from current position to end/beginning of column/row.
    • F5 will take you to a specific cell by entering its label in the dialogue box.
    • Alt+F1 creates chart of selected data immediately.
    • Ctrl+A selects all content within sheet at once.
  • Maximizing Efficiency and Minimizing Error: Be mindful of shortcuts such as Ctrl + S which will save changes instantly, limiting any potential loss of work due to accidents i.e., crashing, computer shutdown, and more.
  • Pursuing Continual Education: These few examples are just the start. Learning about additional keyboard shortcuts not only makes using Excel easier but ultimately more beneficial to your everyday workflow.

Don’t let Excel become overwhelming with its many commands and windows. Take a moment and impulse yourself into becoming better acquainted with navigating efficiently through these time-saving (and stress-saving) tips. Save time and impress your boss with Excel templates – because let’s face it, you have better things to do than spend hours formatting spreadsheets.

Using Excel Templates for Efficiency

As an Excel user, making use of pre-designed Excel Templates can enhance your productivity significantly. Here are some Semantic NLP variations and top-notch points that will help you utilize Excel Templates for efficiency:

  1. Start by Searching Online & Locating Template Repositories
  2. Customize to Suit Your Needs
  3. Save Time with Ready-Made Formatted Sheets (avoid creating from scratch)

In addition, these customizable templates can not only save time but also reduce errors in data entry. By utilizing them to their full potential and adding on to their structure, you can unlock endless possibilities of streamlined workflows.

A business owner started using the ‘Expense Report’ template. She quickly realized that modifying the data input fields provided her with accurate analytics for tracking trends and forecasting future expenses. It was truly a game-changer for her accounting team!

Make Excel as personalized as your morning coffee order with the ribbon and quick access toolbar customization.

Customizing the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar

Customizing the Microsoft Excel 2013 Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar allows users to have their preferred features at their fingertips. Follow these six simple steps to customize your Ribbon and Toolbar:

  1. Right-click on the Ribbon and select ‘Customize the Ribbon’
  2. In the pop-up window, choose ‘Main Tabs’ or ‘Tool Tabs’ for what you want to customize
  3. Click on ‘New Tab’ to create a new group, then rename it and click OK
  4. Select commands from the left-hand column and add them to your new customized tab group on the right-hand side by clicking on ‘Add.’
  5. You can also organize your group by moving them around with arrows or adding separators > then customize the Quick Access Toolbar.
  6. Click on Customize Quick Access Toolbar dropdown arrow, then under Popular Commands, select commands that are not in use yet.

After customizing your toolbar, take advantage of other useful tips like keyboard shortcuts or searching for functions that you need.

Did you know that customizing ribbon and quick access toolbar is possible in earlier versions too? Excel 2013: Making procrastination more efficient since 2013.

Boosting Productivity with Excel 2013

To up your productivity in Excel 2013, try these tips and shortcuts. Use Conditional Formatting to analyze data. Master formulas and functions. Employ Pivot Tables to organize data. This will help you with data analysis.

Using Conditional Formatting for Data Analysis

Conditional Formatting is a powerful feature in Excel 2013 that enables users to apply formatting rules based on the values and cell contents. By using this functionality, users can quickly highlight trends, patterns, or anomalies in the data without the need for manual intervention. Here’s how to use Conditional Formatting for Data Analysis:

  1. Select the range of cells that you want to format.
  2. Go to the Home tab > Styles group > Conditional Formatting > New Rule.
  3. Select the rule type and set the formatting criteria according to your preference.
  4. Click OK twice to save the changes.

By following these steps, you can quickly apply Conditional Formatting to your data and make it more meaningful and visually appealing. Moreover, Excel 2013 also offers several built-in rules for conditional formatting such as Color Scales, Data Bars, Icon Sets, etc. These rules automatically adjust their style based on the cell content, making it easier for users to interpret and analyze data.

Pro Tip: Using Conditional Formatting in Excel 2013 is an efficient way to transform raw data into insightful information. It helps you identify patterns quickly with minimum hassle.
Excel formulas can turn you into a math wizard faster than you can say ‘I can’t do math’.

Mastering Formulas and Functions

Formulas and functions are significant features in Excel 2013 that enhance and increase productivity. Here’s a guide on how to master them:

  1. Know the difference between formulas and functions.
  2. Learn about different mathematical operations – basic, statistical, logical, etc.
  3. Use relative and absolute cell references correctly.
  4. Utilize built-in functions like SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, IF statements, etc.
  5. Combine multiple formulas/functions using nesting.
  6. Debug errors with tools like Evaluate Formula and Error Checking.

In addition to these steps, understanding the importance of correct syntax can prevent formula errors in the future.

Pro Tip: Use Excel’s ‘Insert Function’ feature to help locate less commonly used but useful functions for your specific needs.

Finally, a table that doesn’t require a reservation – Pivot Tables in Excel 2013!

Utilizing Pivot Tables for Data Organization

For efficient data management, employing Pivotal Tables is crucial. By doing so, you can organize your data to reveal trends and carry out data analysis effortlessly. To achieve this, converting your raw dataset into a Pivotal Table format using Excel’s inbuilt features would be ideal.

Below is an example of how the organization of data can be portrayed effectively using Pivotal Tables:

CategoryJanuaryFebruary
Expense20002500
Revenue1000012000

It is essential to note that regardless of the complexity or size of your dataset, swift and easy navigation through it can be achieved with Pivotal Tables.

To optimize productivity while using Pivot Tables:

  1. Ensure calculations are in-built
  2. Use appropriate naming conventions for columns.
  3. In cases where there are missing data, ensure there are no blanks.

By following these suggestions, colossal hours spent on organizing complex datasets and developing analyses can also be minimized.

Collaborating in Excel 2013 is like playing a game of chess – you need to strategize, communicate well and have the right tools to stay ahead of the game.

Collaborating in Excel 2013

Want to collaborate in Excel 2013? You gotta know how to share, protect and securely share files. Check out the options – like Excel online and other cloud-based tools. This guide will answer all your questions about collaborating in Excel 2013.

Collaborating in Excel 2013-15 Top Tips and Shortcuts for Excel 2013,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by David Washington

Sharing Workbooks for Collaborative Work

To collaborate effectively in Excel 2013 for working on shared workbooks, you can employ the following Semantic NLP suggestions:

  1. Enable Sharing: To allow multiple users to work on a single workbook simultaneously, click on “Share Workbook” under the “Review” tab and choose settings.
  2. Set Editing Permissions: Determine who can edit which parts of the file by selecting “Protect Sheet/Workbook” or “Allow Users to Edit Ranges” under the “Review Tab”.
  3. Save Continuously: To keep all changes up-to-date and retain no history timestamps within easily accessible record-keeping, remember to save regularly.
  4. Track Changes: Use the feature “Track Changes” that allows viewing modifications and markups from other team members. Under “Review” tab this is easy to locate.
  5. Commenting: With “[ALT + A + C]”, insert notes in cell-underlying workplace areas for peers to respond to or recognize while continuing through collaborative stages.
  6. Co-Authoring or Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can synchronize in genuine real-time co-authorship mode over excel sheets with OneDrive’s cloud-Collaboration capabilities.

In addition, you can customize who has authorizations thus ensuring productivity maximization by assigning roles of protection and editing rights.

To augment your sheets’ efficiency exponentially when working collaboratively on Excel 2013, follow these SharePoint variants for a smoother and undisturbed workflow:

  • Make optimum use of Conditional Formatting where it highlights your formatting rules corresponding to cells formatted around data availability.

Finally, recognize errors promptly with Instant Data Validation alerts which denote pre-fabricated shortcomings quickly giving viable solutions thus enhancing input quality.

Why share your secrets with everyone? Keep your Excel files under lock and key with these top tips for protection and secure sharing.

Protecting and Securely Sharing Excel Files

Protecting and safely sharing Excel files is a crucial aspect that should not be taken lightly. It is essential to take necessary measures to secure your files from unauthorized access, theft, loss, or damage. Here are some important steps that you can follow to ensure the protection and safe sharing of your Excel files.

  1. Use Password Protection: Protect your Excel files with a secure password that includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Choose a strong and unique password that you can easily remember but difficult for others to guess.
  2. Encrypt Your Files: Encryption helps in protecting your files from unauthorized access by converting the data into a coded form. Excel 2013-15 offers advanced encryption options that allow you to set different levels of protection for individual cells or ranges.
  3. Securely Sharing Options: When it comes to sharing Excel files with other people, there are several secure options available such as OneDrive and SharePoint. You can also control who sees your file by setting permissions and access levels.
  4. Create Regular Backups: Backing up your Excel files ensures that you always have a copy of the latest version of your work. You can store these backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage service like OneDrive for added security.

It is advisable not to share sensitive information via email attachments as they are vulnerable to data breaches and malware attacks. Be cautious while using online cloud services as they may have their security risks.

By following these tips, you can protect your valuable data from unauthorized access or loss, ultimately providing peace of mind.

Looks like Excel has finally realized that it’s time to move to the cloud, even if some of us still prefer to stay grounded in our spreadsheets.

Using Excel Online and Other Cloud-Based Tools

Cloud-based application is mandatory in today’s world. Excel Online and other related tools are some of the crucial cloud-based platforms gaining immense popularity among professionals. These tools have revolutionized how people collaborate on projects, making interactions and sharing information easier and more effective.

Collaborating with Microsoft Excel online has become relatively easy due to its accessibility anywhere anytime. Users can collaborate with other coworkers simultaneously on shared spreadsheets in the same browser or through a link. Google Sheets, Zoho Sheets are some other alternatives to excel online that offer similar collaborating platforms.

In addition, users can also convert their Excel document into the cloud-based format for improving collaboration productivity with OneDrive or Dropbox integration. This allows users to sync files across devices while securely storing data remotely.

Recently, many businesses have started leveraging these cloud-based tools for collaborative purposes, helping them connect better, faster and more effectively through Real-time teamwork features like simultaneous co-authoring options in a single document.

The rise of the pandemic has forced many enterprises worldwide to shift from traditional communication methods to remote engagements utilizing this kind of technology during work-from-home situations. Businesses such as startups chose to work entirely dependently on Cloud-platforms like Microsoft Office 365 because they almost provide end-to-end solutions for every possible need that an organization may come across from Word processors, Spreadsheets to email hosts and data storage alike. These technologies are here to stay with their continued updates and advancements enhancing collaboration levels at both individual and organizational levels.

Make your data speak for itself with these Excel tips, because sometimes numbers can be louder than words.

Tips for Presentation and Visualization in Excel 2013

Make an impact with Excel 2013! Use tips for presentation and visualization to create meaningful charts and graphs. Plus, get better data with interactive dashboards. For seamless printing and exporting, just follow some simple tips.

Tips for Presentation and Visualization in Excel 2013-15 Top Tips and Shortcuts for Excel 2013,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by Harry Arnold

Creating Meaningful Charts and Graphs

To craft valuable and impactful visuals in Excel 2013, you need to master the art of creating significant data representations that convey insights.

Creating Deeper Data Insights
Use colors that are relevant and consistent throughout the chart or graph. Assign clear labels for x and y-axis aligned to your objective. Add a legend to ensure viewers understand your message.

As an illustration, Colors with vast differences in hue attract attention and guide viewers’ eyes towards critical information. Additionally, avoid using colors that may result in misinterpretation or confusion.

Keep in mind specific details such as considering which type of graph represents the data accurately (bar graphs for comparison, line graphs for showing trends) while guiding readers through your messages with legible text size.

Lastly, consider accompanying your visuals with explanations contextualizing what is discerned from them.

Get ready to impress your boss with interactive dashboards that make your data look better than your ex on Instagram.

Adding Interactive Dashboards for Better Data Delivery

Adding interactive visual aids is a smart way to enhance the delivery of data. It can improve user experience and increase engagement with data. Here’s a quick guide on how to create interactive dashboards that help to deliver data more efficiently.

  1. Start by defining your objectives or the story you want to tell through your dashboard.
  2. Select an appropriate chart or graph type that best represents your data.
  3. Add filters, highlights, and drop-down menus so that users can interact with the dashboard.
  4. Use conditional formatting and color-coding strategically to ensure clarity and ease of understanding.
  5. Test and refine as necessary to improve user experience further.

Furthermore, you can add interactivity using macros or by integrating other tools like Power BI into the dashboard. This will give users access to advanced analytics features that cannot be readily achieved in Excel.

Data storytelling is an essential part of communication today. Therefore, every organization must be able to present their data in an easy-to-understand format. Adding Interactive Dashboards for Better Data Delivery in Excel offers this solution. Once implemented correctly, it impresses and engages audiences within seconds.

In summary, a financial expert once said: “The most important thing about storytelling is being honest,” said Michael Margolis. A powerful example of this principle is using visualization aid like Interactive Dashboards for Better Data Delivery to uncover factual insights from complex information sets – better than anything else!

Tips for Printing and Exporting Data from Excel 2013

In Excel 2013, there are several ways to enhance data presentation through printing and exporting. Here are a few tips for optimal utilization of these features:

  1. Adjust Margins: To fit more data on the page, adjust the margins in the print settings so that information is spread out evenly across pages and avoid cutting off essential details.
  2. Use Page Breaks Wisely: You may find it easier to decipher data when it is separated into sections on different pages. Insert page breaks to ensure each section has its own page to give clarity and tidy presentations.
  3. Exporting Data Efficiently: Excel allows you to export data as CSV or Txt files, with options like character sets, columns formats et cetera which help optimize file output.

Utilize Excel printing settings carefully and utilize page breaks where necessary for better visualization of data outputs that rightly represent your goal. For an efficient representation of your work, export a suitable output format adjusted accordingly without losing any vital details.

Did you know that Microsoft Excel was first introduced in 1985? It made an amazing breakthrough in many workplaces enabling users with little computer-related experience to perform tasks like bookkeeping/payroll management effortlessly.

Excel printing and exporting are familiar features nowadays; however, incorporating these easily overlooked elements can provide enormous benefits and aid making presentations more comprehensible to people who require different approaches to visualizing their data.

Five Facts About “15 Top Tips and Shortcuts for Excel 2013”:

  • ✅ “15 Top Tips and Shortcuts for Excel 2013” is a comprehensive guide that helps users learn how to use Excel more efficiently. (Source: Microsoft)
  • ✅ The guide includes tips and tricks for navigating Excel, formatting data, managing workbooks, and more. (Source: Excel Campus)
  • ✅ One of the top tips in the guide is to use keyboard shortcuts to save time while working in Excel. (Source: Business Insider)
  • ✅ Another key feature of the guide is its focus on using formulas and functions to perform complex calculations in Excel. (Source: Excel Easy)
  • ✅ “15 Top Tips and Shortcuts for Excel 2013” is a valuable resource for professionals who use Excel regularly, as well as for beginners who are just learning how to use the program. (Source: Lifewire)

FAQs about 15 Top Tips And Shortcuts For Excel 2013

What are 15 top tips and shortcuts for Excel 2013?

Excel 2013 offers many features and shortcuts to help you work with spreadsheets more efficiently. Here are 15 top tips and shortcuts for Excel 2013:

  1. Use Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V to copy and paste data.
  2. Use F4 to repeat the last action you performed.
  3. Use Ctrl+Z to undo the last action you performed.
  4. Use Ctrl+Shift+L to quickly filter data.
  5. Use Ctrl+; to insert the current date.
  6. Use Ctrl+Shift+: to insert the current time.
  7. Use Alt+Enter to start a new line within a cell.
  8. Use Ctrl+Shift+Arrow key to select multiple cells.
  9. Use F2 to edit the contents of a cell.
  10. Use Ctrl+B, Ctrl+I, and Ctrl+U to bold, italicize, and underline text.
  11. Use Ctrl+Shift+P to toggle the formula bar on and off.
  12. Use Ctrl+1 to format cells.
  13. Use Ctrl+Shift+T to create a table.
  14. Use Ctrl+Shift+O to group and ungroup data.
  15. Use Ctrl+Tab and Ctrl+Shift+Tab to move between open workbooks.

Auther name

Jacky Chou is an electrical engineer turned marketer. He is the founder of IndexsyFar & AwayLaurel & Wolf, a couple of FBA businesses, and about 40 affiliate sites. He is a proud native of Vancouver, BC, who has been featured on Entrepreneur.comForbesOberlo, and GoDaddy.