How Customizing Excel Can Save You Time

February 8, 2025

How Customizing Excel Can Save You Time

Microsoft Excel is recognized as a powerful spreadsheet application that is chiefly used for allocation of data, financial computations, and data evaluation. When you choose to customize your excel worksheet, it disables unnecessary steps which saves time, enhances productivity, and improves overall workflow. You can customize excel according to your work needs using Quick Access Toolbar, Ribbon Customization, View Options, and Macros.

This guide walks you through modifications available on excel.


1. How to Customize the Quick Access Toolbar in Excel

This built-in function allows you to add commands you frequently use so that they can be accessed from the top of your excel worksheet.

Instructions for Customization of QAT

  1. Start Microsoft Excel.
  2. You need to check the list that says “Customize Quick Access Toolbar” located at the top.
  3. Select options under the customization menu such as Open, Email and Print Preview.
  4. Those options will now show on the toolbar.

So, instead of scrolling through multiple tabs, this provides you with a simple direct way to access features that you find most helpful.


2. How the Excel Ribbon Can Be Modified and Created.

The Ribbon can be described as the menu bar of excel, which is at the top of the excel application, that includes various tools and commands.

Instructions for Making a Custom Ribbon

  1. Select “File” > “Options” from the bottom menu.
  2. Click on “Customize Ribbon.”
  3. Select “New Tab,” and type a new name for the tab in the box.
  4. Press “Ok” to set up a ribbon with your specific name.

How to Include Custom Groups with Commands

  1. Make a selection in the Options menu for “Customize Ribbon.”
  2. Select “New Group,” and provide a new group name.
  3. Pick out commands like Charts, Copy, or Color Formatting.
  4. Select the “Add” option, which shifts the commands to your new ribbon.
  5. Click “OK” to store your new set of commands.

Keeping all the essential tools together on one ribbon makes workflow more efficient, thus streamlining the work.


3. Changing the View of an Excel Worksheet

Modifying the view of an excel worksheet makes the presentation of data visible and readable as the user intends it to.

Moving Between Different Excel Views

  1. Click on the “View” tab.
  2. Chose “Page Layout,” which breaks the sheet up by printing pages.

This feature reflects the preview of how the data will be spread out with each new page.


4. Steps on How To Make Use of The Freeze Panes Option

Choose a row or column and keep the selected pane to be seen when scrolling using the Freeze Panes section.

How to Freeze Rows or Columns

  1. Click on “View”
  2. Select “Freeze Panes.”
  3. Make a selection:
  • Choose “ Freeze Top Row” to keep the first row on top.
  • Choose “Freeze First Column” to keep the first column on the left always visible.

This feature is helpful for large datasets where headers need to be in sight all the time.


5. How To Switch Easily With Multiple Excel Workbooks Open At The Same Time

Working with multiple Excel sheets can be a bit cumbersome. Instead of minimizing every workbook, activate the Switch Window feature.

Changing Windows Step by Step

  1. Look for and click on “View.”
  2. Look for and click on “Switch Windows.”
  3. Click on the workbook that you wish to open.

This feature allows you to easily navigate between different worksheets, saving you time and energy.


6. How To Arrange Multiple Workbooks On A Single Screen Simulator

Use the Arrange All feature if you need to look at several workbooks simultaneously.

Step By Step How To Arrange Workbooks

  1. Click on View and select “Arrange All.”
  2. Choose how you would like to see the documents:
  • Tiled
  • Vertical
  • Horizontal
  1. Click on “OK.”

This allows easy and efficient scanning of data without switching between different tabs.


7. How To Automate Repetitive Tasks Using Macros In Excel

This feature allows users to record and playback various tasks performed in the application. Macros automate repetitive processes within the application, thus saving time.

The Following Steps Are To Record A Macro In Excel

  1. Click on “View.” Then select “Macro.”
  2. Click on “Record Macro.”
  3. You will see a pop up where you can fill in name the macro and some details about it.
  4. Start the recording by pressing “OK”.

Excel will keep a log of everything you do. When you play back the macro, it will perform the same actions over again.

Macros are convenient for repetitive entry, data manipulation, and calculations.


Key Points

  • The Quick Access Toolbar contains commonly used commands.
  • The Ribbon can be modified for easier navigation.
  • The Excel interface can be adjusted to improve how information is displayed.
  • Rows and columns can be frozen in order to make large sets of information more manageable.
  • Multiple workbooks can be viewed using the View tab without any hassle.
  • Excel Macros are great for automating repetitive tasks.

With these Excel customization tips, you will make your work more productive and save time.

Categories: Learning Excel

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