Secret selection in Excel: Tips for efficient data entry

Excel offers numerous ways to speed up and simplify data entry. One of these useful functions is the autocomplete feature, which allows you to get suggestions for entries while typing. In this tutorial, you will learn how to effectively use this feature to optimize your work in Excel. You will see how easy it is to get suggestions and make quick decisions without having to type everything manually.

Key Takeaways

• The autocomplete feature lists suggestions while you type.
• Using the Alt key, you can quickly make suggestions visible.
• This function helps you save time and reduce errors in data entry.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, open a new Excel file if you don't have a worksheet yet. Select an empty area in your table to start entering data. To understand the function well, take some time to enlarge the layout or orient yourself in a clear view.

Then, start entering your data. For example, you can start with the name "Mila." As you type the name, observe that Excel automatically suggests similar entries already present in the worksheet. This is the first step to activate the autocomplete feature.

Continuing to type "m," you will notice that the suggestions are updated accordingly. You will get a list of names starting with this letter, such as "Milan," "Maria," "Marcel," and many more. These suggestions can significantly speed up your data entry.

However, there may be times when you only type part of the name, such as "Me," and in this case, no suggestions are displayed. In this case, you need to write the full name until you make the necessary entry. This shows that the suggestions depend on the completeness of your entry.

To simplify data entry and see suggestions in the form of a list, you can press and hold the Alt key while simultaneously pressing the down arrow key. This opens a selection box showing all possible entries that match your existing text.

By navigating with the arrow keys, you can select one of the proposed options. Once you have found the desired selection, simply confirm it by pressing the Enter key. This way, you can quickly browse through the data and make the appropriate selection.

In addition, you can also use this method for other inputs, such as invoice numbers or similar formats. This autocomplete feature is not limited to names but can be applied to any type of data you want to enter.

Quick editing via the Alt key and arrow keys makes data entry more efficient and reduces the effort of manual typing. You will notice how much time you can save using this method to capture and process your data more quickly.

Summary

You have now learned how to use the autocomplete feature in Excel. This function will not only help you save time but also significantly improve the accuracy of your data entry. Utilize the suggestions Excel provides and experience how efficient your administrative tasks in the software become.