Workbooks
A workbook is a collection of worksheets ranging from one worksheet upwards.
For example, a workbook could have two worksheets, one worksheet with data, and a second containing a chart constructed from the data on the first.
Any information entered should be regularly saved using the usual save icon or by clicking on File, Save.
To open a previously saved workbook, select File, Open and select the required workbook from the appropriate folder.
To save a copy of the workbook with a different name, select File, Save As and give a new name for the workbook.
Enter data into cells
The grid of cells within a worksheet can be navigated by using:
- The mouse
- The arrow keys
- The Tab key
- The Return key
The current cell, which is also known as the active cell, is highlighted
To enter data into a cell
1. Navigate to the cell where the data is required
2. Type the data into the cell
3. Either press the Return key or navigate to another cell
If there is data already in the cell and it needs to be changed, firstly navigate to the cell. The contents of the cell will appear in the Formula Bar near the top of the screen.
To edit the current data, either click in the formula bar and change it, press F2 to change it, or retype the data. To accept the new data in each method, press Return.
To remove the data from the cell, select the cell required and press the Delete key.
Selecting multiple cells
In Excel, it is possible to select more than one cell at one time.
To do this:
1. Select the first cell by left clicking on it
2. Hold the Ctrl key while clicking on the other cells required, or if the cells required are adjacent to each other, click and hold the left mouse button on the first cell and drag the mouse across to highlight the others required and then let go of the mouse button.
Copying cells
The simplest way to copy a cell is to:
1. Highlight the cell that is to be copied
2. Click the right hand button on the mouse and choose “copy”
3. Move to the cell where the copy is to be placed
4. Click the right hand button on the mouse and choose “paste”.
To copy more than one cell at a time:
1. Use the procedure detailed above to select multiple cells
2. Use the procedure detailed above to copy and paste the cells.
Inserting a column
1. Select the column letter immediately to the right of where the new one is to be inserted.
2. Right click on the mouse button
3. Choose “insert” from the menu.
The new column will be inserted at the position indicated and all existing columns will move to the right.
Inserting a row
1. Select the row number immediately under where the new one is to be inserted.
2. Right click on the mouse button
3. Choose “insert” from the menu
The new row will be inserted at the position indicated and all existing rows will be moved down.
Deleting a column
1. Select the column letter to be deleted
2. Right click on the mouse button
3. Choose “delete” from the menu.
Deleting a row
1. Select the row letter to be deleted
2. Right click on the mouse button
3. Choose “delete” from the menu.