Basics of Entering and Editing Data in Excel
Excel offers many ways and shortcuts to entering and editing data. There are quicker ways of selecting cells and ranges, copying and moving data and pasting data using paste special. As you get more familiar with excel basics you will be able to move on to more complex (but quicker) ways of entering and editing data.
Entering Data
You can enter text, numbers and dates in an Excel worksheet. Numbers and dates are called values and text is referred to as a label. To enter data of any type, click on the cell you want to contain that data, and then type the information you want in the cell. When you begin typing, your data also appears in the formula bar. When you have finished typing the data for the active cell, press the return or the enter key. You can also use the arrow keys to navigate after you have made an entry. There is also a form option as well for inputting data. You can access this via the data menu.
Editing Data
The easiest way to edit the contents of a cell is to select the cell and then retype the entry. You can also format the text or parts of a cell's data. The new entry replaces the old contents. This method works well with numbers, but is more difficult when editing long text labels or formulas.
The formula bar gives you more flexibility while editing. When the mouse pointer moves into the formula bar, it changes shape to an I-beam, signifying that you can enter or edit text. Any text in the active cell will appear in the formula bar and you can edit it there. Use the mouse to select the text or use f2. You can change any entry in the formula bar and then type the new text. Excel automatically replaces it. Don't forget to press the return key when you finish editing a cell.
Moving the Active Cell
Cell selection and movement around the worksheet are similar operations in Excel. To select a given cell or make it active, simply click on that cell. Use the mouse or the arrow keys to move around the worksheet. For example, if you press the right arrow key twice you move two cells to the right.There are many shortcut keys such as the Ctrl+home key on your keyboard will take the active cell to A1. Get to know shortcut keys as they will make you more productive.
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