Save your special Excel formulas for easy access.Q. I develop lots of special formulas for different spreadsheet files. I'd like to store them in a workbook and call them up when needed. I know I can do that with macros, but I find the language they are written in (Visual Basic) contusing and hard to use. I want to keep it simple. A. I'll show you an easy way, but you really should not be resistant to macros; they are very powerful tools. To save and store a formula, begin by typing it into a cell (for example, =A1+B1). Now press F2, which puts Excel in the edit mode An operational state in a program that allows existing data to be changed. . Hold down the Shift key, highlight the formula (see screenshot See screen shot. below) and copy (Ctrl+C) it to the Clipboard A reserved section of memory that is used as a temporary holding area for data that is copied or moved from one application to another using the copy and paste and cut and paste (move) menu options. Each time you transfer something into the clipboard, the previous contents are deleted. . Now get out of the edit mode by pressing Esc, go to the toolbar A row or column of on-screen buttons used to activate functions in the application. Many toolbars are customizable, letting you add and delete buttons as required. Toolbars may be fixed in position or may float, which means they can be dragged to a more convenient location in the and click on Insert and Name, evoking the Define Name screen. In the space next to Names in workbook, type in a name for your formula--add_it. Note that the name must be one word, so if you use more, connect them with an underline dash (_). Place your cursor in the box below Refers to. It will contain a reference to the location of the formula; ignore it and paste (Ctrl+V) your formula (which is still in the Clipboard) into the box (see screenshot below). Click on OK. Whenever you want to use the formula, place your cursor in the cell where you want the formula to appear and type an equal sign plus the name you gave to the formula (=add_it). It will be copied into the cell and ready to work. STANLEY ZAROWIN, a former Jof A senior editor, is now a contributing editor A contributing editor is a magazine job title that varies in responsibilities. Most often, a contributing editor is a freelancer who has proven ability and readership draw. to the magazine. His e-mail address See Internet address. e-mail address - electronic mail address is zarowin@mindspring.com. |
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