Format Data

Download starting Sheet

Now we've entered some data, it's a good idea to format it nicely.

First, we'll format the date column

1. Select A1
2. Press CTRL + SPACE
3. Press CTRL + #  (useful shortcut for formatting dates)

Secondly, we'll change the background colour of the whole sheet

1. Select cell A5
2. Press CTRL + A to select all the cells on the worksheet
3. Click on the "Home" menu on the ribbon.
4. Click on the arrow by the paintbrush
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5. Choose "More Colours"
6. Select this one:
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7. Click OK

Thirdly, we'll format the data area

1. Select A1
2. Press CTRL + A to select the data
3. Press CTRL + SPACE to select the columns that the data is in
4. Click on the arrow by the paintbrush again
5. Choose "No Fill" this time
6. Then click on this to add a border:
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Next, we'll format the headings

1. Select A1
2. Press CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW to select the headings
3. Choose this:
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4. Click OK

Your sheet should now look like this

Next lesson: Teach Yourself Excel Lesson 11 - Save A File

Training Video on how to Format Data in Excel: