There are many instances where folks use Excel to keep track of things for them, such as book lists, parts ordering, client databases, Inventory Lists, Subscribers, etc. The list goes on and on.
If you or the office where you are employed use Excel in this manner, this tip can make like a whole lot easier for you and will make you look like an Excel guru.
This can be extremely helpful when your worksheet is very wide. Rather than tabbing and scrolling over, the data form will group the fields into one easy to read screen for you. Using data forms in MS Excel is also very useful when other users must enter data into your worksheet because it narrows the margin for error and changing the formulas in your worksheet.
You can build a very complex dialog box for data entry using Excel VBA, but even with no prior VBA knowledge, you can use a simple built in dialog box to enter data in your MS Excel worksheet.
You might think that the data form command would be located in the Data tab of the Excel Ribbon, but it is nowhere to be found. It is one of those very useful commands that did not make it to the Ribbon in a prominent place. No, in order to avail yourself of the data forms in Excel 2007, you will have to customize the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) and add it.
Follow the steps below:
- Click the drop-down arrow to the right of your QAT and click on More Commands.
- In the Choose commands from area, select All Commands.
- Scroll through the list until you find Form.
- Highlight Form and click Add.
- Click OK.
You will now have a Form icon on your QAT.
Now, whenever you want to use Excel data forms to enter your data, simply select a cell in your worksheet and click the Form icon.
The form will appear with all of your header labels appearing as field labels where you will enter the corresponding data. Once you have the Form icon on your QAT, you are only a click away!