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Excel dashboards are some form of visual reporting mechanism. Excel dashboards are completely different from your default spreadsheet report that is usually created in excel.

Most organisations will have aims and objectives or a balanced scorecard with their performance indicators. Developing an excel dashboard creates an opportunity for managers to have all their most important success factors that are relevant to be shown on an executive dashboard. You can also have more detailed operational dashboards that focus on a certain aspect of performance.

A single page

Don’t clutter your excel dashboard with unnecessary visual elements and data. If it looks too busy, then it will fail to communicate the data effectively. We are trying to communicate a message about the data. Don’t include every bit of data in a dashboard. The information should show progress towards key objectives and priorities. The other point here is that if something is out with your line of sight, then it can’t be viewed quickly or possibly missed altogether. When you print your dashboard, it should also fit to a single page.

Not complicated

An excel dashboard should help to visually identify trends and patterns quickly without confusion. This means that there should not be any visual competition or chart junk present. Fancy formatting distracts users from the key messages. This includes fancy 3D charts, logos, pictures and gauges, which don’t communicate key messages well and take up too much space. Visual reports should help managers decide if any further action or drilling down is required. The use of visual attributes should be used to aid visual perception.

Use visual attributes

The position of your excel dashboard components will vary in importance to your reader. Usually, the upper-left and middle-left of a page generally gathers more attention than the bottom right. It is a bit like a web page.

Find out about the latest guide and examples about developing your own excel dashboard. Read more about creating an executive dashboard.

Using the Copy and Paste commands in Microsoft Excel, does not just copy the cell data; the formatting, style and number formats are also copied. The Paste Special command allows you to be selective about what you are pasting. The Paste Special command can be used to import elements from other programs into Excel using Windows Object Linking and Embedding. When doing so, the option “Paste Link” can be used to create a link to the original data rather than pasting in a copy of it.

If the data being copied and pasted is purely within the Excel environment, the Paste Special command offers a set of options which are unique to the Excel environment. Interestingly enough, the Paste Special command is only available if the Excel data is copied rather than cut. Note also that it is often useful to paste over the original data, using the options in the Paste Special dialog to transform the original data in some way. Let’s now look at the key options which are available when using the Paste Special command.

If the radio button labelled “All” is chosen, Excel will paste all the data on the clipboard in much the same way as it would do if the ordinary Paste command had been used.

Selecting “Formulas” causes Excel to ignore any cell formatting and paste only the data contained in the cells being copied. (The term “formulas” is used in a broad sense here and does not imply that Excel will only copy cells that contain formulas.)

You may well find the “Values” option particularly useful: basically, it can be used to “freeze” dynamic data. Like the “Formulas” option, “Values” causes Excel to paste only data and ignore formatting. The key distinction is that if the copied cell contains a formula, Excel will paste the calculated result of the formula rather than the formula itself.

Selecting “Formats” is a bit like using the Format Painter tool. It pastes the formatting from the copied cells but does not paste any data.

As you can probably guess, the “Comments” options copies only comments that were in the source range, ignoring all other data.

In a similar vein, the “Validation” option will copy only cells that have had validation rules applied to them.

Hopefully, this has given you an idea of how the Paste Special command works. I’ll just mention one final option: “Transpose”. This option reverses the orientation of the original data, so that rows become columns and vice versa.

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In this tutorial will look at creating and customising a column chart. The first step is to select the data that we want to plot, taking care to include any column and row headings. Row headings will be used as the names of the chart series and will be displayed in the legend. Column headings will be used as category labels. If the selection includes two sets of column headings, Excel will automatically recognize this and create two sets of headings on the category axis for us.

The next step is to click on the Insert ribbon tab and from the Column drop-down menu choose the option that we require. The very first option is the omnipresent scattered column chart. Excel creates our chart and places it in the worksheet as an embedded chart. If we want to change it to a standalone chart, click on Move Chart in the Location section and then choose New Sheet and enter a name for the new chart sheet.

Having specified which chart you wish to create, you can of course customise it to suit your requirements. To change the colour of the columns, simply click once on any member of a series to highlight the whole series and then choose a colour from the Shape Fill drop-down menu in the Format contextual tab. As well as Shape Fill, the drop-down also offers Shape Outline and Fill Effects. The Fill Effects includes preset effects such as shadow, glow and bevel.

There are a number of subtypes available within the column chart type. The most basic and probably the most widely used is the clustered column chart type. To change the chart type, go to the Design contextual tab and click on Change Chart Type.

In the Stacked Column type, the overall total of all series within each category takes precedence over the individual value associated with each series. The second type of stacked column is 100% Stacked Column. Here, the height of each column becomes 100% and so all columns have exactly the same height. This type of chart shifts the emphasis away from the number or quantity represented by each series to the percentage split between series.

Excel also offers us 3-D versions of these three different column chart types. However, these are not strictly 3-D charts; they simply have a 3-D effect on the columns. It is the 3-D Column option which gives us an actual three-dimensional chart. Here, Excel adds depth to the chart and places the series along the z axis (the third dimension). The remaining column options are simply variations on these basic themes. For example, if we want to go for a 3-D chart, we might choose to have pyramids instead of rectangular blocks.

The writer of this article is a developer and trainer with Macresource Computer Training, a UK IT training company offering Microsoft Excel 2007 Classes in London and throughout the UK.

Charts are a quick and easy way of graphically illustrating trends within your data. One glance at a chart can make it very plain where there is a dip in sales figures, a surge in visitor numbers and a host of other trends in whatever data is being represented. In this article we will examine the various components of an Excel chart.

The first thing we need is a set of data which can easily be converted into a readable chart. It is normally best to plot data which is a summary of your information. It is also useful if your data is arranged in columns or rows with headings at the top of columns or on the left of rows.

An example of information which would be easy to convert into a chart is a selection containing two columns with data on the left and the corresponding values on the right. When the chart is created, the labels are placed on what is variously known as the category axis, horizontal axis or x axis; while values are arranged on the y axis. When your data is arranged in this format, the chart that Excel plots will not need much modification.

Charts may either be embedded or standalone. Embedded charts are placed directly on the worksheet, often alongside the data being plotted. A stand-alone chart has an Excel sheet dedicated simply to the chart. This is known as a chart sheet; in contrast to a worksheet.

Whether embedded or standalone, the key components of the chart are always the same. First of all, we have a chart area. This is the background to the chart as a whole. Next, we have the plot area. This is the area where the graph or chart is actually plotted. Then, as we have seen, there are two or more axes. In a typical, “no frills” chart, there are two axes: the horizontal, or category, axis and the vertical, or value, axis.

Next, we have one or more series of data. In the example given above, where we select a column of labels and one column of values, there would be only one series of data. In a chart containing more than one series, it is necessary to clarify what each column represents. This is done by adding a legend to the chart. The legend acts as a key which tells us what each colour within the chart actually stands for.

As well as the text labels associated with the axes and with the legend, we can also include chart titles. In addition to the main chart title, we also have the option of placing titles on the axes. Within the plot area, we can also choose to display grid lines. These make it easy to read the value associated with each point on the chart.

These then are the main elements within a chart. However, Excel allows you to customise each of these elements and add other elements which enable you to create charts which convey exactly the message you have in mind.

The writer of this article is a developer and trainer with Macresource Computer Solutions, an independent computer training company offering Microsoft Excel 2007 training courses at their central London training centre.

Although Excel’s Print Preview facility is very handy, it is purely a preview mode. You can’t work on your data while in Print Preview mode. In addition to Print Preview, Excel 2007 offers two new modes of working which offer similar benefits to Print Preview while allowing you full access to your data. To access these modes, click on one of the buttons on the right of the Excel status bar. Here you will find buttons that can take you from Normal mode to Page Layout or to Page Break Preview.

Normal mode is the Excel’s default mode. In Normal mode, the focus is on modifying and entering your data without thinking too much about pagination. If you print or preview your data, Excel will paginate the worksheet and insert dotted lines to show you the page breaks. This is normally the only feedback you will get which relates to the printed version of your document.

By contrast, Page Layout view gives you a permanent preview of where page breaks will occur and which data will be printed on which pages. When in Page Layout view, zoom out so that you can see more of the worksheet and you’ll notice that Excel displays margins on the left, right, top and bottom, as well as headers and footers. However, the great thing is that Page Layout view not simply a preview mode. You still have access to all the data within your worksheet and you can edit each of the cells it contains. If the printed version of your worksheet is particularly important, you may find it convenient to stay in this mode permanently; particularly if you have the benefit of a large monitor.

Excel’s third mode is called Page Break Preview. When you click on the Page Break Preview button that Excel conveniently zooms out so that you can see more of your worksheet. Page Break Preview mode is not dissimilar to Normal mode. Like Normal mode, it is not WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) and neither headers and footers nor margins are shown. However, the key difference between Normal mode and Page Break Preview mode is that, when you’re working in Page Break Preview mode, the page break margins can be dragged.

This is a very useful facility: if you want to force a given column of data onto the next page, you just drag the blue dotted line representing the page break to the left of that column. It’s a deceptively simple feature. In fact, many experienced Excel 2003 users may even mistake the dotted lines representing page breaks for those which are displayed in Normal mode and may not even realise that these lines can in fact be dragged.

Author is a developer and trainer with TrainingCompany.Com, an independent computer training company offering Microsoft Excel 2007Classes at their central London training centre.

Excel VBA programming is a type of software programming that is widely used by excel users. This particular software is absolutely free and comes in Microsoft excel. The software enhances the working speed of excel. It also adds power to Microsoft excel.

Before getting into the depth of VBA language lets understand the meaning of excel programming. Any sort of programming language makes your work in computer much faster and easier and more over it makes the function more automatic. So if you are working in the excel sheet this type of programming language gets your input and performs the output automatically.

VBA means visual basic application; this is a kind of program which is has been developed by Microsoft. With the help of Excel VBA programming you can use the excel sheet in a much comfortable way. You can make use of the tools like operation and task automating, creating dialog boxes, and designing all new and modified functions of worksheet. Also if you want, you can make new menu as well as toolbars.

If you are an amateur, then too, VBA language will guide to work well on the excel sheet. If you are worried about using the VBA programming language and how to install it then you don’t have to think much about it. Various websites are there to help you.

Excel VBA programming language has surely widened up the boundaries of the excel sheet. This particular programming language is so advanced that you don’t need to sit before the computer to carry on your work. With this software the excel software can work by its own. Also this makes the function much more constant and easy.

With the help of VBA programming language you can perform task like creating various kinds of charts and graphs from a data. You may even design various invoices. Also with the help of Excel VBA programming language you are able to identify various data which are scientific. Many companies use this software to create financial budget and also it helps to forecast the future trends.

Visit Macresource Computer Training for Microsoft Excel 2007 VBA training classes

Microsoft Office Excel is the only widely-used and commonly-known spreadsheet program in the world. Just about every person owns a computer but if you ask them they will tell you that there are many programs that they don’t even use because they don’t know how to use them such as Microsoft Excel, a lot of people don’t use it because they don’t know what it is but now with Microsoft Excel Training you can learn all the features in no time.

Unless you own a home business or run a company then chances are you are not familiar with Microsoft Excel there are so many things that you can do with Excel such as charts, spreadsheets, diagrams and more.

Training in Excel can enable you to learn the program and all is functions and how it operates so that you can use it to the best of its ability.

There are a variety of ways that you can get Excel training such as videos, classes or a private instructor can all be very helpful and useful and allow you to learn about the Excel program how it works, operates and what all can be done with it.

There are many ways to get Microsoft Excel training such as private instructors, videos, classes and more. Most computer programs offer a step by step tutorial that shows you simply and briefly how the program works and how to install it but the features and functions that it shows you are limited. In order to use a program effectively you need to know all the features not just a few.

Sometimes by talking with your local library or community college they can point you in a right direction of Excel classes sometimes these classes are offered through them or they have a way of knowing where they are going to be offered and when.

There are a variety of online products ranging from videos, online classes and DVD’s if you don’t have much time to go somewhere and need something more catered to your bust life then chances are an online program is the right one for your situation.

Microsoft Excel training has many pros and cons it is up to you to determine which one are right for you.

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With MS Office Excel 2007 VBA you can write macros which will automate all the operations you usually perform in Excel. Microsoft is one of the most popular computer programs offered and bought today it seems as every day they are coming out with a new program that allows you to do more things. A new one that is out is the Microsoft Excel VBA which teaches you a variety of things but many don’t know how to use it so they take Microsoft Excel VBA training.

There are a variety of ways to learn Microsoft Excel VBA rather you want to take a class online, locally or somewhere across the globe there is one just for you.

There are a variety of classes being offered locally or around the world, most of them do require a small fee which is usually very minimal. They are set up so that they take you from opening the program to shutting it down.

You can even find online Microsoft Excel VBA training which the classes are offered online or through YouTube. YouTube now offers this type of program which consists of a person walking your through the steps of the program how it works and how to use it.

If you feel like you don’t have time to go to a campus or class then getting a private tutor may be the answer for you. By hiring a private tutor you can get one on one attention you can get someone’s time just devoted to you and even your family. A private tutor can help answer any questions that you may have or if you don’t understand something fully.

All computer programs come with a short tutorial which many of us ignore but they are really quite helpful they will walk you through the steps it takes from installing the program to a brief overview of it but not always is this enough so more and more people need to take a online class or college class showing them how it works.

Looking to master Microsoft Excel 2007 VBA? We recommend TrainingCompany.Com (020 7298 6109) for Microsoft Excel 2007 VBA training courses.

MS Office Excel VBA 2007 is the next step after you have recorded macros, giving you full control of automation of every aspect of Excel. Microsoft Excel VBA training is offered in many places. A person can receive the training as a self study unit or be taught in a seminar. This training is designed to teach a person what visual basic is and how it is applied. It is very informative and easy to understand for the layperson. By the end of the training, a person will be able to add a macro to a workbook.

Microsoft Excel VBA also known as Visual Basic for Applications is a programming language that controls Excel’s tasks. This program is included in all of Microsoft’s software as a standard component.

VBA commands Excel by macros. This is also called procedures. A macro is defined as a series of instructions that are remembered and repeated at a later time. The programmed instructions allow the programmer to figure out complex problems and automate jobs.

VBA lets a person perform tasks such as automating reports and creating charts. It lets the person use data processing programs in Excel. VBA can create wizards fast. These wizards are professional grade. The wizard is a floating box. VBA can complete analysis jobs in Excel. It performs tasks such as modeling and optimization. Excel can combine legacy codes created in C, Perl, Apple Script, FORTRAN and VB with Excel.

The VBE editor keeps the VBA codes. All data is kept in a module. A module resembles a Word document. Modules are combined and kept in the VBA Project. The project is a group of modules.

As mentioned earlier there are many places where one can obtain Microsoft Excel VBA Training. They may get the training at their employer, from a book or online. There are many courses. If seeking the training online, ensure that you are obtaining it from a reputable source. VBA training is a valuable asset for today’s business person.

Do you need to learn MS Excel VBA? We offer Microsoft Excel VBA 2007 classes in London and all over the UK.