Getting Started
In this module, we will discuss how to open and close Excel. We will take a look at the
interface and the new Backstage View. We will also explore the difference between
worksheets and workbooks.
Opening Excel
Use the following procedure to start Excel.
- Select START (or press the Windows key on the keyboard) to open the Start menu.
- type in Excel and Excel should appear as an option.
- Next, click on the Excel icon to open Excel.
Understanding the Interface
Excel uses the RIBBON interface that was introduced in Microsoft Office 2007 applications. Each TAB in the RIBBON contains many tools for working with your document. To display a different set of commands, click the tab name. BUTTONS are organized into groups according to their function.
The Formula bar is where you can edit contents of a cell. The Status Bar includes information about your worksheet when you highlight different cells. View the Excel interface, including the Ribbon, worksheet area, the Formula Bar, the Quick Access toolbar, and the Status Bar.
Use the following procedure to customize the Quick Access Toolbar.
- Select the arrow next to the Quick Access Toolbar.
Add an item to the Quick Access Toolbar by selecting it from the list. You can remove an
item by reopening the list and selecting the item again.
If you select More Commands, Excel opens the Customize window.
To add a command, select the item from the list on the left and select ADD. Select OK
when you have finished.
Using Backstage View
Select the FILE tab in the Ribbon to open the Backstage view. The Backstage view is
where you will find the commands for creating, saving, opening, and closing Excel files,
as well as information about the current workbook. The Backstage view includes new
interfaces for printing and sharing your workbooks. The Options command is also
available to open a new screen for setting your Excel Options.
Use the following procedure to view the Backstage View.
Select the File tab on the Ribbon.
Excel displays the Backstage View, open to the Info tab by default. A sample is illustrated
below.
Understanding Worksheets
WORKSHEETS are simply collections of CELLS. A cell is the intersection of a ROW and a
COLUMN. Columns labels are letters and row labels are numbers. Only one cell can be
active at a time, and that cell is called the ACTIVE CELL. You can move around a worksheet
using your mouse or your keyboard.
Understanding Workbooks
A WORKBOOK is a collection of worksheets. When you save an Excel file, you are actually
saving a workbook. A workbook includes at least 1 worksheet by default when you open a new
file. You can change the names of these worksheets and add more worksheets to the
workbook. You can also change the order of the worksheets.