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Excel 2013 is a spreadsheet program that allows you to store, organize, and analyze information. While you may believe Excel is only used by certain people to process complicated data, anyone can learn how to take advantage of the program's powerful features. Whether you're keeping a budget, organizing a training log, or creating an invoice, Excel makes it easy to work with different types of data.
Excel 2013 is similar to Excel 2010. If you've previously used Excel 2010, Excel 2013 should feel familiar. If you are new to Excel or have more experience with older versions, you should first take some time to become familiar with the Excel 2013 interface.
When you open Excel 2013 for the first time, the Excel Start Screen will appear. From here, you'll be able to create a new workbook, choose a template, and access your recently edited workbooks.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to become familiar with the Excel 2013 interface.
The Quick Access Toolbar lets you access common commands no matter which tab is selected. You can customize the commands depending on your preference.
The Ribbon contains all of the commands you will need to perform common tasks in Excel. It has multiple tabs, each with several groups of commands.
From here, you can access your Microsoft account information, view your profile, and switch accounts.
The Name box displays the location, or name, of a selected cell.
In the formula bar, you can enter or edit data, a formula, or a function that will appear in a specific cell.
A column is a group of cells that runs from the top of the page to the bottom. In Excel, columns are identified by letters.
Each rectangle in a workbook is called a cell. A cell is the intersection of a row and a column. Simply click to select a cell.
A row is a group of cells that runs from the left of the page to the right. In Excel, rows are identified by numbers.
Excel files are called workbooks. Each workbook holds one or more worksheets. Click the tabs to switch between them, or right-click for more options.
The scroll bars allow you to scroll up and down or side to side. To do this, click and drag the vertical or horizontal scroll bar.
There are three ways to view a worksheet. Simply click a command to select the desired view.
Click and drag the slider to use the zoom control. The number to the right of the slider reflects the zoom percentage.
If you've previously used Excel 2010 or 2007, Excel 2013 will feel familiar. It continues to use features like the Ribbon and Quick Access toolbar, where you will find commands to perform common tasks in Excel, as well as Backstage view.
Excel 2013 uses a tabbed Ribbon system instead of traditional menus. The Ribbon contains multiple tabs, each with several groups of commands. You will use these tabs to perform the most common tasks in Excel.
Certain programs, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, may install additional tabs to the Ribbon. These tabs are called add-ins.
The Ribbon is designed to respond to your current task, but you can choose to minimize it if you find that it takes up too much screen space.
To learn how to add custom tabs and commands to the Ribbon, review our Extra on Customizing the Ribbon.
To learn how to use the Ribbon with touch-screen devices, review our Extra on Enabling Touch Mode.
Located just above the Ribbon, the Quick Access toolbar lets you access common commands no matter which tab is selected. By default, it includes the Save, Undo, and Repeat commands. You can add other commands depending on your preference.
Backstage view gives you various options for saving, opening a file, printing, and sharing your workbooks.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about using Backstage view.
Excel 2013 has a variety of viewing options that change how your workbook is displayed. You can choose to view any workbook in Normal view, Page Layout view, or Page Break view. These views can be useful for various tasks, especially if you're planning to print the spreadsheet.
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The Quick Access Toolbar lets you access common commands no matter which tab is selected. You can customize the commands depending on your preference.
You can use the arrow to close Backstage view and return to Excel.
The Ribbon contains all of the commands you will need to perform common tasks in Excel. It has multiple tabs, each with several groups of commands.
From here, you can access your Microsoft account information, view your profile, and switch accounts.
The Info pane will appear whenever you access Backstage view. It contains information about the current workbook.
From here, you can create a new blank workbook or choose from a large selection of templates.
From here, you can open recent workbooks, as well as workbooks saved to your OneDrive or on your computer.
The Name box displays the location, or name, of a selected cell.
In the formula bar, you can enter or edit data, a formula, or a function that will appear in a specific cell.
A column is a group of cells that runs from the top of the page to the bottom. In Excel, columns are identified by letters.
Use Save and Save As to save your workbook to your computer or to your OneDrive.
Each rectangle in a workbook is called a cell. A cell is the intersection of a row and a column. Simply click to select a cell.
From the Print pane, you can change the print settings and print your workbook. You can also see a preview of your workbook.
From here, you can invite people to view and collaborate on your workbook. You can also share your workbook by emailing it as an attachment.
You can choose to export your workbook in another format, such as PDF/XPS or Excel 1997-2003.
A row is a group of cells that runs from the left of the page to the right. In Excel, rows are identified by numbers.
Click here to close the current workbook.
From the Account pane, you can access your Microsoft account information, modify your theme and background, and sign out of your account.
Here, you can change various Excel options, settings, and language preferences.
Excel files are called workbooks. Each workbook holds one or more worksheets. Click the tabs to switch between them, or right-click for more options.
The scroll bars allow you to scroll up and down or side to side. To do this, click and drag the vertical or horizontal scroll bar.
There are three ways to view a worksheet. Simply click a command to select the desired view.
Click and drag the slider to use the zoom control. The number to the right of the slider reflects the zoom percentage.
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