FIVE Excel Productivity Hacks

October 2015

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Introduction

• The 5 items mentioned here, properly applied, will fundamentally transform the way you use (and view) Excel.

• Gain leverage around:• Task simplification• Minimize steps to perform tasks• Automate common workbook/worksheet steps• Data management and analysis

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Here are my 5…

• ASAP utilities add-in• Quick access toolbar• Pivot tables• Master template workbook and worksheet• Personal macro workbook

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ASAP utilities add-in

• “A must have for anyone who spends time in Excel”

• http://www.asap-utilities.com/• Single user license - $49• Companies using ASAP Utilities?• Review my favorite uses / features here… (OPEN)

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Quick access toolbar• “The Quick Access Toolbar is a customizable toolbar that contains a set

of commands that are independent of the tab that is currently displayed. You can move the Quick Access Toolbar from one of the two possible locations, and you can add buttons that represent commands to the Quick Access Toolbar.”

TIP - Add customized macro items from a personal macro workbook to up your productivity!

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Pivot tables

• “Pivot tables are one of Excel's most powerful features. A pivot table allows you to extract the significance from a large, detailed data set.”

• http://www.excel-easy.com/data-analysis/pivot-tables.html

• New to pivot tables? Start here:• “So You Think You Know Excel Pivot Tables?”

• Small exercise I put together – downloaded hundreds of times in last 3 years

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Master template workbook and worksheet• Create a “basic” starting point with preferred layout

(fonts, column widths, # sheets, formatting, etc.)• How do I create/use a custom or default sheet

template• Here is an overview and sample templates, if you

need a starting point!

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Personal macro workbook

• Personal.xlsb file is a HIDDEN Excel workbook containing macros you want available for EVERY workbook you work in.

• Can be installed on any number of PC’s once developed.

• Learn more and download a sample personal.xlsb file here

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Wrap up

• Thoughts or comments? What would you add?• Send me an email at

don@invenioadvisorsllc+excel5.com

• Follow Don:• Twitter - @dtomoffcpa• Flipboard - @dontomoff• LinkedIn | Personal | Invenio Advisors

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