Microsoft Excel is packed with clever features—yet most people only use the basics.
If you’re working in a fast-paced corporate environment in Dubai or the wider Middle East, knowing how to truly leverage Excel can boost your productivity and help you stand out.
Whether you’re learning MS Excel tricks to save time or fun Excel tricks to make your spreadsheets shine, this guide breaks down each Excel easy trick clearly, with steps you can follow straight away.
1. Flash Fill
Use case: Quickly split or combine text based on patterns.
How to use:
- In the column next to your data, type how you want the first cell to appear (e.g. just the first name).
- Press Ctrl + E or go to Data > Flash Fill.
- Excel will auto-fill the rest based on your pattern.
✅ One of the most useful tricks in Excel Spreadsheets for data entry.
2. Conditional Formatting
Use case: Visually highlight important data, such as deadlines or targets.
How to use:
- Select the range you want to format.
- Go to Home > Conditional Formatting.
- Choose options like:
- Colour Scales (e.g. green for high numbers, red for low)
- Highlight Cell Rules (e.g. greater than 1000)
Highlight important data like overdue tasks or high values at a glance using colour-coded rules.
✅ One of the best Excel tricks to impress your boss in reports and dashboards.
3. Freeze Panes
Use case: Keep row or column headers visible as you scroll.
How to use:
- Click the cell below the row and right of the column you want to freeze.
- Go to View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes.
This feature helps keep your headers visible as you scroll through large spreadsheets—perfect for timesheets, budget tables, or customer lists.
✅ A must-know for anyone working with Excel tables.
4. Keyboard Shortcuts
Use case: Speed up common tasks and boost your efficiency.
Try these favourites:
- Ctrl + Shift + L: Add or remove filters
- Ctrl + T: Turn data into a formatted table
- Ctrl + Z: Undo last action
- F4 or Command + Y on your Mac: Repeat last action
- Ctrl + Arrow Keys or Command + Arrow Keys on your Mac: Jump to edges of your data
✅ Mastering shortcuts is one of the easiest ways to look like a pro.
5. Fun Excel Tricks
Make your spreadsheet more engaging and user-friendly with these simple touches:
- Dropdown Lists:
- Select a cell > Data > Data Validation
- Choose “List” and type values separated by commas (e.g. Yes,No,N/A)
- Emojis in cells:
- Press Windows + . or Control + Command + Space on your Mac to open the emoji picker
- Clickable links:
- Insert > Link or use =HYPERLINK(“https://example.com”, “Visit site”)
✅ These little details can make your spreadsheet more interactive and polished—perfect for team reports or client-facing files.
Ready to Train Your Team?
These MS Excel tricks are just the beginning.
Imagine what your team could do with structured, hands-on training. Corporate and in-house Excel training is available across Dubai and the Middle East—tailored to your team’s level and goals.
Whether you’re working in admin, HR, sales, or finance, our sessions help your team apply these Excel tricks right away to save time and work smarter.
👉 Explore our MS Office courses and start mastering your skills today.