Setting Up Excel for Maximum Productivity

Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) Essentials

The QAT should contain your 10-15 most-used commands. Right-click any ribbon button and select “Add to Quick Access Toolbar.”

• Paste Values — Avoids bringing unwanted formatting
• Toggle Formula View — Ctrl+` doesn't work everywhere
• Freeze Panes — Buried in View tab, used constantly
• New Comment — Faster than right-click menu
• Format Painter — One-click access

Critical Settings Changes

File → Options → Formulas:

• Enable R1C1 reference style for complex formulas (optional but powerful)
• Enable Background error checking — catches issues early

File → Options → Advanced:

• Show sheet tabs — Make sure this is on
• Zoom on roll with IntelliMouse — Essential for reviewing large sheets

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts to Memorize

Beyond the basics (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V), these shortcuts separate power users:

• Ctrl+` — Toggle formula view
• Ctrl+Shift+L — Toggle filters
• Alt+= — AutoSum
• Ctrl+; — Insert today's date
• Ctrl+Page Up/Down — Switch sheets
• F4 — Repeat last action / toggle reference type

The Add-in Layer

Settings and shortcuts only go so far. Some friction requires tools:

• Sheet navigation — Ctrl+Page Down is fine for 5 sheets, not for 50
• Date entry — Ctrl+; only inserts today. Other dates require typing.
• Database workflows — No built-in shortcut for “push this range to SQL Server”
• Workbook exploration — No single view of all workbook objects

Official Resources

• Quick Access Toolbar — customize your toolbar
• Excel options — settings reference