Data entry isn’t fun, but sometimes it has to be done. Excel has a neat hidden feature made just for data entry. The data entry form allows you to view one record at a time in a more natural horizontal orientation which can make the data entry a bit easier in some cases.

To use the data entry form you will need your data to be in certain format.

1. One record of your data should be in one row in Excel.
2. Your data should have column headings in each column above the data.
3. Your data should have at least one record in it before you activate the data entry form.

Step 1: Adding the data entry form to the Quick Access Toolbar.

Open the quick access toolbar options menu.

1. Press the small options icon to the right of the quick access toolbar.
2. Select More Commands from the drop down list.

Add the Form to your quick access toolbar.

1. From the Choose commands drop down list select Commands Not in the Ribbon.
2. Scroll down until you see Form… and select it.
3. Press the Add button.
4. You should see the Form… appear in the right most box.
5. Press the OK button.

Step 2: Using the data entry form.

Now we can use the data entry form.

1. Make sure your data is similarly formatted like the example data then place the active cell cursor anywhere inside your data.
   • Each row is one record set (i.e. in our example row 2 contains all information about Luke, row 2 contains all information about Han etc…).
   • Each column of data has a column heading (i.e. in our example Name, Planet and Email in row 1).
   • We have at least one row of data.
2. Press the Form button in the quick access toolbar.
3. A data entry and viewing form will appear with your data items allowing you to view or add records.
4. You can navigate your existing data by using the Find Prev or Find Next button.
5. You can add a record by pressing the New button or you can also delete existing records from the table with the Delete button.

Scrolling through your data

Adding a new record

Deleting an existing record.

Wow, who knew data entry could be so much fun 😀