However, as always, it’s better to rely on plain-old manual saving. In order to speed things up, I suggest you learn to use CTRL – S to save your documents. You’ll notice that it’s much faster than using the mouse due again to fewer hand movement. I probably use it over one hundred times a day and it has even become an automatism when I pause for any reason like answering the phone, thinking of my model or even the next sentence in my blog post.

Once again, it is important to note that this shortcut is available in many programs, including Word and PowerPoint.
]]> http://www.thefinancialmodeler.com/2009/excel-shortcut-of-the-week-save-spreadsheet-ctrl-s/feed/ 0 http://www.thefinancialmodeler.com/2009/excel-shortcut-of-the-week-%e2%80%93-cut-copy-and-paste/ http://www.thefinancialmodeler.com/2009/excel-shortcut-of-the-week-%e2%80%93-cut-copy-and-paste/#comments Mon, 04 May 2009 17:15:04 +0000 Sebastien Labonne http://www.thefinancialmodeler.com/?p=57 Learning shortcuts is a great way to increase productivity. Over the years, I found that not only do they allowed me to work faster but they also helped reduce fatigue associated with repetitive tasks, thus reducing errors.

However, learning hundreds of shortcuts may seem like a burden. The best way of proceeding is by learning a new one once in a while. When learning a shortcut, you should make it a habit of using it as often as possible within a short time span. You’ll eventually find yourself using it without even noticing it.

The first shortcuts someone should learn are a trio available everywhere in the Office suite and in every Windows application I can think of.

• CTRL-X: Cut
• CTRL-C: Copy
• CTRL-V: Paste

On a standard QWERTY English keyboard, you’ll notice that they are purposely located to facilitate and minimize hand movement since they are probably the most frequently used shortcuts.

You use them just like you would with the toolbar buttons, or menu functions.

Remember that “Cutting” won’t change the formula but simply move the cut cells. However, “Copying” the formula will adjust the relative elements within the formulas (i.e. the formula =A1 copied one row below will become = A2).
If you’re not familiar with the difference between absolute and relative referencing, I suggest you do so by reading the following document:
http://www.cpearson.com/excel/relative.aspx