Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool used by individuals and businesses alike for data analysis, organizing information, and creating graphs and charts to visualize data. However, many users are not aware of some of the advanced features that Excel offers, such as using multiple screens or windows. In this article, we will show you how to use Excel with two screens or windows, providing step-by-step instructions and visual aids to help make the process easy.
How to Use Excel with Two Screens or Windows
If you have access to two monitors or screens, you can use Excel on both screens to increase your productivity and make it easier to work with large amounts of data. Follow these steps to get started:
- Connect your second monitor or screen to your computer. If you do not have a second monitor, you can use the Windows display setting to split your screen.
- Open Excel on your computer and select the first file that you want to work on.
- Drag the Excel window to the edge of the first screen and hold it there until you see a shadow image of the window.
- Click and hold the shadow image of the window and drag it to the second screen. Release the mouse button once the window is on the second screen.
- Repeat the same process with the second Excel file, dragging it to the other half of the second screen or using the Windows display setting to split your screen.
- You can now work on both Excel files simultaneously, with each window open on a separate screen.
How to Split Excel into Two Windows
If you only have one screen available, you can still use two windows within Excel for a more efficient workflow. Follow these steps:
- Open Excel and your file.
- Click the “View” tab on the Excel Ribbon.
- Select “New Window,” which creates a new instance of the open file in a separate window, effectively splitting the screen in two.
- Select the “Arrange All” option in the “View” tab to arrange the two windows side-by-side.
- You can now work on both Excel windows simultaneously, with each window open on a separate half of the screen.
FAQs
1. Can I use two Excel files in the same screen in Excel?
Yes, you can use two Excel files in the same screen in Excel, either by using two windows or splitting the screen. This is particularly useful if you need to compare data between two separate files or work on two files simultaneously.
2. Can I link two Excel files together?
Yes, you can link two Excel files together by creating a reference or formula in one file that pulls data from another file. This is useful if you have data that is stored in separate files but needs to be combined and used in calculations or analysis. To link files together in Excel:
- Open the Excel file that you want to link to.
- Select the cell where you want to link data from another file.
- Type the “=” sign, which tells Excel that you are creating a formula or reference.
- Switch to the other Excel file and select the cell or range of cells that you want to reference.
- Press Enter, and the data from the other file should appear in the cell in the current file.
- Any changes that you make to the referenced file will also be updated in the current file.
Conclusion
Using Excel with two screens or windows can make it easier to work with large amounts of data and increase your productivity. Whether you have two monitors or just one, you can use these tips to effectively use multiple Excel files simultaneously. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the linking feature in Excel, you can work more efficiently and effectively with Excel.
