APPENDIX A: USEFUL TECHNIQUES WITH EXCEL Note If you want to copy and paste merged cells, the paste area needs to be same size as merged cells. If you want to delete cells that are merged, you will need to uncheck the merged option. n Font. Sets font attributes for selected cell(s). Will override general settings. Good to use on prebuilt pages so that you can set the text in a header once and, when you copy and paste it, it will retain that font specification Border. Used to make cell outline borders. Choose a line style and color. Click edges of box to create borders. Using Borders to prebuild boxes and buttons will save time later. Patterns (color). Fills cells with colors. n n n n See tips on Shapes to see a unique pattern effect for shapes. To create customized colors, choose Tools > Options > Color (select a color in the palette) > Modify. Choose from the color palette or click Customize > and use palette or RGB values. To bring a palette into the workbook, go to Tools > Options > Color and in Copy Colors From: choose the open workbook that you want to copy the palette from. The palette will then update all the colors. n n Note The palette will exist in this workbook. If you copy a page to another workbook, it will use the host palette, or if you save a workbook page as a new workbook, it will use the standard palette. Using the Drawing Menu To Insert Shapes: The AutoShapes menu is useful for creating basic shapes. Connecters are very handy for creating flowcharts. The ends of connectors are sticky and will attach to shapes and move with them as you change your designs. 210 Using the Drawing Menu