mary ann richardson

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Save time by changing multiple Access form/report controls at once

January 20, 2009 1:45pm PST

When you want to apply the same format to more than one control, it's far more efficient to update them at the same time. Here's a look at how to do it.

Blog Post

Create a timesheet in Excel to track billable hours for your customers

January 20, 2009 1:42pm PST

Excel lets you vary the calculations you perform on specified cells using a single formula. Here's a look at how the technique works and one good example of when you might want to use it.

7 Latest comment by UAddUp

Blog Post

Insert a line above a Word table at the top of the page

January 20, 2009 1:33pm PST

If you've ever gotten stuck trying to add text above a table at the beginning of a document, this tip's for you -- and you won't believe how easy it is.

22 Latest comment by SonomaConstance

Blog Post

Use conditional formatting to add shading to rows or columns in an Excel worksheet

January 13, 2009 12:00am PST

Shading can keep you from losing your bearings as you read or work with Excel data -- and it's easy to set up. Instead of manually applying shading, enter this simple formula in the Conditional...

4 Latest comment by evelynyguo

Blog Post

Track down problems more easily by including properties in Access report footers

December 16, 2008 2:20pm PST

If your Access report printouts have only a title on them, you'll have a tough time troubleshooting data problems. Save yourself some headaches by including the report filename and record source...

2 Latest comment by agcook@...

Blog Post

Create your own conditional formatting rules in Excel 2007

December 16, 2008 1:49pm PST

Conditional formatting offers one of the best ways to make key data stand out in your Excel worksheets -- but you don't have to settle for the predefined rules. See how you can set up a custom...

3 Latest comment by excelinexcel

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10 tips for boosting your Excel 2007 productivity

December 15, 2008 12:00am PST

If your users have recently made the jump to Excel 2007 -- or an upgrade is just around the corner -- you could be in for a lot of hand-holding. This collection of tips from our Office Suite...

Provided by: Mary Ann Richardson

Blog Post

Let Access add your name to a report

December 9, 2008 11:27am PST

It's useful to include some basic information in Access report footers, such as the name of the person who prepared the report. Here's a simple way to prompt for the user's name and insert it in...

Blog Post

Use a form to display a list of reports and queries in an Access database

December 9, 2008 11:25am PST

When you need to know what objects are being created for a database, you can run a query against an Access system table to generate a list of all current reports and queries.

5 Latest comment by beck.joycem@...

Blog Post

Determine the sum of sales for a particular day using one Excel formula

December 9, 2008 11:20am PST

You can build an Excel formula that makes it easy to track sales. Mary Ann Richardson explains how.

4 Latest comment by mark.robinson@...

Blog Post

Refresh your Access combo boxes with the Requery shortcut

December 2, 2008 3:31pm PST

You can update your combo boxes on the fly with the help of an Access shortcut. Mary Ann Richardson explains how it works.

Blog Post

Let Excel's Indirect function keep data at your fingertips

December 2, 2008 3:29pm PST

Displaying key data on a sheet at the beginning of a workbook makes it easy to get a quick snapshot of essential information. See how simple it is to put this handy trick to work.

26 Latest comment by donaldmyers1@...

Blog Post

Create an online form with a Word table

December 2, 2008 3:26pm PST

Tables provide a simple, effective structure for your online forms. Here's a look at how to use a table to set up blank lines that will stay put when users fill out your forms online.

9 Latest comment by kabarrow

Blog Post

Excel 2007's Wrap Text command makes formatting cells a snap

November 25, 2008 1:09pm PST

A common formatting task in Excel is setting text to wrap within a cell. As Mary Ann Richardson explains, Excel 2007 now makes this job a one-click operation.

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Blog Post

Enhance your pictures in Word by applying a simple border

November 25, 2008 1:00pm PST

Borders aren't just for tables and text -- they can add polish and prominence to the pictures in your documents as well. Here's a look at this simple design trick.

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Organize list items with PowerPoint 2007's new column feature

November 25, 2008 12:49pm PST

With just a click or two, you can make your bulleted lists more attractive and easier to read -- and save on slide real estate, to boot.

Blog Post

Save a million keystrokes by turning Access text boxes into combo boxes

November 18, 2008 4:02pm PST

If you repeatedly type the same text in the same field, you're working too hard. See how to set up a combo box that will speed data entry and spare you a TON of tedious typing.

8 Latest comment by wordsmart@...

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Create blank lines in a printed Word form the easy way

November 18, 2008 3:16pm PST

Creating printed forms can be a hassle if you can't get those blank lines to cooperate. Learn one of the easiest and most versatile ways to set up your form: using underlined tabs.

16 Latest comment by cschutte@...

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Modify bullets and numbers to match the size of your PowerPoint slide text

November 18, 2008 1:02pm PST

Bullets and numbers that are out of proportion to your slide text can be distracting and ugly. This simple trick will ensure that those characters are sized just right.

Blog Post

Use watermarks to indicate confidential worksheets in Excel 2007

November 11, 2008 12:00am PST

Excel 2007 doesn't include a watermark tool, but don't let that stop you. By inserting a picture in a worksheet header, you can work around this limitation.

3 Latest comment by Retired007Geek