Best new features in Excel 2013

Flash Fill

Perhaps the closest thing to magic Excel users will ever see in a workbook is Flash Fill. This feature anticipates formatting and data requirements by recognizing patterns so it can finish what you start. This screenshot shows a typical use for Flash Fill. First, I transposed a record’s name value into last name, first name order. While doing the same for the second record, Flash Fill recognized a pattern and suggested possible entries to complete the column. When Flash Fill displays this list, you have two choices: Press Enter to complete the list or press [Esc] to remove it. To learn more about this feature, read Excel 2013 Flash Fill anticipates needs on the fly.

Recommended Charts

Most users don't always know the best chart type for their data. Recommended Charts takes the guesswork out of the process. Simply click inside the data you want to chart, click the Insert tab, and click Recommended Charts to see a collection of suggested chart types, as shown above. Then, click a thumbnail to preview your data as that chart type. Double-click a thumbnail to embed the chart. Using this feature lets you work with confidence knowing the chart will highlight your data in a meaningful way.

Recommended PivotTables

This feature works similar to Recommended Charts, but generates a quick PivotTable. It’s a great new feature for most users, because so many of us struggle with PivotTables. Click inside the data range (which must have header cells) and click the Insert tab. In the Tables group, click Recommended PivotTables to display the dialog shown above. Select a thumbnail and click OK to embed an effective PivotTable in a new sheet.

Quick Analysis

Use Quick Analysis to quickly preview your data in meaningful ways. For instance, Quick Analysis offers a second new way to generate appropriate charting for your data. Select the data and then click the Quick Analysis icon at the bottom-right, as shown above. Click the Charts tab to view the suggested chart types. If you don't see this icon, check your settings:

1. Click the File tab and choose Options from the left pane.
2. Choose General in the left pane (the default).
3. In the User Interface Options section, the Show Quick Analysis Options On Selection option should be checked. Enabled is the default, so you should see this icon unless someone has changed this setting.
4. Click OK.

Timelines

A timeline lets you filter records in a PivotTable—it works similar to a slicer, but you'll filter by dates. For instance, here is a PivotTable and timeline. (I used the same data range used in #3.) Once you have a PivotTable arranged, adding the timeline is simple:

1. With the PivotTable selected, click the contextual Analyze tab.
2. In the Filter group, click Insert Timeline.
3. In the resulting dialog, check the date field (in this case, that’s Date) and click OK. Excel will embed the timeline alongside the PivotTable.

Cloud support

Microsoft claims that its cloud support is the true shining star of the Office 2013 suite. If you need it, you probably agree; many organizations aren’t taking full advantage of it yet. If you’re curious, you can quickly hook up to SkyDrive or your organization’s SharePoint team site by using the Save As (or Open) screen. Doing so has two advantages:

• You have quick and easy access to your Excel files on any device that runs Excel 2013 (including a Windows tablet and smartphone).
• Using Office 365 (you’ll need a subscription), you can review and edit your workbooks online using almost any web browser.

Apps for Office

This new feature provides quick access to specialized programs at Office Store. Just a quick click and you’re shopping! To install an app, click the Insert tab and then click Apps for office in the Apps group. You’ll need an account at the store, which the feature will help you create the first time you use it. This slide shows Bing Maps as an installed app.