Bree Office - XLS Editor - Help

Bree Office – XLS Editor

The XLS Editor module is part of Bree Office, offering a robust suite of tools for working with spreadsheets. It includes features for data entry, formatting, formulas, charts, pivot tables, and advanced data management. With its support for importing and exporting multiple file formats, including XLSX, ODS, and CSV, the XLS Editor enhances productivity for both basic and complex tasks. Its user-friendly interface and powerful functionalities make it suitable for individuals and teams alike.

Refer to the Overview section of the Bree Office help file to learn how to open an existing spreadsheet or create a new one.

1. Working with Spreadsheets

XLSX Editor Plus can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

Basic Spreadsheet Operations

Creating and Opening Spreadsheets

Creating a new spreadsheet:
- Navigate to “File” > “New” > “Spreadsheet”.
- A new blank spreadsheet will open, ready for data entry.
Opening an existing spreadsheet:
- Select “File” > “Open”.
- Browse to the desired file, select it, and click “Open”.

Saving and Closing Spreadsheets

Saving a spreadsheet:
- Click the “Save” icon in the toolbar or choose “File” > “Save”.
- For first-time saves, choose a location, enter a file name, and click “Save”.
Closing a spreadsheet:
- Select “File” > “Close”.
- Save any unsaved changes when prompted.

Entering and Editing Data

Entering data:
- Click on a cell and start typing.
- Press “Enter” to move to the next cell below or “Tab” to move to the next cell to the right.
Editing data:
- Double-click a cell to edit its content or click once and start typing to overwrite existing content.
- Edit data in the formula bar at the top of the window.

Formatting Cells, Rows, and Columns

Formatting cells:
- Select cells, then right-click and choose “Format Cells” or use the toolbar options to change font style, size, cell color, borders, etc.
Adjusting column width and row height:
- Position the cursor on the line between columns or rows in the header, click, and drag to adjust.
Applying formatting to rows or columns:
- Click the row or column header to select the entire row or column.
- Right-click and choose “Format Cells” or use toolbar options for alignment, number formats, and more.

2. Advanced Spreadsheet Features

Formulas and Functions

Inserting a Formula

Click on the cell where you want the result of the formula.
Type “=” followed by the formula. For example, “=A1+B1” to add values from cells A1 and B1.
Press “Enter” to complete the formula.

Using Basic Functions

Click on the cell where you want to use a function.
Type “=” followed by the function name and arguments. For example, “=SUM(A1:A10)” to sum values from A1 to A10.
Press “Enter” to execute the function.

Using the Function Wizard

Select the cell where you want to insert a function.
Go to “Insert” > “Function” to open the Function Wizard.
Choose a function from the list, fill in the required arguments, and click “OK”.

Charts and Graphs

Creating a Chart

Select the data range for the chart.
Click “Insert” > “Chart”.
Choose the chart type and follow the Chart Wizard to customize it.
Click “Finish” to insert the chart into your spreadsheet.

Customizing Charts

Click on the chart to select it.
Use the chart tools in the toolbar to change chart type, style, and other settings.
Right-click on chart elements to format specific parts like the title, legend, or data series.

Pivot Tables

Creating Pivot Tables

Select the data range you want to analyze.
Go to “Data” > “Pivot Table” > “Create”.
In the Pivot Table Layout dialog, drag fields to the row, column, and data areas.
Click “OK” to generate the pivot table.

Configuring Pivot Tables

Click on the pivot table to activate the Pivot Table toolbar.
Use the toolbar options to modify the layout, filter data, and update the table.
Right-click on pivot table cells to access additional formatting and calculation options.

3. Data Management

Sorting and Filtering Data

Basic Sorting Techniques

Select the range of cells you want to sort.
Go to “Data” > “Sort”.
Choose the column to sort by and select the sort order (ascending or descending).
Click “OK” to apply the sort.

Using AutoFilter

Select the range of cells you want to filter.
Go to “Data” > “AutoFilter”.
Use the drop-down arrows in the column headers to filter data based on specific criteria.

Advanced Filters

Select the range of cells you want to filter.
Go to “Data” > “Filter” > “Advanced Filter”.
Set the criteria range and click “OK” to apply the advanced filter.

Data Validation

Setting Up Data Validation Rules

Select the cells where you want to apply data validation.
Go to “Data” > “Validity”.
In the “Criteria” tab, set the validation criteria (e.g., whole numbers, decimals, dates).
Click “OK” to apply the validation rules.

Using Drop-Down Lists

Select the cells where you want to add a drop-down list.
Go to “Data” > “Validity”.
In the “Criteria” tab, choose “Cell range” and specify the range containing the list items.
Click “OK” to create the drop-down list.

Conditional Formatting

Applying Conditional Formatting

Select the cells you want to format conditionally.
Go to “Format” > “Conditional” > “Condition”.
Set the condition criteria (e.g., cell value is greater than a specific number).
Choose the formatting style to apply when the condition is met.
Click “OK” to apply the conditional formatting.

Creating Custom Formatting Rules

Select the cells you want to format conditionally.
Go to “Format” > “Conditional” > “Manage”.
Click “Add” to create a new conditional format rule.
Set the condition criteria and choose the formatting style.
Click “OK” to apply the custom formatting rule.

4. Importing and Exporting Files

Supported File Formats

Supported Import Formats:
- .xls, .xlsx (Microsoft Excel)
- .ods (OpenDocument Spreadsheet)
- .csv (Comma-Separated Values)
- .txt (Plain Text)
- …and more.
Supported Export Formats:
- .xls, .xlsx (Microsoft Excel)
- .ods (OpenDocument Spreadsheet)
- .csv (Comma-Separated Values)
- .pdf (Portable Document Format)
- …and more.

Importing Data from Other Formats

Select “File” > “Open”.
Browse to the file you want to import and select it.
Click “Open”.
Follow any import wizard prompts to configure the import settings.
Click “Finish” to complete the import.

Exporting to Different Formats

Select “File” > “Save As”.
Choose the desired file format from the “Save as type” dropdown menu.
Enter a file name and select a location to save the file.
Click “Save”.

5. Customizing the Interface

Customizing Toolbars and Menus

Select “View” > “Toolbars”.
Check or uncheck toolbars to show or hide them.
Right-click on any toolbar to customize it by adding or removing buttons.

Using Themes and Skins

Select “Tools” > “Options”.
Go to “Personalization” or “Appearance”.
Choose a theme or skin from the available options.
Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Select “Tools” > “Customize”.
Go to the “Keyboard” tab.
Choose a command and assign a keyboard shortcut.
Click “Modify” and then “OK” to save the changes.

6. Advanced Tools and Features

Macros and Automation

Recording and Running Macros

Select “Tools” > “Macros” > “Record Macro”.
Perform the actions you want to record.
Click “Stop Recording”.
Save the macro with a name.
To run the macro, go to “Tools” > “Macros” > “Run Macro” and select the macro.

Editing Macros

Select “Tools” > “Macros” > “Organize Macros” > “Basic”.
Choose the macro to edit and click “Edit”.
Make your changes in the Basic IDE and save the macro.

Data Analysis Tools

Goal Seek

Select “Tools” > “Goal Seek”.
Set the target cell, target value, and the cell to change.
Click “OK” to find the solution.

Solver

Select “Tools” > “Solver”.
Set the objective, variable cells, and constraints.
Click “Solve” to find the solution.

Collaborative Features

Sharing and Collaboration

Select “File” > “Save As” and choose a shared location (e.g., network drive, cloud storage).
Enable collaboration features by selecting “Edit” > “Track Changes”.

Track Changes and Comments

To track changes, go to “Edit” > “Track Changes” > “Record”.
To manage changes, select “Edit” > “Track Changes” > “Manage”.
To add comments, right-click on a cell and choose “Insert Comment”.

7. Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: Spreadsheet won’t open.
- Solution: Ensure the file format is supported and the file is not corrupted. Try opening it with a different application to check.
Problem: Formulas not calculating correctly.
- Solution: Verify that the cell references and formula syntax are correct. Ensure automatic calculation is enabled in “Tools” > “Options” > “Calc” > “Calculate”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I recover an unsaved document?
- A: Check the AutoRecovery feature in “Tools” > “Options” > “Load/Save” > “General”. If enabled, check the recovery folder specified.
Q: How can I improve performance with large spreadsheets?
- A: Increase memory allocation in “Tools” > “Options” > “Memory”. Also, consider breaking the spreadsheet into smaller files.