Inserting a calendar when clicking on a cell in Excel is surprisingly simple. Right-click the cell where you want the calendar to pop up, choose ‘Control’ then ‘Insert’, and select ‘More Controls’. Scroll to find ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’, select it, and draw the calendar on your Excel worksheet. Now, when you click on that cell, a calendar will appear for you to choose a date.
After completing this action, whenever you click on the cell with the calendar, a full monthly calendar will appear. You can select any date, and it will automatically fill in the cell, making data entry more accurate and faster.
Introduction
Are you tired of manually typing dates into your Excel spreadsheets, only to realize later that you’ve made a typo? Or perhaps you’re looking for a sleek, interactive way to manage dates in your Excel documents. Well, the solution might be simpler than you think. By inserting a calendar that pops up when you click on a cell, you can choose dates from a visual calendar instead of typing them manually. This function is not only time-efficient but also reduces the chance of errors.
While Excel doesn’t come with a built-in calendar feature, there’s an easy workaround using the ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’. This feature is particularly useful for those who manage schedules, event planning, or just need to frequently enter dates into their Excel sheets. Imagine how professional your spreadsheet will look with this nifty feature in place. So, let’s dive into the steps that will transform your Excel experience.
Step by Step Tutorial on Inserting a Calendar in Excel
Before we start, ensure that you are using a version of Excel that supports this feature, and that the ‘Developer’ tab is enabled in Excel.
Step 1: Enable the ‘Developer’ tab in Excel
To use the calendar control, you must first enable the ‘Developer’ tab in Excel.
Enabling the ‘Developer’ tab is crucial as it gives you access to advanced features, including the one we need to insert a calendar. To enable it, right-click on the ribbon, choose ‘Customize the Ribbon’, check the ‘Developer’ box, and click ‘OK’.
Step 2: Insert the ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’
Right-click on the cell, select ‘Control’, then ‘Insert’, and finally ‘More Controls’.
By inserting the ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’, you are adding an interactive calendar to your worksheet. This feature can be found under “More Controls” from the ‘Insert’ option under the ‘Developer’ tab.
Step 3: Draw the Calendar Control
Select the ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’ and draw it onto the Excel worksheet.
This step is where you physically draw the calendar onto your spreadsheet. Don’t worry about the size; you can always adjust it later.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Data Entry Accuracy | Using a calendar control minimizes the risk of inputting incorrect dates, which can be crucial for scheduling and data analysis. |
| Time-saving | It speeds up the data entry process since you can pick a date with just a few clicks instead of typing them out. |
| Professional Appearance | A calendar control adds a touch of professionalism to your spreadsheets, making them stand out and easier to use. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Compatibility Issues | This feature may not be available in all versions of Excel, limiting its use for some users. |
| Limited Customization | The calendar control has limited customization options, so it may not fit perfectly with the aesthetic of every spreadsheet. |
| Learning Curve | Some users may find it initially challenging to navigate the Developer tab and the steps required to insert the calendar. |
Additional Information
When inserting the calendar, you might notice that the control is somewhat dated – it hails from older versions of Excel. However, it still functions perfectly in newer versions. If you’re using Excel 2016 or later, you might need to download the control if it’s not already included. It’s worth noting that this feature is currently only available for Windows users, as Excel for Mac does not support this control.
Also, consider the size of the control and where it’s placed. You want to make sure it’s not covering important data or obstructing the view of other cells. It can be resized by clicking and dragging the edges. Once you have the calendar control in place, you can also format the cell linked to the control to display the date in your preferred format, such as “MM/DD/YYYY” or “DD/MM/YYYY”.
Keep in mind that if you’re planning on sharing this Excel file with others, they must also have the ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’ enabled on their Excel to view and use the calendar.
Summary
- Enable the ‘Developer’ tab in Excel.
- Right-click on the cell, choose ‘Control’, ‘Insert’, then ‘More Controls’.
- Select ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’ from the list.
- Draw the calendar control on the worksheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What versions of Excel support the ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’?
The ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’ is supported in most versions of Excel up to Excel 2019 for Windows. Excel for Mac and Excel for Office 365 currently do not support this control.
Can I format the date displayed by the calendar control?
Yes, you can format the cell linked to the control to display the date in various formats.
Is it possible to use the calendar control on Excel for Mac?
No, the ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’ is currently not supported on Excel for Mac.
Can I share spreadsheets with the calendar control?
Yes, but the recipient must also have the control enabled to use it.
What if the ‘Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control’ is not in my list of More Controls?
You may need to install the control, or it may not be supported in your version of Excel.
Conclusion
Inserting a calendar when clicking on a cell in Excel might seem like a small addition, but its impact on data entry efficiency and precision is profound. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can elevate the functionality and appearance of your spreadsheets. Remember, while this control is a game-changer, it’s not without its limitations, so consider your Excel version and your audience before implementing it.
For further reading, explore Excel’s other form controls and ActiveX controls to find more ways to enhance your spreadsheets. Or, dive into the world of VBA programming to create even more customized solutions in Excel. So, go ahead, give it a try, and watch as your date entries become a breeze.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.