Wednesday, 02 Apr 2008
Wednesday, 02 Apr 2008
1. Convert text to columns
With this feature CSV data inside cells can be transformed into columns directly. It uses the already existing Text import dialog and transforms CSV data inside cells into multiple columns. Example: A1 holds '1,2,3,4". After using this feature, 1, 2, 3 and 4 are split over cells.
Start this feature with the menu Data>Text to Columns.
2. Insertion Mode for Cells
Cells
in spreadsheet can be moved, copied, or linked Select one or more
columns or rows, or a range of cells, and hold down Alt while moving
the selection with the mouse. When the mouse button is released, other
cells/columns/rows are moved left or down, to insert the selection.
Before this feature, target cells always were overwritten.
3. Enhanced Data Input
Enter key returns to the column where the input started, one row below Entering data row wise is made easier. The Enter key works like a carriage return-line feed on a type writer and allows to return to the column where the input started, but just a row below the current row.
4. Enhanced Formula Input
Formula input: "+" and "-" can also be used to start Most professional spreadsheet users do use the number pad for inputting data to save time. So it makes sense to allow to enter a formula not just by entering a "=" or hitting the Function button in the Formula tool bar. Therefore "+" and "-" can also be used to start entering a formula. This improves the usability and the speed when creating formulas in a spreadsheet. Furthermore this can be used as a little calculator.
5. Individual zoom level per sheet
Each sheet in a spreadsheet document can now have its own zoom level.
6. Improved AutoFilter Behavior
Choices
are clearer grouped and based on result of filtering in other columns
The AutoFilter function allows to filter data in a spreadsheet by one
criteria per column. This feature allows to run a quick analysis of
data. Two things are new: there is a clearer grouping of static filter
choices. And if in one column a filter is set, the filters in the other
columns only show the options that are available in the visible rows.
7. Improved DataPilot
Manual Sorting It's now possible to rearrange items in a DataPilot field via Drag&Drop or Copy&Paste. The default sorting for new tables is "Ascending", it is changed to "Manual" when items are moved.
Double-click in Datapilot cell provides calculation data of that cell When a cell within the data field is double-clicked, it inserts a new sheet containing a subset of rows from the original data source that constitutes the result data displayed in that cell. For instance, when the data field function is selected to be SUM, then the number that is shown in the data field cell must be identical to the sum of all the data field values in the constituent rows displayed in the inserted sheet.
8. Improved Print Dialog
The Print dialog in Calc makes it easier to choose what part of the spreadsheet has to be printed. The option 'print only selected sheets' is now on that dialog.
Furthermore the 'Sort' option is defaulted to on. This makes it easier to print multiple copies of a document.
9. Improved Print Preview
PageUp and PageDown keys scroll continuously through the print preview. Ctrl + PgUp/PgDn scroll to top of next/previous page.
tags: calc openoffice.org spreadsheet usability user-experience video
Comments
Thanks to the UX Team. That's Great work! Those small improvements really make the difference. Hope to see many more of those in OOo 3.0 ;-)
Posted by pagalmes on April 02, 2008 at 02:59 PM CEST #
I having been using Ooo.org for long enough to know that I love it more than Office, WordPerfect and all those others. I use it every day and have a number of spreadsheets that I uses multiple times during the day. Yes the improvements are great but you STILL do not have a fix for alignment of currency. I just can't believe that you guys haven't fixed this as yet. It makes my spreadsheets look unprofessional and that is not good. Please, please, please fix this.
Posted by Sandra Schreiber on April 30, 2008 at 02:21 PM CEST #
Again, thanks to the team. Copying a selection by dragging it was missed (by me) and now it's there. When lots of these little things just work occasional users like me benefit greatly.
Posted by John Little on May 01, 2008 at 01:44 AM CEST #
could the following be simplified in a menu selection?
http://www.oooforum.org/forum/viewtopic.phtml?t=70801&highlight=
OO2.4.
ABSTRACT: The core of the question:
How can a cell content be read and used in a macro?
Related question
Loop function "If Yes then Do else Out" Yes stands for positive number, whose value is used in macro.
Application:
I want the cell cursor to run horizontally to each cell (say C10 to Z10) and read the cell content (a number representing the desired column width). Using this number, set the column width where the cursor is located. Then move the cell cursor to the right to the next cell. Do column width, and so on. Repeat until it reads something else but a positive number, or an empty cell.
Reason:
The finally desired column width likely differs from its first value when designing a sheet. Also, depending on the current need of viewing the sheet, different columns should show or hide. A manual approach is nerve abrading. Which leads to ...
The second application
is not the column width, but the column "hide". Whenever it reads "hide" in the cell the actual column should be hidden. Then the cursor moves right, does similar, until it reads "stop".
The current method requires recording a macro, and later edit the "width" amount in the macro. Very tedious. Also the macro is all absolute addressed, can hardly be used anywhere else. It must be _relative addressed_, there may be more than one set of "width" or "hide" in the same sheet. Additional variations might be useful.
(the principle might work for row height too)
I was able to do this on an Atari 1040 early 90ies.
Posted by morphingstar on May 01, 2008 at 05:43 PM CEST #