The database capabilities of Excel are very powerful. In fact, not only can Excel be used to create a simple searchable database, it also can be used to create a proper relational database.

Data validation is the foundation of creating drop-down lists in Excel. By setting up data validation rules, you can create lists that automatically update as your data changes.

Excel tables have many benefits that regular spreadsheets lack. The biggest is the option to use data from multiple tables to create queries and reports.

Drop-down lists in Excel let you create a list of valid choices that you can select for a given field. We'll show you how to use tables, named ranges, formulas, data validation, and table styles.

To create data bars in Excel, select your cells and then choose data bars from Conditional Formatting.

You can create XML data from a Microsoft Excel 2003 worksheet or workbook, but you'll need to do some manual steps to get the data to conform to valid XML format.

Here's how to create a pivot table in Excel to slice and dice your data, letting you perform in-depth analyses and spot important trends.

How to create a temporary view in Excel When others are viewing and working in the workbook, you’ll see a small icon with their Microsoft account information (or organizational information).

Microsoft Office is more than the sum of its parts—you can link an Excel database table to an Access database, integrating your data and adding value. Here's how.