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{{Documentation/FAQTOC}}
Apr, 16 2007: Currently being edited by [mailto:fpe@sun.com Frank], please refrain from changing.
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__NOTOC__
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:{{OOo}} Calc FAQ}}
 +
Search the FAQs: <googlefaq/>
 +
Because of the number of FAQs for Calc, this section has been divided into several pages.
  
<!-- MARK -->
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* [[Documentation/FAQ/Calc/Formatting | Formatting Spreadsheets]]
==Formatting==
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* [[Documentation/FAQ/Calc/Files | Document management, file formats, compatibility]]
 +
* [[Documentation/FAQ/Calc/Printing | Printing Spreadsheets]]
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* [[Documentation/FAQ/Calc/Charts | Charts]]
 +
* [[Documentation/FAQ/Calc/Errors | Error handling, error messages]]
 +
* [[Documentation/FAQ/Calc/Miscellaneous | Miscellaneous questions]]
  
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{{Note|Many of these FAQs were originally written for OpenOffice.org 1.x and may not have been updated to reflect changes in OOo 2.x or 3.x. We are working on checking updating all of them, but this takes a lot of time and more volunteers are needed. If you find an answer that is out of date, please either correct it or leave a comment on the "Discussion" tab of the relevant page.}}
  
===How do I insert superscript or subscript text in my spreadsheet?===
+
{{SeeAlso|EN|
{{WWAll}}
+
* [[Documentation/OOoAuthors_User_Manual/Getting_Started/Getting_Started_with_Calc | Getting Started With Calc (2.x)]]
 +
* [[Documentation/OOoAuthors_User_Manual/Calc_Guide | Calc Guide (2.x)]]
 +
}}
  
'''Using the Menu'''
 
# Select the individual character(s) to be made superscript/subscript:
 
#* Click on the cell with the text
 
#* At the input line above the spreadsheet, select the characters to be altered
 
# Select '''Format - Character''' from the menu
 
# Click on '''Font Position'''
 
# Click '''Superscript''' or '''Subscript'''. You can optionally change the character reduction ratio but usually the default value will work fine.
 
 
 
'''Using the Keyboard'''
 
# Select the individual character(s) to be made superscript/subscript:
 
#* Click on the cell with the text
 
#* At the input line above the spreadsheet, select the characters to be altered
 
# For Superscript, press '''CTRL'''+'''SHIFT'''+'''P'''<br>For Subscript, press '''CTRL'''+'''SHIFT'''+'''B'''
 
 
 
'''Notes:'''
 
* Cell height may require an adjustment to accommodate the new character.
 
* These commands also work for the word processor.
 
 
 
 
 
===How can I wrap text within a cell?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
To wrap text within a cell, or merged set of cells:
 
 
*Select a cell or group of cells.
 
*Right-click the selected area and go to '''Format cells...''', or in the pull-down menus, go to '''Format &gt; Cells...'''
 
*Click on the '''Alignment''' tab.
 
*Under the Properties section, tick '''Automatic line break'''.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
 
Now the contents of the cell will be wrapped to fit the cell.
 
 
 
 
 
===How can I use a dot (.) as decimal sign instead of a comma?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
Some languages, like French, Italian, or German, use a comma as
 
decimal separator. The appearance of numbers in Calc depends on
 
the language settings. If you want to use the dot or decimal point
 
as separator you need to switch the language for the corresponding
 
cells to English:
 
 
# Select the corresponding cells (press '''CTRL'''+'''A''' to select all cells of a sheet)
 
# Select '''Format - Cells''' from the menu
 
# Select the '''Numbers''' tab and select one of the English variants from the '''Language''' list.
 
 
'''Notes:'''
 
* If you use a dot in a language that uses a comma as decimal separator, Calc will not recognize the input as number.
 
* The decimal sign used will change with the language. If you switch back to a language that uses the comma as separator, the displayed decimal separator will change accordingly.
 
 
 
 
===If a cell is center-justified, and the text is wider than the cell, it automatically left-justifies. Can I fix this?===
 
{{WW11x}}
 
 
This is a known bug in OpenOffice.org 1.1.x that is fixed in the [http://download.openoffice.org/index.html current version].
 
 
 
 
 
===How do I use styles and formatting?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
See [http://documentation.openoffice.org/HOW_TO/spreadsheet/calc4_EN.html How to Format a Spreadsheet].
 
 
 
 
 
===How can I create my own sort lists?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
Sometimes it is useful to use sort lists to control the order of
 
your data, especially if the data is better sorted in an order that is
 
not alphabetical or numerical. 
 
 
Sort lists can be used to fill data into cells by "guessing" following
 
values based on the value of a first cell. The most widespread example
 
is the days of the week or names of the months:
 
 
'''Example:'''
 
# Insert "Jan" into a cell.
 
# Select this cell, then drag the black square at the lower right corner across other cells in the same row or column.
 
# The other names of the months will automatically fill into the selected cells.
 
 
'''To create your own sort list:'''
 
 
# Select '''Tools - Options''' from the menu.
 
# Click '''OpenOffice.org Calc''' and '''Sort Lists''' in the left column<br>In OpenOffice.org 1.1.x, the option is called '''Spreadsheet''' instead of OpenOffice.org Calc.
 
# Click '''New''' on the right side of the window.
 
# Type your list in '''Entries''' box separating each word by a comma or a line break. Do not use spaces.
 
# Click '''Add''' after your list is complete to save your new sort list.
 
 
 
 
 
===How do I add additional strings or characters to cell contents?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
Use the '''CONCATENATE''' function to add strings or characters to cell contents:
 
 
# Go to an empty cell
 
# Enter '''=CONCATENATE("prefix";A1;"suffix")''' as the cell contents<br>
 
"prefix" being any text you would like to add in front of the existing cell contents<br>
 
A1 being the original cell<br>
 
"suffix" being any text you would like to add after the existing cell contents
 
 
'''Example:'''
 
* Original Cell "C5" with content "filename"
 
* In a new cell, enter '''=CONCATENATE("my_";A1;".ods")'''
 
* The new cell value will be "my_filename.ods"
 
 
 
 
 
===How are notes within cells displayed?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
'''To create a Note for a cell'''
 
* Select '''Insert - Note''' from the menu
 
 
'''To show a note permanently'''
 
# Right-click in the cell with the note
 
# Select '''Show Note'''
 
 
 
 
 
===Why are my notes not showing for cells?===
 
{{WW11x}}
 
 
* Make sure that '''Help - Tips''' from the main menu is marked
 
 
 
{{WW2x}}
 
 
# Select '''Tools - Options''' from the main menu
 
# Select '''OpenOffice.org - General'''
 
# Make sure that '''Help - Tips''' is marked
 
 
 
 
 
===I have a custom number format that I use, but Calc forgets it.===
 
{{WW2x}}
 
 
For Calc to remember the preferred number formats, add them to a template:
 
 
# Create a new empty spreadsheet document or open an existing template by selecting '''File - Templates - Edit''' from the main menu
 
# Add the number formats as required
 
# Select '''File - Templates - Save''' from the main menu
 
# Insert a name for the template and select a template category (e.g., '''My Templates''')
 
# Click '''OK''' to save the template
 
 
To have them available with every newly created spreadsheet you need to make this template your default template:
 
 
# Select '''File - Templates - Organize''' from the main menu
 
# Select the template from the list of templates (double click the template categories to show all containing template files)
 
# Right-click the template file name and select '''Set as default template'''
 
# Click Close
 
 
 
 
===How can I use conditional formatting?===
 
 
Formats in each cell can be based upon defined conditions. This function can be accessed through the drop-down menus:
 
 
* Select '''Format - Conditional Formatting...'''
 
 
In the dialog box that appears, enter the conditions that determine the formats and the desired formats for each condition. If more help is needed to understand the settings, click the '''Help''' button in the dialog box, and a new help window opens with a description of all the fields shown in the dialog box. The help file also shows the path to a sample file that uses conditional formatting for reference.
 
 
{{SeeAlso}}
 
* [[Calc Conditional Formatting How To]] (to be written)
 
 
 
 
 
===How do I wrap text within a cell in my spreadsheet?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
To wrap text within a cell, or merged set of cells:
 
 
# Select a cell or group of cells.
 
# Right-click the selected area and go to '''Format cells...''', or select '''Format - Cells''' from the main menu
 
# Click on the '''Alignment''' tab.
 
# Check the '''Wrap text automatically''' (in OpenOffice.org 1.1.x: Automatic line break)
 
# Click '''OK'''.
 
 
Now the contents of the cell will be wrapped to fit the cell.
 
 
 
 
 
===How do I disable the capitalized letter at the beginning of cells in Calc?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
# Select '''Tools - AutoCorrect''' from the main menu
 
# Select the '''Options''' tab
 
# Clear any automatic option you want to disable (in this case '''Capitalize the first letter of every sentence''')
 
 
 
 
 
===How do I make a wide title cell extend across several columns in my spreadsheet?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
 
# Select the cells in which the title is to appear.<br>Do this by clicking in the first cell, then hold down the mouse button and drag the selection box across the last cell of your chosen area.
 
# Select '''Format - Merge Cells - Merge Cells''' (OpenOffice.org 1.1.x: Format - Merge Cells - Define) or '''Format - Merge Cells - Merge and Center Cells'''
 
 
 
 
 
<!-- MARK -->
 
 
==Opening and Importing Files, Microsoft Interoperability==
 
 
===Is it possible to open a Microsoft Excel file that is protected by a password in Calc?===
 
{{WW11x}}
 
 
With 1.1.x releases of OpenOffice.org, it is '''not''' possible to do this directly. Such a file
 
can be opened from Calc only if you remove the password using the original application.
 
 
 
 
{{WW2x}}
 
 
2.x versions of OpenOffice.org, will open the password protected file when the correct password was entered.
 
 
 
 
 
===How do I insert external data into an existing Calc spreadsheet file?===
 
{{WW2x}}
 
 
You can insert tabular data from an external files into an existing Calc spreadsheet file as follows.
 
A new sheet will be created for the inserted data.
 
 
* Select '''Insert - Sheet From File''' and select the file with the data
 
* If you have selected a text file with values separated by delimiters you will see an import dialog to set the corresponding options
 
 
{{SeeAlso}}
 
* [[FAQ:Calc#How_do_I_open_a_tab-delimited_file_in_OpenOffice.org_Spreadsheet.3F_What_if_I_have_a_different_type_of_delimiter.3F| How do I open a tab-delimited file in OpenOffice.org Spreadsheet?]]
 
 
 
 
 
===How do I open a tab-delimited file in OpenOffice.org Spreadsheet? What if I have a different type of delimiter?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
First, if your ASCII file is not already named with a '''.txt''' extension, rename it that way.
 
 
# Select '''File - Open''' from the main menu and browse to find and select the file.
 
# Select File type: '''Text CSV (.csv; .txt)'''<br>
 
Note: This choice is near the bottom in the spreadsheet file types section of the list.
 
# Click '''Open'''.
 
# In the dialog that appears next, select the '''Separator options'''.<br>
 
These are the characters or methods used in the file to separate the fields of data.
 
The same methods must be specified in this box as those used in the file to import the
 
data into a spreadsheet. After selecting the separator type, a preview of the data will be
 
displayed in the '''Fields''' section. If the data visually lines up in columns, then the correct
 
separator has been selected. If not, a different separator type may be used in the file. The goal
 
is to match the correct character used as a separator in the file, so that the data will line up
 
nicely in the visible cells.
 
# When the data lines up, click '''OK'''.
 
 
'''Hints:'''
 
* The characters used as a separators and delimiters will be visible, if you open the .txt
 
file in Writer and enable the hidden characters ('''View - Nonprinting Characters''').
 
 
 
 
 
===My formula from an Excel worksheet doesn't work!===
 
This can be caused by many reasons, with the most common reason
 
being that OpenOffice.org uses semi-colons (;) between arguments,
 
instead of commas (,) like in Excel.
 
 
 
 
 
===Why does Calc refuses to open my .txt file?===
 
A text file with tabular values must be imported into Calc using '''.csv''' format. You cannot open it by double-clicking on the file name, unless it has the '''.csv''' extension, since a text file will automatically open in Writer.
 
 
If you want to open a .txt file with tabular data using Calc:
 
 
* Rename the file so that it uses the .csv file extension.
 
or
 
* Select '''File - Open''' from the menu and select '''Text CSV''' from the '''File type''' list.<br>
 
This is quite a way down in the list so it is easy to miss. An easy way of navigating there is to press '''T''' several times when inside the list field until the filter name comes up.
 
 
{{SeeAlso}}
 
* [[#How_do_I_open_a_tab-delimited_file_in_OpenOffice.org_Spreadsheet._What_if_I_have_a_different_type_of_delimiter.]]
 
 
 
 
 
<!-- MARK -->
 
==Selecting, Copying, and Pasting==
 
 
===I want to select two cells that are not adjacent, but holding down the CTRL key does not seem to work. How can I perform this action?===
 
{{WW11x}}
 
 
In OpenOffice.org 1.1.x, if you click in a cell, it is not selected, but focused.
 
To select a cell, you need to
 
 
# Click on a cell to focus it
 
# Hold down the '''SHIFT''' key and then click on the cell again to select it
 
 
After having done so, you'll be able to select multiple non-adjacent cells, by holding down the '''CTRL''' key as you select new cells.
 
 
 
 
{{WW2x}}
 
 
In all 2.x versions, you can use the '''CTRL''' key to mark cells that are not adjacent.
 
 
 
 
===What is the fastest way to copy a calculation to all rows?===
 
To quote from the '''Shortcut Keys for Spreadsheets''' page in
 
Calc Help: '''Help &gt; Contents &gt; shortcut keys; in spreadsheets''':
 
To fill a selected cell range with the formula that you entered on
 
the '''Input line''', press '''Alt+Enter'''. Hold down '''Alt+Enter+Shift'''
 
to apply the cell format of the input cell to the entire cell range.
 
 
 
<!-- MARK -->
 
==Saving and Exporting Files==
 
 
<!-- MARK -->
 
==Printing==
 
 
===Why does Calc print out all the sheets in the file?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
 
By default, Calc is configured to do just that. But the setting can be changed so that only the current sheet is printed too:
 
 
# Select '''File - Print''' from the main menu
 
# Click '''Options'''
 
# Check the box '''Print only selected sheets for Document'''
 
 
To make the change permanent for all occurrences of OpenOffice.org Calc:
 
 
# Select '''Tools - Options''' from the main menu
 
# Select '''OpenOffice.org Calc - Print''' and check the box '''Print only selected sheets for Document'''<br>
 
In OpenOffice.org 1.1.x, the entry is called '''Spreadsheets''' instead of OpenOffice.org Calc.
 
 
 
 
 
===How can I print some, but not all, of the cells on a sheet?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
# Select the cell(s) you want to print
 
# Select '''Format - Print Ranges - Define''' from the main menu
 
 
This sets the print range for that sheet to the set of selected cells.
 
 
'''Notes:'''
 
* You can have different print ranges on each sheet.
 
 
 
 
 
===How do I get Sheet1 to print as portrait and Sheet2 to print as landscape?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
You can assign a different page style to each sheet. To print out different page orientations,
 
you first create a new page style with the desired format options and then apply it to the
 
corresponding sheet(s).
 
 
# Select '''Format - Styles and Formatting''' (in OpenOffice.org 1.1.x: Format - Stylist) or press '''F11'''
 
# Click the '''Page Styles''' icon (2nd from the left) in the Styles and Formatting window (in OpenOffice.org 1.1.x: Stylist)
 
# Right-click in the page style list and select '''New...'''
 
# In the '''Page Style''' window, give the new page style a descriptive name, such as '''Landscape Page'''
 
# Click on the '''Page''' tab and change the '''Orientation''' to '''Landscape'''
 
# Click '''OK''' to close the window
 
# Select the sheet that you want to print in landscape orientation
 
# Double-click the newly created page style (e.g. '''Landscape Page''') to assign that style to the sheet.
 
 
 
 
 
===How I do select a row (or rows) in my spreadsheet to repeat on every page when printed?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
 
# Select '''Format - Print Ranges - Edit''' from the main menu
 
# Place the cursor in the input field on the '''Rows to repeat''' line
 
#* Enter the row number manually (e.g. $4 for row 4, $4:$6 for rows 4 to 6), or
 
#* Click on the icon to the right of the input field, then select a cell on the desired row from the spreadsheet.<br>
 
Multiple rows can be specified dragging your mouse across a range of cells.
 
# Click '''OK'''.
 
 
'''Notes:'''
 
* The row(s) specified here will be repeated on each print.
 
* You will not see a visual change in the spreadsheet, only in the printed copies.
 
* Use '''File - Page Preview''' to preview pages before printing.
 
* You an only select multiple rows id they are consecutive.
 
 
 
 
 
===How do I print my spreadsheets?===
 
 
<this should really rather be in a Howto>
 
 
In general, the best way to print large spreadsheets
 
is to first preview the print output, then adjust the print settings to
 
arrive at the desired effect. The following mini-procedures explain the
 
main options for printing spreadsheets.
 
 
'''Previewing the print area:'''
 
 
*With the spreadsheet open, go to '''File &gt; Page Preview''' in the drop-down menus.
 
*In the window that appears, use the navigation buttons on the tool bar to view the print. If the spreadsheet is too large for one page, some columns may appear on additional pages.
 
*To close the preview window, click the '''Close Preview''' button to the right of the navigation buttons on the toolbar.
 
*Make adjustments to the print settings, then preview again. Repeat until the print displays in the desired format.
 
 
'''''Note:''''' This command will allow you to see the current page number assignments for the data that you want to print. This is especially useful when only a portion of the spreadsheet is to be printed, or when several print ranges are associated with one Calc file.
 
'''Formatting the page:'''
 
 
*With the spreadsheet open, go to '''Format &gt; Page...''' in the drop-down menus. 
 
*In the dialog that appears, select the '''Page''' tab.
 
*Set the paper size.
 
*Specify the Orientation of the page: click on the checkbox next to Portrait or Landscape.
 
*Adjust the margins, if needed.
 
*Set the table alignment to align the table to the page.
 
*Click '''OK''', or click other tabs in this box to acess more formatting options.<br>
 
 
 
 
'''Adjusting the page breaks:'''
 
 
*With the spreadsheet open, select '''View &gt; Page Break Preview'''.
 
*Place the cursor exactly on top of one of the (blue) page edge lines, then drag each edge to adjust the page boundaries as desired.
 
*To toggle this view off, select '''View &gt; Page Break Preview'''.
 
 
'''''Note:''''' If everything appears gray, this means that no print ranges are defined. If a print range is defined, the printing area will show up with a white background with a blue outline at the page boundary. A gray 'Page N', where 'N' is the page sequence number ''for the sheet'', will appear in the middle of the print area. If no range is defined for printing, follow the instructions
 
below.
 
 
'''Setting the area to be printed:'''
 
 
*Go to the desired sheet.
 
*Click and drag to select (highlight) the area of the sheet to be printed.
 
*In the drop-down menus, go to '''Format &gt; Print Ranges &gt; Add'''.
 
*Repeat the above steps for each sheet of the file to be printed.
 
 
'''Adjusting the printout to fit onto one page:'''
 
 
*With the spreadsheet open, select '''Format &gt; Page...'''
 
*In the dialog that appears, select the '''Sheet''' tab.
 
*In the lower right corner of the dialog, there is a '''Reduce/enlarge printout''' scale control. Enter a value that you think will make the data fit on the page.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
*Use '''Page Preview''' (instructions above) to see a preview of what will print. Readjust if necessary.
 
 
'''Adjusting the maximum number of pages on which the print should fit:'''
 
 
*With the spreadsheet open, select '''Format &gt; Page...'''
 
*In the dialog that appears, select the '''Sheet''' tab.
 
*At bottom of the dialog there is a scale control labeled, '''Fit printout on number of pages'''. Click the checkbox next to it; then enter the desired number of pages for the printout.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
*Use '''Page Preview''' (instructions above) to see a preview of what will print. Readjust if necessary.
 
 
'''Printing only a portion of the spreadsheet (a range of rows or columns):'''
 
 
*In the spreadsheet where the data lives, click and drag the mouse over the cells to select (highlight) the rows or columns to be printed.
 
*Select '''Format &gt; Print Ranges'''.
 
*In the print dialog that appears, click the checkbox next to '''Edit...''' at lower left.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
 
'''''Note:''''' Printing a selected range of data is also controlled by print scaling. If the data selected does not fit on the desired number of pages, adjust the Scale using either of the scaling procedures above (scale by percentage or by number of pages allowed).
 
 
'''Editing the print range:'''
 
 
*With the spreadsheet open, select '''Format &gt; Print Ranges &gt; Edit'''.
 
*In the print dialog that appears, look at the '''Print range''' setting. It is probably set to '''user defined''' and shows a range of cells.
 
*Adjust the cell definition in the range of cells, or select '''None''' to clear the print range.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
*If there are no settings, or they are cleared, use one of the other methods shown to set your print ranges.
 
 
'''Printing a spreadsheet in the middle of the paper:'''
 
 
*With the spreadsheet open, select '''Format &gt; Page...'''
 
*In the dialog that appears, select the '''Page''' tab.
 
*In the '''Table alignment''' section, select (or deselect as desired) the boxes next to '''Horizontal''' and '''Vertical'''. A visual of the table alignment settings will show in the small graphic on the same page as these parameters.
 
 
{{SeeAlso}}
 
*[http://documentation.openoffice.org/HOW_TO/spreadsheet/calc5_EN.html How to Set the Printing Settings]
 
 
 
 
 
<!-- MARK -->
 
==Charts==
 
 
===How do I extend the range of data shown in my chart after I add new data to my spreadsheet?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
* Select a new range and drag the selection onto the chart.
 
 
* You can also select the chart, right-click, and then choose '''Modify Data Range'''.
 
 
 
 
 
<!-- MARK -->
 
==Error Handling and Troubleshooting==
 
 
===Why does deleting filtered rows remove other rows too?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
When using Calc filters, selections that span a range of cells
 
include filtered and hidden rows. Deleting a range of rows with a
 
filter enabled will delete '''all rows in that range''', whether they are
 
visible or hidden, not just the visible rows.
 
 
To select multiple rows individually, select the first row,
 
then use '''CTRL'''+Click to select each additional row.
 
 
 
 
 
===What do each of the error codes (Err:NNN) in OpenOffice.org spreadsheets mean?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
See [[FAQ:Calc_Error_Codes|here]] for a list of error codes
 
 
'''Note:'''
 
* a '###' in a cell is not an error, but an indication that the column is too narrow to display the data properly.
 
 
{{SeeAlso}}
 
* [[FAQ:Calc#I_see_.27.23.23.23.27_in_a_cell_that_formerly_held_data._How_can_I_see_my_data_again.3F|I
 
see '###' in a cell that formerly held data. How can I see my data again?]]
 
 
 
 
 
===Why do I see the formula text and not the result of the formula?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
* Make sure that all formulas will start with the equal sign (=)
 
 
If your formula starts with the = character, check that the options are set to not view the formula:
 
# Select '''Tools - Options''' from the main menu
 
# Select '''OpenOffice.org Calc - View''' (in OpenOffice.org 1.1.x: Spreadsheet - View)
 
# Make sure that the '''Formulas''' Option under '''Display''' is '''not''' checked
 
 
 
 
 
===How to get proper Calc Help files for OpenOffic.org 2.0.1 for Windows?===
 
{{WW2x}}
 
 
Update to the [http://download.openoffice.org/ latest release]. The problem is fixed.
 
 
 
 
 
===I see '###' in a cell that formerly held data. How can I see my data again?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
When the content of a cell is too long to be displayed in a single cell, it will
 
be clipped at the standard width and height of the cell itself. The rest of the
 
content is simply hidden.
 
 
* Go to the heading row and drag one of the column edges until it is wide enough
 
to display your data properly if the cell content is a number; or
 
* Double-click on the cell if the cell content is text and a little red triangle
 
appears on the right side of the cell to signal that this is an overflowing one.
 
 
 
 
 
<!-- MARK -->
 
==Miscellaneous==
 
 
===What's the maximum number of rows for a spreadsheet file?===
 
{{WW11x}}
 
The OpenOffice.org 1.1.x versions were able to handle a maximum of 32,000 rows.
 
Update to the [http://download.openoffice.org/index.html current version] to solve this issue.
 
 
{{WW2x}}
 
The limitations of the OpenOffice.org 2.x Calc versions are
 
* maximum number of rows: 65,535
 
* maximum number of columns: 256
 
* maximum number of sheets: 256
 
 
'''Notes:'''
 
* When referencing to external documents in formulas or when creating sceanrios, hidden helper sheets are created that reduce the available number of sheets.
 
 
 
 
 
===How can I start OpenOffice.org Calc instead of Writer?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
Pass '''-calc''' as an argument on the command line when executing openoffice.org to start OpenOffice.org Calc:
 
ooffice -calc
 
 
 
 
 
===Is there a way to add times that total greater than 24 hrs?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
Yes. Select a format code with the hour symbols in square brackets, like '''[HH]:MM'''.
 
 
# Select the cell you want to apply the format to
 
# Select '''Format - Cells''' from the main menu
 
# Select the '''Numbers''' tab
 
# Set the Category to '''Time'''
 
# Select one of the formats with hours > 24, for example '''[HH]:MM:SS'''<br>you can also select the '''Format Code''' line and enter the format yourself
 
# Click '''OK'''.
 
 
Now when you add the times from cells with this format together, you will get the true sum
 
of hours and minutes. Otherwise, the sum will reset to zero each time 24 hours is reached.
 
 
 
 
 
===How can I see the row and column captions as I scroll through a sheet that is larger than my display?===
 
{{WWAll}}
 
 
There are two ways to obtain this result:
 
 
Mode 1 (with a single row or column caption): '''Freeze''' the caption.
 
 
# Click on the cell just below and to the right of the row and column that will contain your caption.
 
# Select '''Window - Freeze''' from the main menu.
 
 
If you have either row captions or column labels, you can create a cross freezing
 
by clicking on the uppermost left side cell that does '''not''' contain a caption.
 
For example, in a sheet with single row and column captions, choose the B2 cell.
 
The position of all cells above and to the left of the cell where the Freeze
 
was activated will be frozen.
 
 
Mode 2 (with multiple row or column captions): '''Split''' the sheet.
 
 
# Click on the cell just below and to the right of the row and column that you want to contain your caption.
 
# Select '''Window - Split''' from the main menu.
 
 
The sheet window will be split. The result is different from Mode 1 because you
 
can scroll all sections of the split window, showing the caption according to
 
your needs.
 
 
There is another (almost hidden) way to split a sheet window:
 
 
At the top of the right scroll bar and at the right of the bottom one, you can
 
see little black lines. When the mouse is over one of these zones, the mouse pointer
 
changes into a dragging icon.
 
 
# When this icon shows, click and hold down the left mouse button to display a border line in the grid of cells.
 
# With the mouse, drag the line on the grid to the row or column that will contain your caption.
 
# Release the mouse button. The sheet will be split at this border.
 
 
 
 
 
===Where can I find more documentation for Calc?===
 
 
Internal OpenOffice.org resources:
 
* [http://documentation.openoffice.org/HOW_TO/index.html OOo Documentation Project How-Tos]
 
* [http://documentation.openoffice.org/manuals/index.html OOo Documentation Project Manuals]
 
 
External resources:
 
* [http://www.ooodocs.org/modules.php?name=Content&amp;pa=showpage&amp;pid=3  OOoDoc.Org How-Tos]
 
* [http://www.tutorialsforopenoffice.org/category_index/spreadsheet.html Calc Tutorials for OpenOffice]
 
* [http://www.digitaldistribution.com/samples/calcfirststeps/ First Steps with Calc]
 
 
Internal OpenOffice.org mail lists where you can find information about Calc:
 
* [http://www.openoffice.org/servlets/SummarizeList?listName=users OOo General Users List Archives]
 
* [http://sc.openoffice.org/servlets/SummarizeList?listName=users OOo Spreadsheet Project User List Archives]
 
 
External mail lists and forums where you can find information about Calc:
 
* [http://www.ooodocs.org/modules.php?name=Forums&amp;file=viewforum&amp;f=3&amp;sid=c36b0ed8a9e6354fc7d3a326b0c06628 OOoDocs Calc General Forum]
 
* [http://www.oooforum.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=3 OOoForum::View Forum::OpenOffice.org Calc]
 
 
Please write to let us know if there are other Calc related resources that should be shown in this list.
 
 
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===How do I rotate a column title so that it fits above my very narrow column?===
 
There are a few options. Follow these instructions:
 
 
*Select the cells where you wish to rotate the text.
 
*From the pull down menu, go to '''Format &gt; Cells...'''
 
*In the dialog that appears, click on the '''Alignment''' tab.
 
 
In the Text Direction section of the '''Alignment''' box, try these options:
 
 
*Click on the button labeled '''ABCD'''. (Letters on the button are arranged from top to bottom.) This box will arrange your title with the first character at the top of the cell, the second character underneath it, as shown in the label on the button. Click '''OK''' to see the effect.
 
*Alternatively, drag the little dot on the circle to the bottom of the circle (or enter '''270''' in the Degrees box). This will rotate the text in the selected cell by 270 degrees. Click '''OK''' to see the effect. Experiment with placement of the dot to learn more.
 
 
===How do I create a chart in a spreadsheet that is automatically updated when the data is changed?===
 
Follow these steps:
 
 
*From the pull down menus, select: '''Tools &gt; Options'''.
 
*In the left column of the dialog that appears, select: '''Spreadsheet &gt; General'''.
 
*On the page that appears, in the Updating section under '''Update links when opening''', click the checkbox next to '''Always'''.
 
 
'''Note:''' This is a global setting and will affect all spreadsheet charts and linked information from spreadsheets. If this is not desirable, click the checkbox next to '''On request'''. With this
 
selected, a dialog box will pop up when each file with links to a spreadsheet is opened, where you can choose whether or not to update the item with newer information from the linked spreadsheet.
 
 
{{SeeAlso}}
 
[http://052.html How do I extend the range of data shown in my chart after I add new data to my spreadsheet?]
 
 
===How do I protect cells in my spreadsheet?===
 
Cell protection is active for all cells by default. If only certain cells are to be protected, this setting must be turned off.
 
 
*Select the entire spreadsheet. (A quick way is to click the little gray box above row 1 and to the left of column A.)
 
*From the pull-down menus, select '''Format &gt; Cells'''.
 
*In the dialog that appears, select the '''Cell Protection''' tab.
 
*Uncheck the box next to '''Protected''' to remove the protection on all cells.
 
 
To select a range of cells to protect, or to select non-adjacent cells to protect:
 
 
*Hold down the '''Ctrl''' key while clicking on the non-adjacent cells to highlight the ones that are to be protected.
 
*When all of the desired cells are selected, in the pull-down menus, go to '''Format &gt; Cells...'''
 
*In the dialog that appears, select the '''Cell Protection''' tab.
 
*Click on the box next to '''Protect'''.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
 
Once the cells are marked for protection, the protection option must be enabled at the sheet or spreadsheet level:
 
 
*From the pull-down menus, select '''Tools &gt; Protect Document &gt; Sheet''' or '''Tools &gt; Protect Document &gt; Document'''.
 
*In the dialog that appears, provide a password , then confirm it by typing it again.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
*The protected cells will now be uneditable.
 
 
===How do I output my spreadsheet data as an ASCII, delimited text file?===
 
Follow these steps:
 
 
*From the pull down menus, select: '''File &gt; Save As...'''
 
*In the '''Save as''' dialog that appears, select File type '''Text CSV (.csv; .txt)''' from the list of spreadsheet file types.
 
*Click to enable the box next to '''Edit filter settings'''.
 
*Click '''Save'''.
 
*In the '''Export of text files''' dialog box that pops up, enter the field and text delimiters of your choice. The default '''Field delimiter''' is '''[Tab]'''. The '''Text delimiter''' is the character that will surround any text entries in your spreadsheet, to keep each phrase together as an entity, when the file is exported into ASCII format.
 
 
===Some of the rows in my spreadsheet are hidden. How do I see all the rows?===
 
The '''Show''' command will cause all rows or columns in a selected area to be visible on the display.
 
 
*Select the area of the spreadsheet where rows are hidden. To select the entire spreadsheet, go to '''Edit &gt; Select All''' in the pull-down menus, or use the '''Control-A''' keystroke
 
combination.
 
*To show all rows, select: '''Format &gt; Row &gt; Show'''.
 
*Similarly, to show all columns, select: '''Format &gt; Column &gt; Show'''.
 
*After the area is selected, '''Show''' also appears in the right-click menu, if only columns or rows are hidden.
 
 
===How do I format cells in OpenOffice.org Spreadsheet so that the rows number automatically?===
 
One method (this example assumes that you wish to put your row numbers in column A):
 
 
*Enter the formula '''=row(a1)''' in cell A1.
 
*Extend the cell by dragging the bottom right corner all the way down column A.
 
 
'''Note:''' If you add or insert new rows, you will have to copy the formula to the new cells.
 
 
 
===How can I use cells from different Calc files?===
 
You can open the source file, select and copy onto the clipboard
 
(CTRL + C) the desired cells and then in the target file you should
 
select a target cell and choose '''Edit &gt; Paste Special''' from
 
the Menu Bar and enable the link option in the choice shown in the
 
dialog box that opens.
 
A more direct way to do this is to write a formula of the following
 
kind in the formula bar or in a target cell: <br>
 
'''=DDE(soffice; YourFilePath; SourceSheetName.SourceCellName)'''
 
''' Example:''' =DDE(soffice;c:\myfile.sxi;MySheet.A1)
 
 
===How I change the order of sheets in my spreadsheet?===
 
The simplest method to move a sheet is to grab its tab with the
 
mouse, click on the tab with the mouse and hold the mouse button down,
 
then drag the tab to its new position amongst the other tabs in the
 
workbook. There are other methods to move (or copy) sheets too:
 
 
*Select the sheet you want to move.
 
*While still positioned over the sheet tab, click the right mouse
 
button to access the context menu, then choose '''Move/Copy Sheet...''',
 
or in the pull-down menus go to '''Edit &gt; Sheet &gt; Move/Copy...'''
 
*In the Move/Copy dialog that appears, be sure that the check box
 
labeled '''Copy''' is not set unintentionally. Place a tick at '''Copy'''
 
only if you wish to copy the sheet instead of move it.
 
*Specify where to move the sheet in the Move/Copy pop-up box.
 
Select an open document from the drop down menu labeled '''To document'''.
 
Choose the position of the sheet in that document from the drop-down
 
menu labeled '''Insert before'''.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
 
===How can I rename a sheet?===
 
 
*Select the sheet to be renamed.
 
*While still positioned over the sheet tab, click the right mouse button to access the context menu, then choose '''Rename Sheet...'''.
 
*Enter the new name.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
 
===How is a variable date inserted into a spreadsheet cell?===
 
Insert a function into a cell by following these instructions:
 
 
*Select the cell that will hold the function.
 
*From the pull-down menus, select '''Insert &gt; Function'''.
 
*Pick '''Date&amp;Time''' as the '''Category'''.
 
*Double-click the'''Today''' function for the current date, or double-click the '''Now''' function for the current date and time.
 
*Click '''OK'''. The cell should now contain the selected function.
 
 
===How are thick lines or borders created around my cells?===
 
Creating a border:
 
 
*Select the cells where you wish to apply a border.
 
*From the pull-down menus, select '''Format &gt; Cells...''' then click on the '''Borders''' tab.
 
*In the '''Line Arrangement''' section, under '''Default''', click on the icon that best shows the style of border you wish to use, or
 
*Under '''User Defined''', select custom border styles by clicking on the individual lines shown bordering four 'dummy' cells.
 
 
Changing the width of a border:
 
 
*In the '''Line''' section, under '''Style''', click on the desired line for your border, and
 
*Under '''Color''', choose the desired color for your border.
 
 
 
===How do I insert a page number in the form of 'Page 1 of N' on each page of a spreadsheet?===
 
 
Page numbers can be inserted into the header or footer sections of a
 
spreadsheet. These will be visible only in the Page Preview mode and on
 
the print. The page numbers will not be visible on, nor are they
 
related to, the calc sheets themselves. The page numbers reflect the
 
defined print areas of the workbook. To insert page numbers, follow
 
these instructions:
 
 
*From the pull-down menus, select '''Edit &gt; Headers &amp; Footers...'''
 
*Select either the Header tab or the Footer tab.
 
*Click in the area where the page number blurb will display (Left, Center, or Right) to place the cursor inside the box.
 
*Type '''Page''', then add one space character.
 
*The available data fields are represented by a row of icons below the left, center, and right input areas. Click on the document icon with ONE number sign [ # ] to insert the page number field.
 
*Type a space, '''of''', and another space.
 
*Click on the document icon with TWO number signs [ ## ] to insert the page total field.
 
*Click '''OK'''.
 
 
'''Note:''' The data fields available int the header and footer
 
settings are the only data fields and formats available in spreadsheets.
 
 
===A large OpenOffice.org spreadsheet was converted from another application. Some of my rows are missing! What happened?===
 
 
OpenOffice.org spreadsheets supports 65536 rows (32000 in releases 1.x), maximum.
 
Spreadsheets converted from other applications that contain more than
 
65536 rows will be truncated.
 
 
'''Hint:''' Split large spreadsheets from other applications into
 
smaller worksheets, so that each has fewer than 65536 rows prior to
 
converting them. A range containing fewer than 65536 rows will convert
 
correctly.
 
 
{{SeeAlso}}
 
*[[FAQ:Calc#What_is_the_maximum_number_of_cells_in_an_OpenOffice.org_spreadsheet.3F| What is the maximum number of cells in an OpenOffice.org spreadsheet?]]
 
 
===What is the maximum number of cells in an OpenOffice.org spreadsheet?===
 
The maximum number of rows per sheet is 65536 (32000 in releases 1.x). The maximum number
 
of columns per sheet is 256. The maximum number of cells per sheet is
 
16,777,216. The maximum number of sheets per workbook is 256, which altogether makes it 4,294,967,296 cells per workbook, theoretically. Most certainly the machine doesn't have enough addressable memory available to put content in all cells.
 
 
'''Where this can be a hindrance:'''
 
 
*[http://022.html A large OpenOffice.org spreadsheet was converted from another application. Some of my rows are missing! What happened?]
 
  
 
[[Category:User_FAQ]] [[Category:Calc]]
 
[[Category:User_FAQ]] [[Category:Calc]]
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[[Category: Documentation/FAQ]]
 +
{{Documentation/Languages|/FAQ/Calc}}

Revision as of 12:52, 16 July 2018

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Search the FAQs:

Because of the number of FAQs for Calc, this section has been divided into several pages.

Documentation note.png Many of these FAQs were originally written for OpenOffice.org 1.x and may not have been updated to reflect changes in OOo 2.x or 3.x. We are working on checking updating all of them, but this takes a lot of time and more volunteers are needed. If you find an answer that is out of date, please either correct it or leave a comment on the "Discussion" tab of the relevant page.



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