Bottom Line: Excel’s newest updates bring smarter tools, enhanced usability, and features to revolutionize your workflow.
Skill Level: All Levels
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Exciting New Features in Excel
Excel continues to innovate with 25 exciting new features across desktop, web, and mobile platforms. From advanced tools like Python integration to usability upgrades such as the modernized grid for the web, these updates can elevate your experience regardless of your skill level. Let me show you some of the new gadgets and features introduced in 2024.
Note: Features that are still in Beta testing are noted where applicable.
1. High Contrast Only in Color Picker
The color picker now recommends the best font color for your selected fill color (or the best fill color for your current font color). This ensures maximum readability in your workbooks.
2. Checkboxes
Checkboxes are now generally available and can be used for both simple checklists and more advanced solutions where dynamic values are required.
Here are 19 Ways to Use Excel’s Checkboxes Feature and a tutorial on the Show Details Checkbox.
3. Focus Cell
The Focus Cell feature highlights the active cell, making navigation easier. You can toggle it on/off with the Focus Cell button and also select the highlighting color.
It also turns on automatically when you use Ctrl + F or the Find window.
Here is a YouTube video on Focus Cell where I explain more about it.
4. New Theme
The updated Office theme introduces fresh fonts and color palettes. I call it the “Purple Monster” because it replaces the old blue color with purple by default.
More details about the theme, including how to revert back to the old theme, can be found in this post.
5. GROUPBY and PIVOTBY
These new functions allow you to create summary reports with a single formula, offering a streamlined alternative to pivot tables.
Explore 5 Problems with Excel’s New PIVOTBY Function
6. TRIMRANGE and Trim References (Beta)
The TRIMRANGE function trims unused blank cells in column references, enhancing calculation speed and automatically updating when new data is added.
7. Improvements to Text Functions and Compatibility Versions (Beta)
Compatibility Versions let you update functions without affecting older models. For example, LEN now properly handles emojis when using the latest version of the function.
Checkout Microsoft's announcement on the Compatibility Versions feature for more details.
8. TRANSLATE & DETECTLANGUAGE Functions (Beta)
Translate cell values into any language and detect the language of a text string directly in Excel.
Read an entire post on this topic here.
9. REGEX Functions
Regex functions like REGEXTEST, REGEXEXTRACT, and REGEXREPLACE bring advanced text pattern capabilities to Excel, enabling tasks like extracting dates or phone numbers.
Learn all about these useful functions in the post: How to Use the New REGEX Functions in Excel
10. Regex Modes for XLOOKUP and XMATCH (Beta)
XLOOKUP and XMATCH now support regex matching, adding even more flexibility to these already powerful functions.
11. Modernized Grid for Web
The web version of Excel has been further improved with a modernized grid for smoother navigation and usability. The most popular new feature is an easier way to insert new columns and rows.
Learn more about the new grid in this post.
12. Export to CSV for Web
The web version now supports exporting to CSV files, making it easier to share data using Excel for free.
13. Date Picker for Web
Double-clicking a cell containing a date in the web version brings up a date picker, simplifying date entry.
14. More Improvements for Web
Web users can now:
- Drag and drop rows and columns.
- Use more paste options.
- Autofill numbers and dates more efficiently.
15. Chart Data Task Pane for Web
The Chart Data Task Pane has been enhanced, providing easier access to data selection and visualization options.
16. Share Links to Sheet Views
Create links to specific Sheet Views, so coworkers can open a workbook and see it exactly as you intended.
17. Sync Forms Data for Web and Desktop
Generate Microsoft Forms directly from Excel and sync the results in real time. With this feature, you can create Microsoft Forms directly from Excel and sync the responses seamlessly across both platforms. As new data is submitted through the form, the linked Excel workbook updates automatically, saving time and eliminating manual data entry. This is especially useful for creating surveys, tracking registrations, or collecting real-time feedback.
Checkout Microsoft's announcement on the Forms integration here.
18. KeyTips for Mac (Beta)
Mac users can now create keyboard shortcuts for ribbon buttons using ALT/Option sequences.
More on this feature here: Over 259 NEW Keyboard Shortcuts – Excel Update for Mac
19. Power Query Refresh Data from Folder on Mac (Beta)
Mac users can refresh data from folders, making it easier to combine data from multiple files.
20. Copilot in Excel
Copilot is now available for Excel, helping users:
- Write formulas.
- Apply conditional formatting.
- Analyze data.
21. Python in Excel
Python integration allows you to analyze data, create advanced charts, and perform calculations directly within Excel.
22. Python Editor
The new Python Editor simplifies writing and debugging Python code, providing a visual breakdown of execution steps.
23. Copilot in Excel with Python (Beta)
Copilot now integrates with Python, offering advanced analysis, error detection, and code-writing assistance.
24. Sheet Protection on iPad
iPad users can now apply sheet protection, expanding functionality for mobile users.
25. Pivot Tables on iPad
The iPad version also supports creating and editing pivot tables, making it a more viable tool for professional use.
Conclusion
These 25 new features offer something for everyone, from advanced users to beginners. Whether you’re exploring Python integration, leveraging REGEX for smarter formulas, or enjoying usability upgrades on the web and iPad versions, these updates make Excel more powerful and accessible than ever.
Which feature are you most excited about? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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