About data entry forms

Excel can generate a built-in data form for your range. The data form displays all of your column labels in a single dialog box, with a blank space beside each label for you to fill in data for the column. You can enter new data, find rows based on cell contents, update existing data, and delete rows from the range.

Use a data form when a simple form listing the columns is sufficient and you don't need more sophisticated or custom features. A data form can make data entry easier than typing across the columns when you have a wide range with more columns than will fit on the screen at one time.

If you need a sophisticated or specialized data entry form, you can create a worksheet or template to use as a form and then customize the worksheet form to meet your needs. For example, you might create an expense report form for people to fill out online or in printed form.

Use this method when you want complete flexibility to customize your form. Worksheet forms are particularly useful when you want individual printable copies of your forms. You can develop a data entry application using the Microsoft Visual Basic Editor to keep the data from the forms in an Excel range.