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.

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.

Excel macros are like mini-programs that perform repetitive tasks, saving you a lot of time and typing. Here's everything you need to know to start programming macros yourself.

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.

When collaborating in Excel, sometimes the collaboration can be distracting. Here's how to make a static image so you can do your own work without interruption.

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.