Creating and Opening Workbooks
Learn how to create new workbooks, open existing files, use templates, pin recent files, and understand Compatibility Mode in Excel.
Video
Watch the lesson video, then complete the reading and challenge.
Lesson Notes
Read through the key concepts before you try the challenge.
Creating a New Workbook
To create a new workbook, click File → New. You can select a Blank Workbook or choose from available templates.
Searching for Templates
Excel allows you to search for online templates. Simply type a keyword like 'budget' into the search bar.
Opening Existing Workbooks
Click File → Open to access recent workbooks, OneDrive files, or browse your computer.
Pinning Recent Files
You can pin frequently used workbooks so they always appear at the top of your Recent list.
Understanding Compatibility Mode
If you open an older Excel file, you may see Compatibility Mode in the title bar. Some newer features are disabled until the file is converted.
Knowledge Check
What is a template in Excel?
Practice File
Download this file and follow along with the lesson.
Challenge
Apply what you've learned in this lesson.
Complete the following tasks:
- Create a new blank workbook.
- Search for and preview a template.
- Open a recent workbook.
- Pin a file to the Recent list.
- Open an older Excel file and convert it from Compatibility Mode.