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Welcome to our Tech Tips, Guides and How-To’s related to various common tasks, designed to help you learn, become more efficient and aware.
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OneDrive: Security as standard
Looking for an effective way to store files safely, access them from anywhere, share them easily and sync everything in real time? Here it is.
Outlook: A simpler way to do it all
Constantly switching between contacts, your calendar and inbox as you set up your working week? It can be frustrating when information is in different places. Now you can do it all within Outlook.
Stream: A great place to share videos
There’s nothing better than video for communicating with people, especially your team. Did you know you have access to a powerful live streaming and video on demand tool within your Microsoft 365 subscription?
Publisher puts professional publishing at your fingertips
The days of needing a designer to create professional looking designs are over! OK, so not quite. But for some things you already have the tools you need – such as Microsoft Publisher.
Visio gives you powerful visualisation tools
Do you need to create a diagram – perhaps a flow chart or a floor plan for a new project. Visio is an easy way to do it. Here’s what you need to know.
Forms: Connecting safely to the people you need to
You need to collect a load of information from prospects or clients? Microsoft Forms is a safe way to do it.
Why Microsoft 365 needs multi-factor authentication
If your team uses weak passwords for applications, it’s only a matter of time till you have a major security problem. Multi-factor authentication is a major defensive weapon to help protect your business.
Microsoft 365 Sway: A niche app with a real purpose
So you need to design a document for work… but you’re not a designer. And apps like Publisher are too confusing? Enter Sway. It’s inside Microsoft 365, and makes designing easy for non-designers. Here’s our take on it.
Planner helps your team to get things done
If your team is based in lots of different locations, managing projects effectively can be a headache. Not if you’re using Microsoft Planner. It’s a powerful tool, and integrates perfectly with the Microsoft 365 apps you already love. Let’s explore many of the...
Microsoft Project makes project management simple
If a lot of your work involves managing projects, there’s lots of software you can use to help you. In today’s video, we recommend some software that integrates well with the other 365 applications you already use.
Bookings: Delivering organisation and customer satisfaction
We’re all busy, with packed calendars. Which sometimes makes it difficult to find a good time to talk to each other. Enter Microsoft Bookings. It’s designed to find gaps that suit you and the person you want to meet with. And make sure everyone gets reminders about...
SharePoint: The benefits for your business
If you’re looking for a customised way to collaborate and share information within your business, maybe SharePoint is the answer. Our video shows you some of exciting things you can do with it.
To Do: Making your life easier
Half the challenge of being productive is knowing what you need to do, by when. There’s a very powerful task manager that works with other Microsoft 365 applications. Here’s the lowdown on it.
Access: Database management for casual users and professionals
There’s a tool inside Microsoft 365 which allows you to get a lot more out of data sitting within your business. It’s not Excel – it’s more powerful than that. But it’s still user friendly. We reveal all in our video.
Whiteboard makes collaboration simple
Nothing beats gathering your team together around a whiteboard to brainstorm ideas. But in our new hybrid world, getting everyone in the same place at the same time can be a challenge. Here’s a clever online whiteboard tool you can use to achieve the same benefit.
MyAnalytics will help you be more efficient
Wouldn’t it be great if you had a dashboard with information about your team’s work patterns? So you could help them collaborate more. And make sure they were disconnecting from work to take proper time off. This dashboard exists. And it’s within Microsoft 365. Our...
Teams: Immersive and inclusive
You’re using Teams in your business, right? In our view it’s one of the best applications Microsoft has ever released. And in this video, we explore an inclusivity feature that makes it even more useful.
Editor: Perfecting content for email, documents, and the web
If you ever feel embarrassed by spelling or grammar mistakes, there’s help available – and it’s from an app you probably already have. Microsoft Editor is part of 365. It will check your text in real time and make suggestions. And it even works on non-Microsoft...
Lists: Making collaboration easier
We all know the power of a good to do list. And if you use Microsoft 365, you have access to Lists. It’s a powerful tool that integrates with other apps you and your team already use. Here’s the lowdown on Lists.
OneNote: The power of translation
If your business works with suppliers and clients overseas, you can use OneNote to automatically translate text. Here’s how to do it.
Microsoft 365: Mobile apps and business without the office
Microsoft 365 literally has all the answers. There are so many different applications contained within your subscription. And it’s surprising just how many devices you can use your apps on.
PowerPoint: Raising the game with audio
Love it or hate it, PowerPoint is the most useful way to influence colleagues during a meeting or video call. There are lots of little tricks hidden within PowerPoint, to give you greater communication powers. And here’s one you’re going to love.
MileIQ: An automatic mileage tracker
Do your team forget to track their mileage when driving for business? It can be a real pain. Luckily there’s an app that can track mileage automatically for you. And you probably already have it, as it’s part of Microsoft 365. Here are the details.
Excel: Making productivity easier with ‘Smart Lookup’
Excel isn’t just for crunching numbers. It’s got a host of very clever features to make your life easier, and work more productive. Here’s one you might not know about. It’s where Excel can look up the contents of a spreadsheet cell for you.
Collaborating in real time with Word
We all love Word, and have used it for many, many years. But did you know the Word of today can do so many more things, compared to the Word of yesterday. Such as collaborating on a document in real time. Here’s how…
The Microsoft 365 tool that helps you work less and achieve more
There’s so much more to Microsoft 365 than just Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. You’d be surprised by how much useful software is hidden in your subscription. In this video, we look at a productivity tool that lets you automate tasks across different apps.
Microsoft 365 features to boost productivity
There’s no better tool for getting things done than Microsoft 365. It’s packed with useful features that most people don’t know about. In this video we’re highlighting three that many people find the most useful.
Combine text from two cells into one
When you need to combine two cells into one, there’s no need to cut and paste every cell. With this simple formula, you can do it quickly and accurately.
Understand your data with super-fast graphs
Excel is such a clever tool, it can make sense of your data for you. This video will teach you how to take a sheet of numbers and turn them into helpful graphs, fast.
Make a drop-down list to select from
Don’t waste valuable time typing the same data into Excel repeatedly. We’ll show you how to create a dropdown list that will get the job done in no time.
Insert live Excel data into Word
If you need to display data from an Excel sheet in your Word document, don’t waste time trying to recreate it. We’ll show you how to use live Excel data in your Word document in just a few clicks.
Make dull data stand out and become dynamic
You may think it impossible to make Excel sheets appear interesting. Well, you’d be wrong. In this video you’ll learn how to make your data stand out.
Swap rows into columns and vice versa
When you need to swap your rows into columns or columns into rows, it can be tricky. Not only is it time consuming, but you run the risk of mixing up your data. We’ll show you how to do it in just a few clicks.
Create ranges of data without doing any typing
If you need to create sequential numbers, dates or other data in Excel, it can take forever. Not anymore. We’ll show you how to do it with the minimum of typing.
Save time adding new columns or rows
Adding multiple columns and rows into spreadsheets can be time-consuming, not to mention boring. Give that trackpad a rest and add as many new columns and rows as you need in one go. Here’s how.
Turn numbers into money with one click
If you’re using Excel to track budgets or other financial data, it can be helpful to have your currency symbol alongside the numbers. Here’s how to turn numbers into money, with just one click.
Do super-fast sums without formulas
Excel is great for calculations with formulas. But if you find your head spinning trying to remember how they work, we have the ultimate Excel hack for you. This video shows you how to do super-fast sums without formulas.
Speed up typing
Do you find yourself typing duplicate words or numbers into Excel? You can speed up this process by using the clever Flash Fill feature. It’ll save you from typing out the same info multiple times. Here’s how to use it.
Instantly see all data in columns & rows
Sometimes in an Excel document the column sizes need to be adjusted so you can see the data clearly. Rather than trying to change all the column and row sizes manually, we show you how to do it in just a few clicks.
Get to the top row without scrolling
If your Excel document is very long, it can take a lot of scrolling to get back to the top. Find out how to do it quickly, without moving the mouse or endless scrolling. It’s a shortcut you’ll use over and over.
Easily zoom in and out
When you’re looking at data in Excel, make sure you’re looking at the bigger (or smaller) picture by using the Zoom functions. This video shows you how to zoom in and out easily.
Always see the headings when scrolling
Excel is great for looking at lots of data, but when you can’t see the column or row headers, you have to scroll back and forth to check what the data means. Did you know there’s a great time saver which can lock the headers in place? Here’s how to do it.
Insert elegant invisible links in your presentation
You’ve designed a visual PowerPoint masterpiece, so why ruin it with a clunky looking menu or set of links? In this video we’ll show you how to create invisible links that appear part of the design.
Turn your presentation into a video
No PowerPoint? No problem. In this video, we’ll show you how to turn your presentation into a video, so it can be played on any device, even one without access to PowerPoint.
Live draw on your slides to grab attention
Pretend you’re a TV sport pundit by drawing directly on your PowerPoint slideshow during the presentation. In this video we’ll show you how to grab attention with live drawing.
Quickly blank the screen during a slideshow
A great PowerPoint presentation isn’t just about what’s on screen. It’s what you say too. When you want all eyes on you, we’ll show you how to quickly blank the screen until you’re ready to continue.
Grab attention by live zooming in your presentation
No more “death by PowerPoint”. Make your presentation stand out by learning how to live zoom in and out during your presentation. Your audience will thank you.
Say goodbye to boring bullet-points
Bullet-points. Useful, but kind of boring. Not anymore. This video shows you how to make your bullet-points looks as awesome as the rest of your PowerPoint presentation.
Remove the background from images quickly
We’re on a quest to get rid of terribly designed PowerPoint presentations. In this video, we’ll show you how to remove the background in images without having to use third-party graphics software.
Use 3D models in your slides
It’s time to ditch the clip art in your PowerPoint presentations. Here’s how to insert 3D models directly into your slides and take your presentations to the next level.
Turn a Word document into a PowerPoint
Have you ever needed to make a PowerPoint presentation based on a Word doc? Don’t waste hours cutting and pasting. Instead use our next-level PowerPoint tip to automatically turn your Word document into a presentation. Here’s how.
Make everything symmetrical
If you want all the elements of your PowerPoint slide to line up, but don’t want to spend ages moving them about and trying to make them symmetrical, this video is for you. We show you how to make everything line up perfectly, in just a few clicks.
Send the fonts in your presentation
You’ve created the perfect PowerPoint presentation… only for it to look terrible when it’s opened by someone who doesn’t have the same fonts. Now your slides can look perfect on any device. Here’s how.
Create and insert screen recordings
A video’s worth a thousand PowerPoint slides for communicating information. In this video, we show you how to create and insert screen recordings directly into your slides.
Change your pointer to grab attention
When you’re presenting in PowerPoint, how do you focus the audience’s attention? In this video we show you how to quickly change the standard pointer, so everyone’s attention stays exactly where you want it.
Add sound to your slides
If you want to create a PowerPoint presentation that will impress, consider adding sound. Music, sound effects and audio files can make your presentation stand out. It’s a lot simpler than you think.
Create a personal voicemail message
Give Teams the personal touch. When receiving calls in Teams, you can now create a personal voicemail message for your colleagues. In this video we show you how.
Find out if someone is free without having to check
Need to get in touch with someone but not sure if they’re free? In this video, we’ll show you how to find out if someone is available without having to continually check.
Setup your camera and mic before a call
Avoid the embarrassing tech fails at the beginning of Teams calls by setting up your camera and microphone before the call. Watch this, do it now, thank us later.
Share the right screen during a call
When sharing your screen during a Teams call, you want to be sure you’re not showing anything confidential or embarrassing. We’ll show you how to display only the information you want.
Stop writing posts that are 1 sentence long
Every time you hit Enter in a Teams chat, you send a separate short message, which isn’t great for getting you full point across. In this video we’ll show you how to communicate effectively, without the multiple messages.
Swap to the right mic during a call
You’re on a Teams call and you’re talking, but no one can hear you. It’s happened to us all. In this video, we’ll show you how to fix your microphone quickly, without having to leave the call.
Turn a quick email into a message
We love Microsoft Teams, but sometimes it’s quicker to share your thoughts via email. In this video, we’ll show you how to send an email directly into your Teams channel.
Stop the pings with Do Not Disturb mode
If you’re finding it difficult to get your work done due to constant interruptions, then you need the Teams equivalent of a closed door. Here’s how to turn on Do Not Disturb and silence the pings.
Send messages without breaking your workflow
The messaging facility in Teams is great, but it can break your concentration and flow. In this video, we show you a different way to use messages without having to leave the screen you’re working on.
Quickly mute your mic during a call
How many Teams calls are interrupted by random noises? This really simple shortcut shows how to quickly mute your mic, so your co-workers don’t have to listen to every cough, sneeze or dog bark.
Quickly turn off your camera during a call
Have you ever been on an important Teams call, only to be interrupted by your children or pets in the background? We’ve used a famous viral video moment to demonstrate how to quickly turn off your camera.
Only allow interruptions from your boss
Everyone needs time to work free from interruptions. But what if your boss is trying to contact you? This video shows you how to use Priority Access to block everyone except your boss.
Master ALL the shortcuts
Shortcuts are great, but only if you know about them. Use this handy tip to see all Teams shortcuts in one place. It’ll change the way you use Teams.
Look like you are in one room
Remote working is great, but you can still miss that ‘together’ feeling when you’re on a Teams call. Here’s how to make it look like you’re all in the same room.
Blur or change your background on a video call
Got a video call but your room isn’t appropriate for work? Did you know you can blur your background or change it entirely in Teams? Here’s how to make your backdrop look professional, without having to do any tidying.
Change lots of text all in one go
Need to make a lot of changes throughout your Word document? Don’t waste time scrolling through pages and pages. We’ll show you how to do it quickly with this handy feature.
Compare 2 documents really easily
When you need to compare documents, you don’t need to keep flicking back and forth between windows. We’ll show you how you open these documents side by side for easy comparison.
Create your own text format and use it quickly
Don’t spend ages recreating text styles throughout your documents. In this video we’ll teach you how to create your own style formats that you can use quickly and easily.
Send the fonts used in your document
Your beautiful Word documents deserve to be seen as you intended. In this video, we’ll show you how to embed fonts in the document, so they can be opened by anyone.
Never lose vital work when you click Save
Once you’ve pressed that Save button, you may have lost work you can’t get back. We’ve solved that problem for you. Learn how to create automatic backups in Word so you can always find the work you need.
Save documents much more quickly
Saving your Word documents can slow you down, especially if you’re having to change the default options. This video will show you how to set your own defaults, so that saving is a breeze.
Start a bullet-pointed list in just one click
Bullet points are great for communicating information and breaking up large chunks of text. We’ll show you how to create a bulleted list in Word without even touching the mouse.
Swap text to capitals and back on the keyboard
You may already know about the toolbar shortcut to change your text from capitals and back again, but did you know that there’s an even quicker way? We’ll show you this nifty keyboard shortcut.
Start a new document quicker
If you find yourself copying or overwriting old documents, you need to start using templates. Here’s how to create, save and open them.
Print mass personal letters
If you have a lot of letters to send and want to personalise them, this video is for you. Learn how to insert personal information, merge and print multiple letters from just one document.
Do mass personal emailing
Did you know you can send mass personal emails from within Word? Here’s how to make multiple emails look personal to every recipient, without having to leave your document.
Insert chunks of text with short codes
Always typing the same information into Word documents? Save time and get it right by using short codes. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Here’s how to set them up.
Insert chunks of text with a click
If you use Word a lot, you’re probably typing in the same information again and again and again. Save time by using the Auto Text function. Let us show you how.
Get rid of the annoying welcome screen
The Word welcome screen is great… the first time. Did you know you can skip it every time you open Word, so you can get straight to work? Here’s how to do that.
Concentrate and type more
Sometimes when you’re writing an important Word document, it’s too easy to be distracted by all the menus and buttons. Did you know you can remove the clutter from Word and put it into Focus mode... with just one click? Here’s how.
Do whatever you want with one click
If you spend a lot of time searching through menus and tools in Word, then your life is about to become a lot easier. Here’s how to create your own Quick Access Toolbar, so you can get to the tools and settings you use most often with just one click.
Create shortcuts for frequently used functions
Create shortcuts for frequently used functions Outlook functions are great, but we can show you something even better… a shortcut to your most frequently used functions. Go from a few clicks to just the press of a button to get your work done.
Add other country calendars to your own
Add other country calendars to your own Having your national holidays in your Outlook calendar is really useful. But if you also have clients and colleagues in other parts of the world, then knowing their national holidays is important too. Using this Outlook setting,...
See all your calendars in a single screen
See all your calendars in a single screen Juggling multiple personal and professional Outlook calendars can be overwhelming. Using this really simple function, you can see all your calendars on a single screen. Never miss a meeting or double book yourself again.
Stop the annoying email notification sound
Stop the annoying email notification sound The average person receives over 120 emails every day at work. That’s over 120 annoying notifications to distract you and your colleagues. You probably hear that sound in your dreams… not anymore. Here’s how to make the email...
Send a team email with one click
Send a team email with one click Instant messenger apps are great, but you’ll still need to send important team emails. In Outlook you can do this with just one click (and without forgetting anyone) by setting up a team email function.
Keep important email folders at the top
Keep important email folders at the top You know what they say, out of sight, out of mind. That isn’t such a good thing when it comes to important email folders. Keep your priority folders prominent in Outlook so they’re always at the top of your list.
Set your Out of Office auto-response message
Set your Out of Office auto-response message Pack that sunscreen and put on those sunglasses, because it’s time for a getaway. Just one thing left to do and that’s switch on your Out of Office. Let customers and colleagues know you’re away and who they should...
Make a new contact automatically
Make a new contact automatically Who has the time to manually create new email contacts? If you’re still relying on old emails or autocomplete, we have just the thing for you. Here’s how to create a new contact quickly and keep your contacts up to date.
Set your email signature
Set your email signature Your email signature is your digital business card, so it needs to look professional. Here’s how to set your email signature in Outlook.
Sort your emails into eye-catching categories
Sort your emails into eye-catching categories Prevent an overwhelming inbox by sorting your emails at a glance. You can arrange them by client, colleague, theme or urgency… whatever works best for you. Eye-catching designs make sure you’re able to see important emails...
Insert text into emails really quickly
Insert text into emails really quickly Tired of typing the same phrases and paragraphs in your emails? Save time and energy by discovering how to automatically insert big sections of text with just a few clicks. Do it now, thank us later.
Reply to emails without using your mouse
Reply to emails without using your mouse Who has time to use a mouse or trackpad when responding to emails? Use this great shortcut to reply to emails without your fingers needing to leave the keyboard.
Create a good folder structure for your emails
Create a good folder structure for your emails We get so many emails, it’s easy for inboxes to become a mess. Creating a good folder structure is the perfect way to help you find what you’re looking for quickly and keep your inbox clean and tidy.
Automatically file incoming emails
Automatically file incoming emails Is your inbox the digital version of your junk drawer? Introduce some Zen to your digital life and use these great tips to automatically file your incoming emails.
Send emails without reaching for the mouse
Send emails without reaching for the mouse You know in movies, where they use their computers without ever touching the mouse? Now you can too. Here’s how to send emails without using your mouse or trackpad – instead some helpful Outlook shortcuts.