+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 23 of 23

What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

  1. #1
    Forum Moderator - RIP Richard Buttrey's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-14-2008
    Location
    Stockton Heath, Cheshire, UK
    MS-Off Ver
    Office 365, Excel for Windows 2010 & Excel for Mac
    Posts
    29,464

    What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Prompted by a thread involving sorting by colour it set me wondering what stuff people would really like to see in Excel. I must admit colour sorting wouldn't have been high on my list of priorities.

    Is there in fact a forum/route to notify wish list items for MS to pick up on?

    The functionality that always annoys me is when selecting a range for advance filtering and then finishing with the copy to location on another sheet, getting the unhelpful message 'you can only copy filtered data to the active sheet'. It seems so counter intuitive.

    Not only that but when you do start out on the 'Active' sheet label, the one to which you want the filtered data to appear, you get the even more annoying message that says you must select at least two rows, and then to add insult to injury when you do select more than two rows Excel becomes yet more annoying and tells me that it can't determine which rows contain the label and you have to jump back to the origin sheet.

    Is there anything more annoying than this? Or have I been doing it wrong all these years

    I'd like to see this fixed.

    What deficiencies annoy others and what additional functionality would you like?

    Regards
    Richard Buttrey

    RIP - d. 06/10/2022

    If any of the responses have helped then please consider rating them by clicking the small star icon below the post.

  2. #2
    Forum Guru MarvinP's Avatar
    Join Date
    07-23-2010
    Location
    Woodinville, WA
    MS-Off Ver
    Office 365
    Posts
    16,168

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Hi Richard,

    Try http://excelsemipro.com/2011/03/copy...vanced-filter/ or
    http://ddalgleish.hubpages.com/hub/F...ifferent-Sheet

    I do not like the database functions (like DSum or DMax) to need a criteria range to work correctly. I'd like the database functions to be able to work without needing a range for the criteria. Somehow Excel should allow a non range parameteter to pick up the criteria. Or am I missing something?
    One test is worth a thousand opinions.
    Click the * Add Reputation below to say thanks.

  3. #3
    Forum Moderator - RIP Richard Buttrey's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-14-2008
    Location
    Stockton Heath, Cheshire, UK
    MS-Off Ver
    Office 365, Excel for Windows 2010 & Excel for Mac
    Posts
    29,464

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Thanks Marvin,
    I never knew selecting a cell not adjacent to the label overcame that stuff about selecting more than one row etc. You do indeed learn something new every day. I am indebted. I still think the process is counter intuitive, having to start with the destination but there you go.

  4. #4
    Forum Expert Whizbang's Avatar
    Join Date
    08-05-2009
    Location
    Greenville, NH
    MS-Off Ver
    2010
    Posts
    1,395

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    I'd like Page Layout view in Excel 2010 to go away. Users at my company foolishly use the "Insert" -> "Header & Footer" (the only option apparent on the ribbon). Then they sit in this view all day. Well, there is a glitch with this view where, at random times, Excel selects multiple cells when a single cell is clicked. The only way to stop it from doing this is to get out of Page Layout view. I get calls at least once a week by people saying "Excel keeps selecting a bunch of cells when I click! Help!". Ugh.

    It'd be nice if Sharing a workbook didn't have so many glitches either.

    Oh, and the Formula Evaluator box needs to be expandable, for when you work with array formulas.
    Last edited by Whizbang; 01-11-2012 at 10:59 AM.

  5. #5
    Forum Expert teylyn's Avatar
    Join Date
    10-28-2008
    Location
    New Zealand
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 365 Insider Fast
    Posts
    11,372

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    A concatenate formula that takes parameters, e.g.

    =concatenate(Range, separator)

    =concatenate(A1:A10,"-")

    You get the drift...

  6. #6
    Forum Guru
    Join Date
    04-13-2005
    Location
    North America
    MS-Off Ver
    2002/XP and 2007
    Posts
    15,829

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    The one my coworkers and I are always looking for is a true 3D scatter plot.

  7. #7
    Forum Expert Domski's Avatar
    Join Date
    12-14-2009
    Location
    A galaxy far, far away
    MS-Off Ver
    Darth Office 2010
    Posts
    3,950

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Quote Originally Posted by teylyn View Post
    A concatenate formula that takes parameters, e.g.

    =concatenate(Range, separator)

    =concatenate(A1:A10,"-")

    You get the drift...
    Why they didn't do this is beyond me. The concatenate function as it stands is pretty useless.

    Quote Originally Posted by MrShorty View Post
    The one my coworkers and I are always looking for is a true 3D scatter plot.
    Aren't all 3D charts evil?

    Dom
    "May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the crotch of the person who screws up your day and may their arms be too short to scratch..."

    Use code tags when posting your VBA code: [code] Your code here [/code]

    Remember, saying thanks only takes a second or two. Click the little star to give some Rep if you think an answer deserves it.

  8. #8
    Forum Moderator zbor's Avatar
    Join Date
    02-10-2009
    Location
    Croatia
    MS-Off Ver
    365 ProPlus
    Posts
    15,607

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Quote Originally Posted by teylyn View Post
    A concatenate formula that takes parameters, e.g.

    =concatenate(Range, separator)

    =concatenate(A1:A10,"-")

    You get the drift...
    Agree. I've mentioned this few years ago. I think it would have usage more far than just concatenating words...

    But I've got this UDF as answer so I'm transfering it further

    Please Login or Register  to view this content.
    Select result cell then - In the formula bar type

    =ConcatRow(A1:D1,":")

  9. #9
    Forum Expert teylyn's Avatar
    Join Date
    10-28-2008
    Location
    New Zealand
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 365 Insider Fast
    Posts
    11,372

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    zbor, that's the thing. UDFs for that functionality have been around since the dinosaurs. I marvel at why Microsoft never made it a feature, since it's really not all that hard to do.

    domski: yes, very evil

    mrshorty: how would you determine where exactly a data point sits with a 3D scatter plot? Start with a 3D clustered column chart and place a dot at the tops of each column. Set the column format to no fill and no line. There's what a 3D scatter chart would look like. Nobody would be able to see what position a single plot point would have in relation to the three axes.

  10. #10
    Forum Expert OnErrorGoto0's Avatar
    Join Date
    12-30-2011
    Location
    I DO NOT POST HERE ANYMORE
    MS-Off Ver
    I DO NOT POST HERE ANYMORE
    Posts
    1,655

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    'Require variable declaration' should be the default option in the VBE
    Split and Join functions for the worksheet (the latter basically being the range concatenate already mentioned)
    A Vlookup function that allows you to specify lookup range, return range and result number.
    A VisibleRows function
    An Array function
    Data Validation that allows you to use a function to create a list.
    All functions to be able to take arrays as well as ranges.
    A range_click event.
    A BeforePrintPreview event separate from the BeforePrint
    And probably a thousand other things.
    Last edited by OnErrorGoto0; 01-12-2012 at 05:40 AM.
    Good luck.

  11. #11
    Forum Expert martindwilson's Avatar
    Join Date
    06-23-2007
    Location
    London,England
    MS-Off Ver
    office 97 ,2007
    Posts
    19,320

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    non contiguous arrays would be handy
    and a columns to column or columns to row function instead of just transpose
    and an automatic coffee making function of course
    and any of the functions in the more func add-in or those by asap utilities added as standard would be useful.
    infact
    get microsoft to buy out bastien mensink and Laurent Longre ,making them very rich and us all very happy
    Last edited by martindwilson; 01-13-2012 at 08:55 AM.
    "Unless otherwise stated all my comments are directed at OP"

    Mojito connoisseur and now happily retired
    where does code go ?
    look here
    how to insert code

    how to enter array formula

    why use -- in sumproduct
    recommended reading
    wiki Mojito

    how to say no convincingly

    most important thing you need
    Martin Wilson: SPV
    and RSMBC

  12. #12
    Valued Forum Contributor Steffen Thomsen's Avatar
    Join Date
    10-15-2010
    Location
    Kolding, Denmark
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2007 and Excel 2010
    Posts
    953

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    inArray function
    auto-indentation in vba editor
    More options in form-design
    Better security on workbooks.
    Please take time to read the forum rules

  13. #13
    Forum Moderator - RIP Richard Buttrey's Avatar
    Join Date
    01-14-2008
    Location
    Stockton Heath, Cheshire, UK
    MS-Off Ver
    Office 365, Excel for Windows 2010 & Excel for Mac
    Posts
    29,464

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    If I draw all these together, does anyone know to where they could be submitted within the Microsoft Corp?

    Regards

  14. #14
    Forum Expert OnErrorGoto0's Avatar
    Join Date
    12-30-2011
    Location
    I DO NOT POST HERE ANYMORE
    MS-Off Ver
    I DO NOT POST HERE ANYMORE
    Posts
    1,655

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    There was a website set up by a couple of MS employees for Office suggestions but it seems to have lapsed. Perhaps one of the MVPs here could pass the list on.

  15. #15
    Forum Expert davegugg's Avatar
    Join Date
    12-18-2008
    Location
    WI, US
    MS-Off Ver
    2010
    Posts
    1,884

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Vertical center across selection.
    Is your code running too slowly?
    Does your workbook or database have a bunch of duplicate pieces of data?
    Have a look at this article to learn the best ways to set up your projects.
    It will save both time and effort in the long run!


    Dave

  16. #16
    Forum Expert teylyn's Avatar
    Join Date
    10-28-2008
    Location
    New Zealand
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 365 Insider Fast
    Posts
    11,372

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Richard, a compiled list here will certainly raise awareness with the odd MVP and will make its way to Microsoft.

  17. #17
    Registered User
    Join Date
    10-13-2011
    Location
    Northern California
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2010
    Posts
    15

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    FWIW, Lotus 123 moved past criteria ranges in Release 3, which came out in 1989. For whatever reason, MSFT chose not to implement similar functionality in Excel. There used to be an add-in called Spinnaker Functions which provided something roughly similar to 123's approach, but it no longer exists.

    That said, you could roll your own equivalent to SQL.REQUEST and use SQL queries against data ranges with column labels.

  18. #18
    Forum Expert Bob Phillips's Avatar
    Join Date
    09-03-2005
    Location
    Wessex
    MS-Off Ver
    Office 2003, 2010, 2013, 2016, 365
    Posts
    3,284

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Quote Originally Posted by teylyn View Post
    Richard, a compiled list here will certainly raise awareness with the odd MVP and will make its way to Microsoft.
    and will be duly ignored there. If they won't fix what is broken, and are only interested in moving data viewing (which is what they seem to envision Excel as) to new market areas, whatever makes you think they will listen about new functionality that the 98.89% of users will never use.

  19. #19
    Forum Expert Simon Lloyd's Avatar
    Join Date
    03-02-2004
    Location
    locked in the cage
    MS-Off Ver
    All the ones my homepage shows
    Posts
    3,161

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Phillips View Post
    ... whatever makes you think they will listen about new functionality that the 98.89% of users will never use.
    Maybe the fact that they polled all the real users before launching xl2007

    Bob's right, their ignorance is as large a their coporate size, AFAIK there has never been a way of suggesting or being asked about improvements, wants and wishes (other than the beta testing version which gave you smiley faces to indicate whether you liked a feature or found a bug, you were also allowed to make comment but it wasn't for change), i guess until a similar product comes on the market that has harvested all the "good things" we'd want or have we have to giveway to their "corporate greatness".

    Wouldn't the world be a better place if real users were actually considered?


    Google Me
    Find me located here Simon Lloyd
    and what i'm about Here
    The above is NOT a link to a forum so is NOT against Rule 13

  20. #20
    Registered User
    Join Date
    10-13-2011
    Location
    Northern California
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2010
    Posts
    15

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    There was a web site a few years ago named Make Office Better which kept running votes on features users wanted to see in all the Office applications. The only 2 I can recall which made it into Office 2010 were customizing the ribbon without editing XML and fixing the MOD function. One of the higher ranking Excel suggestions was something as blindingly obvious as adding an on/off option for bringing up the same text import wizard as you get with .TXT and .PRN files for .CSV files.

  21. #21
    Forum Expert Mordred's Avatar
    Join Date
    07-06-2010
    Location
    Winnipeg, Canada
    MS-Off Ver
    2007, 2010
    Posts
    2,787

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    I've been trying to design some software that reads a person's thoughts and then makes the changes to worksheets according to their brainwaves, eyemovements, and their last meal eaten. Unfortunately, no one will let me setup a direct link to their brains nor will they continuously let me blast lasers into their eyes. Mwuahaha, all in a days work to take ove the world!

    Sorry, my little mind is craving some good solid sleep right now and is starting to revolt against me. Darn 3rd person thinking!
    If you're happy with someone's help, click that little star at the bottom left of their post to give them Reps.

    ---Keep on Coding in the Free World---

  22. #22
    Forum Contributor arlu1201's Avatar
    Join Date
    09-09-2011
    Location
    Bangalore, India
    MS-Off Ver
    Excel 2003 & 2007
    Posts
    19,166

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    Mordred - isnt it post-lunch time over there?
    If I have helped, Don't forget to add to my reputation (click on the star below the post)
    Don't forget to mark threads as "Solved" (Thread Tools->Mark thread as Solved)
    Use code tags when posting your VBA code: [code] Your code here [/code]

  23. #23
    Forum Expert Mordred's Avatar
    Join Date
    07-06-2010
    Location
    Winnipeg, Canada
    MS-Off Ver
    2007, 2010
    Posts
    2,787

    Re: What annoys you? What functionality would you like?

    It's still lunch for some for at least another 15 minutes. Technically, that gives me 15 or so minutes to troll the forum!

+ Reply to Thread

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 RC 1