Forum Discussion
2019 Excel on Mac no data entry form
I recently switched from PC to Mac. Then I found my Microsoft Access not available on Mac version Office. I tried to use Excel instead by creating a data entry form. Windows Excel 2016 is ok. But Mac Excel 2019 does not have this function. Any alternative to this great feature? Why Microsoft disabled this form on its new Excel? Thanks.
29 Replies
- I believe you will find the Data Form still exists as an option to add to the Quick Access Bar. Just click on the icon to add a command and look for “Form” in the list of commands
NickMoriceJones - I have seen that command in Office 365 for Windows but not in the Mac version. Can you give a more detail on how to add this command?
NickMoriceJones I've searched for it everywhere to add to quick access bar and no luck.
Data Entry Forms for MacOS/Excel/VBA aren't planned by Microsoft:
https://excel.uservoice.com/forums/304933-excel-for-mac/suggestions/17930662-restore-data-form-functionality
Do you have access to PowerApps? You could create your data entry form there which can read/write to an Excel file in OneDrive, Sharepoint, etc.
Really frustrating the Form command is missing in Excel 365 Mac.
Thanks forum members for your tips.
Nico_Landsman I managed to do what I wanted using Microsoft Forms: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/online-surveys-polls-quizzes. Beautiful questions. Answers can be downloaded to Excel.
null null I assume that you're trying to enter a bunch of records with minimal clicking and typing to navigate from one record to the next.
I recommend using Tables to make data entry easy. To create a table, just press CMD+T. With a table, you can press TAB to move across the fields and then it will automatically go to the beginning of the next line if you're at the last field. If you're on the last record in the table, it will add a new record to the end of the list. In the screenshot below, the 2nd row was completed by typing e TAB f TAB g TAB h, and then the 3rd row was created by pressing TAB.Thanks Steve,
I've not used the Table's process, I'll give it a go.
As regards my original question, I have since found ways round it using a multi-sheet workbook and VBA macros to process the entries and to move around the workbook. All such methods developed with the aid of this forum and others like it - members' responses, such as yours have been invaluable.
I now have a reasonable Excel replacement to Win 7 MS Money nearing the end of trials in time for the demise of support for Win 7 in January '20.
Regards and thanks
Mike
Pretty frustrating. My work-around is that Form exists as a function in Excel Mac 2011. So when I'm doing something that requires a form, I use that version. Although at some point soon, it will no longer work with the latest version of MacOS. If you are an Office 365 subscriber, I think you can still download and install Excel 2011.
- That's exactly what I have done. Excel 2011 version with the 14.7.7 update seems to be working fine for me.
I'm also flabbergasted and disappointed about that missing feature!null null
Looking for a solution I went to me free account at http://www.Airtable.com, imported there my excel spreadsheet as CVS format and with no delay have a data entry form for my existing data (and it's web-based!). Will export from Airtable once done.
This might be an easy solution for you, although we shouldn't have to...
Thanks MaxDC for the suggestion. Since my post I've tried harder !
As a novice to extended use of Excel and VBA and who glazed over at Pivot Tables it was necessary to explore further and fortunately I've found a few useful formulae (SUMIFS etc) that combined with VBA have enabled a workaround for the Data Entry Form. I'm attempting to create an Excel alternative to MS Money, for which all the claimed alternatives I've tried over the years aren't.
And I'm slowly getting there - a fascinating and absorbing project as I approach 80 this year - and yes, I know I should get out more.
I'd welcome advice from anyone who has developed an Excel alternative to MS Money.
I have never used MS Money. However, my Office 365 does not have the Data Form and VBA features I need, so I downloaded Office 2011, then updated it with the 14.7.7 update. All the Data Form and VBA features exist in this version. From what i I see the description of MS Money, you can reproduce what you want using Office 2011. Good luck!mikeretyred
- I have the same problem. I have used that feature in many spreadsheets for many years. Now it suddenly is missing. Not good Microsoft !!!
A relatively recent MAC user, but disappointed with Numbers and forced to sign up to Office 365 to get Excel. Instead I find a key feature in Excel, the Data Entry Form facilityis not available in the Office 365 provided by Microsoft for IOS.
What is additionally annoying is that 'Help' indicates that it is available - it isn't.
When will Microsoft fix this?
{Mac mini (Late 2012) IOS ver 10.14.3 (18D109) Excel Ver 16.22}
- They had/have no intention to fix this, as never fixed it for Mac MS 2016
Yep, where is it?
Need the data entry form, it is valuable for entering data into databases, and other uses.
I've been using MS Office on Macs since 1990, and using the data entry form on numerous spreadsheets with database capability. I'm very frustrated that I can't find it.
Called MS Support twice already. First time I was put on hold and they hung up while I was on hold. Then they sent an email claiming the ticket was resolved. No joy at all. Called again later in the day, the tech almost knew what I was talking about, and after trying to get it to work, claimed that the entry form feature was only for Excel 2011. Unfortunately for her I have been using it since 1990.
So, how do we go about this? How do we find it or get it put back in? I can not accept that MS would remove that feature. So the feature must be there somewhere and we just have to find someone that knows what they are talking about.
- In Excel 2016 for windows I can use alt+d, alt+o to open the data form. Do the old menu short-cut keys of Office 2003 work in Mac Excel (I doubt it, but worth a try)?
- I'm afraid MAC Office is a bit like the ugly step-sister. Family indeed, but does not get the same amount of love as the others do. MAC Office is always a bit behind in features as Windows Office. You'll have to revert ot a VBA solution. O wait, that is no fun in Mac Office either.
- The Mac edition of Excel has had the data entry Form... capability since at least 1990, when I started using it. Been using it since then. It is now nowheres to be found in Excel Mac 2019.
Office 2011 for Mac has all the Data Form and VBA features in it. I found it via a 3rd party, then updated it to the 14.7.7 update. Works fine.Acadia1532
So basically no solution? Thanks.
I have no options for you in regards to Office 2019. I'm a Mac user. I found Office 2011 from a 3rd party, installed and updated it with the 14.7.7 Update. All of the Data Form & VBA features are available and work well in that version.
