Whole document tree Chapter 6. Entering data6.1. Strings and NumbersThere are four basic types of data that can be entered into cells. They are:
6.1.1. Dates and NumbersWhen you begin entering a number, Gnumeric will attempt to match the data you enter with existing formats for numbered data. If it matches a data format, Gnumeric will automatically convert the entered data into the appropriate serial number, displaying it in an appropriate format. Because of the format matching ability, user-entered data can be autofilled (see Chapter 8 for more information) properly. See Table 9-1 for some examples of the many date and time formats that are accepted by Gnumeric. 6.1.2. Editing of CellsEntering Data in a Cell
See Section 6.2 for more detail on entering formulas into cells. 6.1.3. Editing CommandsAfter selecting the cell and initially entering the data, the user is in a limited editing mode, designed to aid in entering data which may contain cell references. The main keys for editing mistakes in this mode is the backspace key. 6.1.3.1. Advanced Editing ModeFor a more complete set of editing options, especially for longer entries, there is an advanced editing mode. To enter the advanced editing mode, press F2. The keyboard focus will then shift from the current cell to the editing region at the top of the worksheet. There, you can use cursor keys to position the cursor within the data in the cell, and have all of the capabilities of the data entry area available. For example, you can use:
6.1.3.2. Error MessagesIf a formula or set of data is not acceptable, Gnumeric will display an error message in the cell. |