PDF files have long been a staple for sharing documents, but when it comes to dynamic presentations that engage audiences, Google Slides offers a wealth of interactive features. Whether you’re repurposing existing content or seeking a more collaborative platform, knowing how to convert PDF files to Google Slide presentations is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and tips to seamlessly transition your static PDF documents into dynamic presentations that captivate your audience.

Why Convert PDF Files into Google Slides?

Google Slides allows you to create an interactive presentation with embedded videos, transition effects, and animations. If you already have material in PDF form, you don’t want to waste time creating the same or similar material in Google Slides. Instead, you can just implement your PDF file into the Google Slide presentation.

Another reason why you might want to convert PDF into a Google Slide is the ease of sharing. PDF files can be large and it can take quite some time to send them as an attachment via email. But if you create a Google Slide presentation you can simply share a link to it.

Google Slides also allows other people to join your work, or leave notes and feedback directly in the presentation you’re making. This way ideas can be shared in real time, in a dynamic way. Although PDF files allow you to leave comments, it’s a more static environment not suitable for collaboration.

If you’re looking to convert PDF files into Google Slide presentations, you should understand that you’ll be working with two different file formats. That’s what makes it difficult to convert PDFs to Google Slides. Essentially, they’re not compatible. So what you need to do is convert your PDF file into a file format that can be easily implemented into Google Slides Presentation such as PowerPoint or Jpeg files. Let’s see all the ways in which you can convert your PDF to Google Slide Presentations.

1. Convert PDF to PowerPoint With Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is a PDF editor which contains some very powerful tools. You can use it to create new PDF files, edit the existing ones, convert them to different file formats, sign, and share your PDFs. The best part is that it supports both native and scanned PDF files.

You can use Adobe Acrobat to convert your PDF files to PowerPoint which can then easily be implemented into your Google Slide presentation. Here’s how:

1. Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
   
2. In the Tools section of the Ribbon located at the top left corner of the screen, select Convert.
   

3. Select Microsoft PowerPoint from the offered file extensions.
   

4. Finally, click the blue Convert button and wait until Adobe Acrobat finishes the task.
   

Now you can upload this newly made PowerPoint file into your Google Slides. Here’s how:

1. Open Google Slides and create a blank presentation, or open the one you previously worked on.
   
2. Select Files in the top left corner, and then select Import Slides.
   

3. In the Import dialog box, select the Upload tab.
   

4. Click the Browse button to select the PowerPoint file you previously created and import it. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop it into the import dialog box.
   

5. Select all the slides you want to import, and then click on the Import Slides button.
   

And that’s it. You can now continue making your Google Slides Presentation with converted PDF files.

2. Convert PDF to PowerPoint With a Free Online Tool

If you don’t use Adobe Acrobat, some free online tools can convert your PDF into a PowerPoint file. The most popular ones are Zamzar and ilovePDF. Both these websites will convert your PDF files to high quality.

Another great thing about Zamzar and ilovePDF is that they don’t have a bunch of distracting advertisements on their web pages. Instead, they’re pretty straightforward online converters. Let’s see how online converters work taking Zamzar as an example:

1. Go to the Zamzar website.
   
2. Select the Choose Files button and select the PDF file you want to convert. This will upload the file to the website.
   

3. In the Convert To drop-down menu, select PPT or PPTX as an output.
   

4. Select the Convert Now button to start the conversion process.
   

5. Once the process is finished, Download the converted file to your device.
   

You can import converted PPT files into Google Slides by using the same method as described in the previous section.

3. Convert PDF to an Image

You can convert your PDF files into images and then implement them into the Google Slides presentations. There are several ways you can convert a PDF into an image. Let’s check them out

1. Use Adobe Acrobat to Convert PDF to JPEG

If you decide to use Adobe Acrobat to convert your PDF into an image:

1. Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat and go to Convert in the Tools menu.
   

2. Select the Image Format and then choose JPEG from the drop-down menu. Select the Convert button.
   

2. Use an Online Tool to Convert PDF to JPEG

Zamzar and ilovePDF let you convert your PDF files into multiple file extensions, not just PowerPoint. Instead of selecting PPT or PPTX, you’ll just need to select the JPEG file format to convert to. Here’s how:

1. Go to Zamzar.com.
   
2. Upload the PDF file you want to convert to an image by selecting the Choose Files option.
   

3. From the Convert To drop-down menu, select JPEG under the Image File section.
   

4. Select Convert Now.
   

5. Download the converted file to your device.
   

3. Take Screenshots of Your PDF to Convert to Images

If you don’t want to use Adobe Acrobat, or you prefer not to use the conversion websites, you can take screenshots of your PDF file to convert them to images. This will require some manual work on your part, but it’ll get the job done. The images you create by screenshotting your PDF file can then be used in Google Slides just like any other images.

1. Open your PDF file in the Web Browser or in the PDF viewer application.
   
2. Take a screenshot of each PDF page (or part of the page you want to use in the Google Slides presentation) by pressing the Print Screen button on your keyboard. Make sure you know where your device will save the screenshots you just took.
   
3. If using Windows 11, pressing the Print Screen button will open up the Snipping Tool which you can use to modify the screenshot and decide where to save it on your device.
   

4. Insert the newly created images into your Google Slide presentation.
   

5. Share Your PDF as a Link Within Google Slides Presentation

Google Slides lets you implement clickable links within the presentation. This can be a great way of sharing your PDF file with the audience without converting it. However, you’ll have to upload your PDF file into Google Drive first, and then share it as a link in Google Slides. But the process is very simple. Here’s how:

1. Go to Google Drive and Sign in with your Google account.
   
2. Select New from the Tools Menu in the top left corner.
   

3. Select File Upload.
   

4. Find and Open the PDF file you want to upload to Google Drive.
   

5. Find the uploaded PDF file and right-click it. Select Share from the menu, and then Copy Link.
   

6. Now go to the Google Slides presentation where you want to share the link to this PDF.
   
7. Make sure you click the mouse cursor where you want to implement the link in the presentation. Paste the link by simply pressing Ctrl+V (Cmd + V on Mac) shortcut on your keyboard.
   

Converting PDF files to Google Slide presentations opens up a world of possibilities for sharing information in a more engaging and interactive manner. By following the steps outlined in this article and leveraging the power of Google Slides, you can breathe new life into your presentations, making them more dynamic, visually appealing, and impactful for your audience. So, don’t hesitate to explore the possibilities and elevate your presentation game with the seamless conversion of PDF files to Google Slide presentations.

The post How to Convert PDF to Google Slides Presentations first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Gmail works great except when it doesn’t. If you’re facing issues sending emails with this email provider, check if the service is down or if your web browsers or apps have a problem. We have a few solutions that you can use to resolve the outgoing email issue with Gmail on your desktop computer, iPhone, and Android phone.

Some reasons Gmail fails to send emails are that your internet connection is faulty, the entered recipient email address is invalid, your web browser cache is corrupted, the Gmail app on your phone is problematic, and more.

On Both Desktop and Mobile

Whether on a desktop computer or a mobile phone, follow the following tips to resolve the Gmail email issue.

Check Your Internet Connection

When Gmail doesn’t send emails, ensure your internet connection is active and stable. An inactive connection prevents Gmail from establishing a connection with the company’s email servers, failing to send outgoing emails.

You can check your internet connection by opening a web browser on your device and loading a site. If the site loads, your internet connection is working. In this case, use the following troubleshooting tips. If the web browser fails to load the site, your connection is the culprit. In this case, restart your router, give your device a reboot, fix the network adapter problems, or contact your internet service provider (ISP).

Check if Gmail Is Down

After ensuring your internet connection is working, check if Gmail’s servers are down. This might be why you can’t send emails.

You can check if the servers are down by visiting Gmail’s page on the Downdetector site. This site tells you if an online service is experiencing problems

If the site says Gmail is down, wait until Google brings the servers back up.

Check Recipient’s Email Address

Gmail (like all other email providers) requires a valid email address to send emails to. Check the email address you’ve typed in the To field and ensure it’s valid and correct. If needed, fix the email address before pressing the send button.

If you’re sending an email to someone who has given you their email address using another medium, ask them to re-check the email address and ensure it’s correct. An invalid or incorrectly typed email address might be why you can’t send emails.

On Desktop

If you’re on a Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chromebook computer, the following troubleshooting tips will help fix your Gmail issue.

Clear Your Web Browser’s Cache

Your web browser’s cache might be corrupted, causing the Gmail site not to load as expected. As a result, this prevents you from sending emails. In this case, clear your web browser’s cache files, and your issue will be resolved.

We have a guide on how to clear the cache in various web browsers, like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, so check that out to learn how to perform the process.

Log Out and Back Into Your Gmail Account

It’s possible a minor login session problem is causing Gmail not to send emails. In this case, sign out and back into your Gmail account to possibly fix the issue. Keep your Gmail login details handy, as you’ll need these details to log back in.

1. Open the Gmail site in your web browser.
2. Select your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Choose Sign out or Sign out of all accounts.

4. Close and relaunch your web browser.
5. Launch the Gmail site and sign in to your account.

Use Another Web Browser

If the problem persists, use another web browser and see if you can send Gmail emails. This helps you verify if your current web browser has issues.

If you’re with Chrome, for example, open Firefox and see if you can send emails with Gmail. If you can, your previous web browser was likely faulty. If you still can’t send emails, your newly launched web browser might have problems. In either case, clear your web browser’s saved data and see if the issue is fixed. You can also reset your web browser to the default settings to fix the problem.

On iPhone and Android

If you’re on an iPhone or Android phone, the following solutions will help fix the Gmail not sending email issue.

Use the Official Gmail App

If you’re using Gmail in a third-party email client like Outlook, switch to the official Gmail app for iPhone or Android and see if you can send emails. Your third-party email client might be experiencing issues, preventing you from sending emails.

Update the Gmail App

If you’re using the official Gmail app, ensure the app is up to date. Your phone might have an older app version, likely having bugs. In this case, simply update the app, and your issue will be resolved.

On iPhone

1. Launch the App Store on your iPhone.
2. Select Updates in the bottom bar.
3. Choose Update next to Gmail.

On Android

1. Launch Google Play Store on your phone.
2. Find and select Gmail.

3. Tap the Update button.

Clear Gmail’s Cache on Android

If the issue persists, clear the Gmail app’s cache files on your Android phone. This deletes the app’s temporary files, which sometimes helps fix many app problems. Note that you can only perform this procedure on an Android phone.

1. Launch your phone’s app drawer, find Gmail, tap and hold on the app, and select App info.
2. Select Storage usage on the following screen.

3. Choose Clear cache to delete the app’s cached files.

4. Launch the app and send your email.

Uninstall and Reinstall Gmail

If nothing works, your last resort is to remove and reinstall the Gmail app on your phone. This deletes all the existing app files, some of which might be faulty. You don’t lose your email data when you delete the app, as the app can resync your emails when you sign back in.

Note that Gmail is a stock app on most Android phones, so it’s very likely your phone won’t let you remove the app. In this case, simply disable and re-enable the app to fix the issue.

On iPhone

1. Tap and hold on Gmail on your iPhone’s home screen.
2. Select Remove App > Delete App in the menu.
3. Open the App Store, find Gmail, and tap the download icon.

On Android

1. Tap and hold on Gmail in your app drawer and select App info.
2. Choose Uninstall or Disable, depending on the option you find.

3. Select OK if you chose Uninstall or Disable app if you chose Disable.

4. If you uninstalled the app, open Google Play Store, find Gmail, and select Install. If you disabled the app, choose Enable.

Get Gmail to Send Your Emails Without Any Issues

Gmail’s email issues are rare, but if you’re experiencing one, the methods above will help you fix the problem. More often than not, it’s a simple tweak that resolves the problem and lets you start exchanging emails with your favorite email provider. Good luck!

The post Gmail Not Sending Emails? 10 Ways to Fix It first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

If you want to flip an image in Google Docs, you’re (almost) out of luck. There’s no button you can press to flip an image, but you can use a few workarounds instead.

These include editing your images using the built-in drawing tool and third-party tools like Adobe Express online. You can also change an image in Google Slides and import it back into Google Docs.

Using the Drawing Tool In Google Docs

The Drawing tool in Google Docs isn’t designed to be the best tool for image manipulation, but it’ll do the job if you need to create diagrams or enhance images.

Technically, the Drawing tool is an extension of Google Drawings, a basic, standalone app for making diagrams and basic images. The Drawing tool allows you to make further changes to your images, such as rotating, cropping, and adding text.

Most importantly, one feature it does allow you to do is to flip images, which you can use to edit your Google Docs images. To flip an image in Google Docs, follow these steps.

1. Open your Google Docs document and position the cursor where you want the image to appear.

Press Insert > Drawing > New.

Choose the image icon within the Drawing dialog box to upload your desired picture.

Hover over Rotate, and then select either the Flip horizontally or Flip vertically options, depending on your requirements.

After flipping, click Save and Close to insert the modified image into your document.

Once you’ve inserted the modified image, it’ll replace the original in your document.

Using the Free Image Flipping Tool in Adobe Express Online

Adobe Express is an online, paid-for tool that you can use to edit images from your web browser. While much of its functionality requires payment, you can use some of its more basic features for free.

That includes the ability to flip images, and the process is straightforward. To flip an image using Adobe Express, follow these steps.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the landing page for the Adobe Express image flipping tool.
2. Press Upload Your Photo to begin the process. If prompted, sign in with your Adobe account credentials.

3. Once you’ve signed in to Adobe Express, press the Upload from device button in the panel on the left.

4. Check if the image fits as intended, or use the corners to resize it accordingly.
5. With your image selected, use the options in the left panel to flip your image. You can choose Flip Horizontally or Flip Vertically based on your needs.

6. Once you’re satisfied with the orientation, press the Download button on the top-right corner to save the modified image.

7. Choose the file format you want to use, then press Download in the pop-up menu.

8. Next, open your Google Docs and press Insert > Image > Upload from computer.

9. Select your image from your PC. Once inserted, move and resize the image, as required.

Using the Flip Image Tools in Google Slides

Can’t flip your images in Google Docs? Switch to another Google app instead—Google Slides. While Docs doesn’t have a button to press to flip your images, Google Slides does, and you can use this feature to help you flip your images before moving them back to your Docs document.

To flip an image in Google Slides, follow these steps.

1. Open a new presentation in Google Slides.
2. Press Insert > Image and select your preferred method for inserting it (such as Upload from computer) to add the image you want to flip into the slide.

3. Select Arrange > Rotate and then select either Flip horizontally or Flip vertically.

4. Resize the image to fill the entire slide.
5. Once you’re satisfied with the flip press File > Download and choose either the JPEG or PNG options to save the image to your computer.

6. Wait for the image to download. Once it does, open your Google Docs document and press Insert > Image > Upload from computer to insert your flipped image into your document.

At this point, your flipped image should be ready for Google Docs, maintaining the changes you applied in Google Slides.

Editing Images in Google Docs

Google Docs isn’t designed as a fully-fledged image editing tool, but you can quickly flip an image in your Google Docs document using the steps above.

Have you got Microsoft Word? You can always flip an image in Word instead before importing the document (and your image) into Google Docs.

The post How to Flip Images in Google Docs first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Microsoft Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that can answer questions, create AI-generated content, and help you be more productive. Previously only available on Windows 11 and via Bing, you can now use Copilot on Android and iPhone.

Below, we’ll explain how you can install Microsoft Copilot on your Android or iOS device.

How to Install and Use Microsoft Copilot on Android or iPhone

To get started with Microsoft Copilot, you first need to download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Once installed, here’s how to use Microsoft Copilot on your mobile device:

1. Open the Microsoft Copilot app, accept the terms and conditions, and grant the app any required permissions. It may ask for location and microphone permissions, so that it can listen to your questions and give you accurate, location-based recommendations.

2. On the main screen, toggle on Use GPT-4 to ensure that you’re using the latest version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT that’s available.

3. You can ask a question or give Copilot a task to perform by typing or speaking. For voice input, simply tap the microphone icon and begin speaking. If you’d rather type, press the keyboard icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

4. If a topic has concluded, or the chatbot is getting off-topic, you can start a new one by pressing the New Topic icon in the bottom-left corner. This will reset the context of the conversation, ensuring that previous queries don’t interfere with new ones.

Note: To generate images using Microsoft Copilot, you’ll need to sign in to your Microsoft account. To do so, tap Sign In in the top-left corner of the app.

What Can You Do With Copilot?

Copilot is powered by OpenAI’s latest AI models, GPT-4 and DALL-E 3, meaning you’re able to access these powerful tools without having to sign up for them. Some of the things you’re able to do with Copilot for Android or iPhone include:

• Generating text: Copilot can generate many types of text. For example, you can ask it to write you a poem, reply to an email, or create a list of the top 10 songs of 2010.

• Creating AI images: If you’re signed into your Microsoft account, Copilot can use the DALL-E 3 free image generator to create images based on your prompts.
• Writing code: Copilot can create code or scan existing code for errors.
• Answering questions: Copilot can answer many questions, tell you a joke, offer advice, and summarize web pages for easier reading.

• Identifying places and images: You can ask Copilot to identify a picture of a plant or famous location and it will attempt to do so. Keep in mind that while this feature is impressive, it isn’t fully accurate, so don’t put your complete trust in the results.

Get More Done With AI

AI tools continue to dominate the headlines as they get more and more powerful. With Copilot for Android and iPhone, you now have direct access to DALL-E 3 and ChatGPT 4 on your phone to help you get more done in less time directly from your smartphone.

The post How to Use Microsoft Copilot on Android and iPhone first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Google Chrome integrates with your Google account, allowing you to save customized settings, bookmarks, etc. It makes browsing the web on Chrome more personalized and efficient.

However, if you’re concerned about your data if you’re sharing or planning to sell your device, or just have an account you no longer use, you’ll want to remove your account from Chrome.

What Happens When You Remove a Google Account From Chrome?

There are a few things that happen when you remove your Google account from Chrome. Here’s a breakdown of what happens with that account.

1. Loss of Synced Data: Synced browsing history, bookmarks, passwords, and auto-fill data are no longer available.
2. Reset to Default Settings: Any customizations you’ve made in Chrome, like theme settings or extensions, are reset for the next account you make.
3. Signed Out of Google Services: Removing your account signs you out of all Google services, like Gmail and Drive, in Chrome on the device you remove the account from.

Removing your Google account from one instance of Chrome doesn’t delete the data from your Google Account entirely. You can still access your Google account on other devices or browsers, and you can re-add your Google account at any time.

Equally important, removing your account doesn’t delete your data from Google’s servers.

How to Remove a Google Account From Chrome (Desktop)

Desktop users can remove their Google account from Chrome in a few steps.

1. Launch Chrome on your desktop.
2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the profile you want to remove.

3. Select Delete from the menu that appears.

The Google account is now removed from Chrome.

How to Remove a Google Account From Chrome (iOS and Android)

You can also easily remove a Google account from Chrome on iOS and Android.

1. Launch the Chrome app.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen. If you haven’t set a profile picture, you’ll see a letter instead.

3. Next, tap the account name option at the top of the Settings screen.

4. Scroll to the bottom of the next screen and tap Manage Accounts on This Device.

5. You’ll see a list of accounts on this device. Tap the account you want to remove from Chrome.

6. Tap Remove from This Device in the pop-up at the bottom of the screen.

7. A final message covering the consequences of removing your account will appear. Read it and then tap Remove.

The Google account is now removed from Chrome.

Farewell, but Not Goodbye

Removing a Google account from Chrome is a good way to manage your digital footprint, improve your privacy, and declutter your online space. It doesn’t delete your data though, so you can always re-add your account to Chrome if you decide to do so.

The post How to Remove a Google Account From Chrome first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

When you write a formula in apps like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, the last thing you expect to see is the Formula Parse Error message pop-up. Whether you’re an experienced user or completely new to using Google Sheets and formulas, you may come across this error.

In this tutorial, we’ll talk about what Google Sheet Formula Parse Error means, the most common types of formula parse errors, and how to fix them. We’ll go through the step-by-step instructions on how to fix these errors, as well as how to avoid them in the future.

What’s a Formula Parse Error in Google Sheets

First, let’s break down the terms:

• Formula – Instructions entered into the function bar in Google Sheets.
• Parse – Breaking down something into smaller parts to understand it better. It’s like reading a sentence word by word to grasp its meaning.
• Error – A problem occurs when Google Sheets can’t comprehend or execute the requested function.

A formula parse error happens when Google Sheets can’t grasp your instructions. To fix this error, review your formula or function’s structure and wording. It happens when you write a formula, but the software doesn’t understand what you’re asking it to do. In other words, it’s like talking in a language the software doesn’t know.

This error occurs mainly because of two reasons: you might have made a mistake in the formula, like a spelling error, or the order of steps in the formula is confusing for the software.

To sum up, there are several reasons why you may be seeing a formula parse error in your Google Sheets document:

• Missing input values. When required values for the formula are absent.
• Out-of-bounds input. Such as inputting a negative number into a square root formula.
• Mismatched data type input. When the data type doesn’t align with what the formula requires.
• Invalid reference. Referring to a cell or range that doesn’t exist.
• Misspelled function name. Incorrectly typing the name of a function.
• Invalid numerical values. Providing improper or invalid numeric data.

Sometimes, the issue might be unidentifiable by Google Sheets. However, the platform generally tries to diagnose the cause of the formula parse error.

We’ll delve into each specific error, providing interpretations and solutions for each.

How to Fix Formula Parse Errors

Formula parse errors in Google Sheets almost always stem from formula syntax issues. Syntax refers to the rules defining a language’s structure. Use the checklist below to pinpoint the cause of your formula parse error:

1. Check for syntax errors. Review your function for misspellings, typos, or incorrect syntaxes that might be present.

2. Look for incomplete syntax. Ensure that your function contains all necessary elements like quotation marks, closing brackets, or parentheses. Additionally, check for operators placed together without appropriately separating characters like commas.

3. Verify value types. Sometimes, a function requires a specific type of value (e.g., a number or text). If you input a number where text is expected, or vice versa, it could trigger a formula parse error.

4. Confirm the order of operations. Check if you mixed up the order of operations. In complex functions with multiple mathematical operators, stick to Google Sheets’ order of operations: operations enclosed within parentheses, then exponential calculations, then multiplication and division (in their order of appearance), and addition and subtraction (in their order of appearance).

The Most Common Formula Parse Errors in Google Sheets

When you see a formula parse error warning message, it means Google Sheets can’t follow the instructions in your formula. These errors can vary, from simple mistakes like forgetting a comma to more complex issues like trying to do impossible math, such as dividing by zero.

Below you’ll find some examples of these errors so you can recognize and fix them in your formulas.

1. #N/A Error

What it means: This error arises from lookup functions, like VLOOKUP or INDEX, when the desired value is not available in the specified range. It doesn’t necessarily indicate an error but rather the absence of the sought-after information.

Encountering an #N/A error in Google Sheets can stem from various reasons, like missing values in a selected range, or missing input values. When you hover your cursor over the cell containing the error, you’ll see a message where Google Sheets gives you more details of what caused it. After you identify the part causing the problem, the error becomes easy to fix.

How to fix it: This error message tells you that the value you’re looking for is unavailable. This is most common when you’re using lookup functions like VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, QUERY, INDEX, or MATCH.

To fix it, use the IFERROR function by wrapping your formula in the IFERROR function to get a custom message or value when the data you want is not found.

2. #DIV/0! Error

What it means: There are two reasons why you might get a #DIV/0! error. It appears when you attempt to divide a value by zero (which can occur when you have a zero or a blank cell reference in the denominator), an invalid mathematical operation, or when you try to divide with a blank space. Depending on the error message you see, you’ll understand the context you need to correct your formula.

To tackle this type of error, use the IFERROR function to specify an alternate output when division by zero occurs.

How to fix it: Wrap your Google Sheets formula with the IFERROR function to handle instances where division by zero happens, displaying a specific message or value instead.

3. #NUM! Error

What it means: This error signifies that Google Sheets cannot compute or display the requested value, often due to excessively large calculations or instances where the requested results surpass available data.

Simply speaking, this error occurs when your formula contains an invalid number. This number might be too large to be displayed within the scope of Google Sheets, or this number may be invalid because it’s not the type of number the syntax calls for (for example, you put a decimal number in a place where a whole number is required). One classic example is trying to find the square root of a negative number, which isn’t allowed.

When hovering over the cell containing the error, you’ll see a message that provides you with the location of the number that can’t be displayed correctly.

How to fix it: Check the formula for problematic calculations causing the error. This might include situations with extremely large numbers or requesting more items than are present in the dataset.

4. #NAME? Error

What it means: This error appears when referencing an unrecognized named entity, such as misspelling a built-in function or using a nonexistent named range. The error refers to an invalid name that exists somewhere in your formula. Maybe you’ve tried to reference a cell range named “tech tips” by typing “tech tip” – that would cause this error to appear.

You’ll also get the same name error if you miss quotation marks (or double quotes) by mistake. These errors don’t always give you additional context, so you’ll have to thoroughly check your formula to find the place where you’ve made a mistake.

How to fix it: Review your formula for any incorrectly spelled names or incorrect usage of named objects.

5. #REF! Error

What it means: This error results from invalid references, like deleted cells or named ranges used in your formula. It may also occur due to circular references or when copying formulas with relative references. Here’s an example of making an invalid cell reference: when you referenced a cell range of B2:F2 in your SUM function, but you deleted your original column C, making your SUM function appear in column F. In this case, Google Sheets will throw a #REF! error to let you know it doesn’t have a valid reference.

You’ll also get a #REF! error when a circular dependency is detected (when the formula refers to itself).

The reference error message normally contains more information that you can use to adjust your function to include the correct cell reference and fix the error.

How to fix it: Edit the formula to replace invalid references with valid ones or rectify circular reference issues.

6. #VALUE! Error

What it means: This type of error message occurs when the provided data type in the formula doesn’t match the expected data type. You’ll see this error in your Google Sheets formula when this formula contains the wrong type of value. For example, if you used a multiplication operation on one cell with a number and another cell with text. The operation expects both cells to hold numbers, resulting in a #VALUE error.

Hover over the red arrow to see the error message which will specify which parameter of the formula caused the mismatch.

How to fix it: Click on the cell with the error to view the complete message, identify the parameter causing the data type mismatch, and fix it. Understanding and rectifying these common errors in Google Sheets can improve your formula accuracy and ensure effective spreadsheet functionality.

7. #ERROR! Error

What it means: This error arises when Google Sheets cannot interpret your formula due to an unexpected typo or an extra/missing character. For instance, omitting quotation marks around text values or using an incorrect operator sequence can trigger this error.

This error doesn’t provide you with any information. When you click on the red arrow in your problematic cell, it will simply say Formula parse error.

How to fix it: To resolve this error, carefully check your formula for any missing or superfluous characters, including spaces, punctuation, or alphanumeric elements. Rectify any inaccuracies, such as missing quotation marks, to resolve this error.

Tips on How to Avoid Formula Parse Errors

By employing the following practices, you can minimize formula parse errors and streamline your experience while working in Google Sheets.

1. Check and Review

The most common reason for formula parse errors is typographical mistakes in the formula. To reduce these errors, ensure accuracy in your syntax and numerical inputs.

2. International Considerations

For international Google Sheets, keep an eye on regional differences. Some versions may use semi-colons (;) instead of commas (,). Be mindful of this distinction when copying and pasting formulas between sheets from different locales.

3. Cell Highlighting

Double-clicking a cell containing an error-ridden formula will highlight the problematic segments in red. This highlighting feature is a quick visual cue that can help pinpoint where the formula needs correction.

4. Using Formula Suggestions and Help

Google Sheets provides built-in assistance for functions and formulas. Take advantage of this support by accessing formula suggestions and help. It offers guidance on syntax, expected value types, usage examples, and additional resources to enhance your understanding.

5. IFERROR Function for Custom Messages

Certain errors like #N/A or #DIV/0! might occur in specific scenarios. You can employ the IFERROR function to customize the message displayed when such errors arise, allowing for clearer communication within your spreadsheet.

6. Using Formula Help

When working with built-in functions in Google Sheets, leverage the available formula help. Access instructions, syntax suggestions, expected value types, examples, and additional guidance by double-clicking within the function or clicking on the vertical ellipsis in the bottom-right corner.

No More Formula Parse Errors in Google Sheets

Now that you know what formula parse errors look like and what they mean, you can successfully avoid them in your formulas and enjoy using Google Sheets without the headache of fixing these errors.

The post How to Fix Google Sheets Formula Parse Errors first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Chrome has almost become an operating system on its own, with its own task manager and hardware monitoring. It’s grown so big and sophisticated that it can really eat the lion’s share of your CPU resources. Here’s how to reduce Chrome high CPU usage.

Understanding CPU Usage

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is your computer’s brain. Everything that happens on your computer relies at least in part on the CPU. In general, your operating system (such as Windows or macOS) will try to manage the total amount of work your CPU can perform between the different applications that need it, but sometimes certain software can be so demanding that it has a negative effect on your computer as a whole.

When Chrome uses high amounts of CPU power, it can lead to sluggish computer responsiveness, loud fan noise, excessive heat, and poor performance in other apps. For example, if you were playing music in the background, it might start to stutter.

If you’re a laptop user, it can also significantly shorten your battery life, and also the overall lifespan of the battery.

Checking Chrome’s CPU Usage

To know whether Chrome is hogging too much CPU power, the fastest way is to open the Task Manager in Windows or the Activity Monitor in macOS. There you can check what percentage of your CPU is being used by Chrome. If you’re not sure how to do that, check out our in-depth guide on Windows Task Manager and our guide on macOS Activity Monitor.

You can also use the Chrome Task Manager. On Windows, press Shift+ESC to open it. On a Mac, go to the menu bar and select Window > Task Manager.

Here you can see which processes within Chrome are using the most resources and then close them if you don’t need them.

Remove Extensions You Don’t Need

Chrome has an enormous amount of third-party extensions that you can find in the Extension Store. There are plenty of amazing Chrome extensions, but depending on how many you have and exactly what type of extensions they are, they could have a serious performance impact.

This means it’s a good idea to periodically take stock of what extensions you have installed and uninstall the ones you don’t use anymore.

Turn Off Site Notifications

You may have noticed that (annoyingly) every website these days asks you if you want to receive notifications. If you’ve said “yes” to any of these sites, then Chrome will check to see if those sites have updates and let you know.

Unless you really need to be notified immediately, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Notifications.

Here change Default Behavior to Don’t allow sites to send notifications.

This should have a small impact on Chrome’s overall CPU usage.

Open Fewer Tabs

This is the fastest and simplest way to get Chrome CPU usage down to a manageable level – close tabs you don’t need. You can also hover your mouse pointer over a tab’s name and see how much memory it’s using. Tabs that use lots of memory are also more likely (but now always) to have a higher CPU load as well.

Save Tab Groups

If the reason that you have too many tabs open is because you’d forget which ones you need, you have the option to save tab groups.

While the tab group feature is a normal default part of Chrome, at the time of writing the ability to save tab groups requires the activation of an additional setting:

1. Open a new tab in Chrome.
2. In the address bar, type chrome://flags and press Enter.
3. Look for Tab Groups Save and Sync and open its drop-down menu.

4. Select Enabled.
5. Select Relaunch.

After Chrome has restarted, you can add tabs to a group by right-clicking on the tab’s name and selecting Add to New Group or add it to an existing group.

Once you’ve added all the tabs to the group you want, you can right-click on the tab group label and select Save Group.

Your saved groups will now appear on the left side of your Bookmarks Bar.

If you close the group, you can click on that icon to open the group again. Remember to activate the Bookmarks Bar via View > Always Show Bookmarks Bar.

Now you can close tabs you don’t need to save on resources, and then open them when you need them with a single click.

Use Tab Management Extensions

While removing extensions can help lighten the load Chrome puts on your poor CPU, tab management extensions can help by letting you easily close and re-open tabs as you need them.

One of the main reasons Chrome gets so resource-heavy is because we tend to have large numbers of tabs open at a given time. Some of these continue to eat up resources even when they aren’t in the foreground, so only having the tabs open you’re actively using can be a big performance booster.

Head over to Best Chrome Extensions for Managing Tabs for a few excellent suggestions.

Use an Ad-Blocker

Advertising is how many great and valuable websites (like this one!) survive and manage to pay content creators such as your humble author. However, some websites have poor ad implementations that can eat resources. So consider installing one of the many ad-blocking Chrome extensions to prevent those ads from bogging your computer down.

You can either block specific sites you notice are resource hogs in the Chrome Task Manager, or you can block all ads, and then whitelist the ones you want to support. So don’t forget to add us to the “nice” list!

Switch to Standard Safe Browsing

Google has been working hard to improve the security of Chrome, but some of those security measures come with increased CPU costs. By reducing the sophistication of its security measures, you can take back a little performance. Especially if you’re using a lower-end computer that is common among students and office workers.

Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Security.

Here, change the security level to Standard Protection if it’s currently set to “Enhanced” protection. While you do give up several advanced protection features by doing this, if you practice safe browsing this is a minor tradeoff. However, it’s only really worth it if you’re really short on CPU power.

Turn Off Hardware Acceleration

Usually, hardware acceleration takes the load off your CPU and instead uses your GPU to handle certain tasks. There are also sometimes special hardware acceleration features on your CPU that Chrome can take advantage of.

However, for various reasons, hardware acceleration can cause performance problems in Chrome depending on the exact details of your computer. This might manifest as high CPU usage, or bad performance despite CPU usage not being particularly high.

Go to Settings > System > Use hardware acceleration when available and toggle it off. Then check if CPU usage normalizes or your performance problems improve.

Activate Memory Saver

Chrome has a new feature designed to reduce its impact on RAM, but it also has an effect on CPU usage thanks to how it works. It’s called “Memory Saver” and you can find it under Settings > Performance.

With Memory Saver toggled on, inactive tabs are removed from memory and stored on disk. This means that only active tabs are putting strain on your CPU as well. This can make Chrome much less resource hungry, but we only recommend that you use this feature if you have a computer with a fairly recent SSD as its main drive.

Turn on Energy Saver Mode (On Laptops)

Chrome has a special Energy Saver mode that limits background activity when your laptop’s battery hits 20%. In this mode, the browser will limit background activity, reduce visual effects, and cut video frame rates across sites.

You have the option to activate this feature whenever your laptop is unplugged rather than waiting for it to hit 20% battery.

This is a good idea because laptops slow down their CPUs on battery power, and so might have a problem in general with CPU performance when on the go. To change this option, go to Settings > Performance and change the Energy Saver option to Turn on when my computer is unplugged.

Run a Malware Scan

Although it might seem like Chrome is the source of the high CPU usage, it might be malware working through the browser. Run anti-malware software to make sure there aren’t any nasties lurking on your computer that could be behind the issue.

Chrome itself used to have a feature known as the “Google Chrome Cleanup Tool”, but it has since been removed. It’s still a good idea to sweep your system for malware just to eliminate that as the potential source of CPU usage.

Update Chrome

Chrome is updated often by its developers, usually to improve security as new exploits and hacks are discovered, but nearly as often, Chrome will get an update that makes it more efficient or gives it the ability to take advantage of new features.

If there’s an update available, Chrome will let you know by showing a big “Update” button next to the three vertical dots. This will eventually turn yellow and then red, indicating how critical the update is. If you’ve been ignoring the latest update and that button is red, consider taking a few minutes to update the browser.

Use a Different Browser

Chrome is a fine browser, but it is somewhat notorious as a CPU and RAM hog. So another option you may want to consider is using a different browser without as much bloat and hunger for CPU cycles.

For example, Opera GX lets you manually set the limit on how much CPU power it’s allowed to use. This is ostensibly a gaming feature, but it can be useful in any context if your browser CPU usage is too high!

Upgrade Your Computer

The final, and certainly the most drastic solution, is to upgrade or purchase a new computer. If your computer is a few years old, it might no longer be able to keep up with the needs of modern websites. If you’re still running an old dual-core CPU or a low-end Celeron or similar CPU from more than five years ago, there’s not much you can do to improve the situation.

The post How to Reduce Chrome High CPU Usage first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

It’s frustrating when you try to do something on your mobile phone, but the screen keeps turning off. Luckily, Android has made it possible to extend the screen timeout setting so that your screen stays on for longer periods of time.

In this tutorial, we’ll explain how to keep your phone from turning off too soon.

1. Change the Phone’s Display Settings

Just like Apple iOS provides a way to disable auto-lock and keep your iPhone screen on longer, Android also provides an easy way to ensure your phone screen doesn’t turn off.

Here’s how to change your Android phone’s screen timeout duration from the settings menu:

1. Open Settings and select Display. In some phones, this is Display & Brightness.

2. Scroll down and tap Screen timeout.

3. Choose the duration you would like. The longest time you can choose is 10 minutes, which should be plenty.

On some models, you may have to navigate to Settings > Lock Screen > Sleep and choose Never.

Note: Some Android devices provide a Never option, ensuring that your phone screen will never automatically turn off. However, other Android models including Samsung smartphones do not provide this option.

2. Use the Android Developer Options

Developer Options is a menu of hidden settings that lets Android users use USB debugging and make advanced changes to their phones. One of these settings is called “Stay Awake,” which prevents your screen from turning off while the phone is connected to a charging cable.

Here’s how to set your Android phone to “Stay Awake” mode:

1. Open the Settings app and tap About Phone.

2. Tap Software information.

3. Tap on the area around Build Number seven times, then enter your PIN code or password. This will enable Developer Options from the main settings menu.

4. Go back to Settings and select Developer options.

5. Toggle on Stay Awake. This will ensure your screen never turns off while connected to a charger cable.

Note: If you change your mind and want to make it so your phone turns off its screen again, you can simply revert to default settings.

3. Use Android’s Advanced Features

Some Android smartphones, including some Samsung Galaxy models, have advanced motion and gesture settings. One of these settings makes sure your phone screen stays on while you’re looking at it.

To enable this setting:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Advanced features.

3. Choose Motion and Gestures.

4. Toggle on Keep screen on while viewing.

4. Use Third-Party Apps

There are dozens of third-party apps on the Google Play Store that promise to make your phone have an always on display. One of the most reputable of these apps is called Caffeine – Keep Screen On. To download Caffeine:

1. Open the Google Play Store and search for “Caffeine.”
2. Select Caffeine and press Install.

3. Wait for the app to download and install.
4. Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to enter the Quick Settings menu.
5. Tap the Plus sign.

6. Drag the Caffeine icon into the Quick Settings menu.

7. Now, whenever you want your phone screen to stay on, simply swipe down to access the notification panel, then enable Caffeine.

Endless Screen Time

Keep in mind that while constantly having your phone screen turn off is annoying, it does help preserve your battery life, even on low power mode and low brightness settings. If you change it so your phone keeps your home screen on, don’t forget to turn it off via the power button to preserve your battery.

The post How to Stop Your Android Phone Screen Turning Off first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Both platforms have unique features and capabilities, catering to different preferences and needs. Let’s delve into an in-depth comparison of iPhone and Android devices across various aspects to help you make an informed decision and choose which smartphone is better for you.

iPhone vs Android: How They Compare

Both iPhones and Android phones have their unique strengths, so you need to decide which advantages are more important to you.

iPhone strengths:

• Apple’s iPhones work seamlessly with other Apple devices like Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches. This makes sharing and transferring data between gadgets super easy.
• Apps on iPhones are usually top-notch and run smoothly. There’s also a wide variety of accessories available in stores for iPhones.
• iPhones get updates quickly, and when you start using one, there’s not a lot of extra stuff already installed on it.

Android strengths:

• Android phones come in different price ranges, offering more choices to fit various budgets. They also come in various sizes and offer different features.

• For people who like to personalize their phones a lot, Android offers more options for changing how things look and operate on the screen.

• Some Android phones let you add more storage with a memory card, which can be handy. Plus, Android phones use a charging port that’s common on many other devices, while iPhones are only starting to use USB-C ports on the iPhone 15 series (iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max).

Overall, iPhones work well for those who already have Apple gadgets, offering a smooth app experience and quick updates.

On the flip side, Android phones provide more options in terms of pricing, size, and customization. They also offer flexibility with storage where you can use a microSD card to keep photos, apps, and other media and use a universal charging port. Each has its strengths, so the choice depends on what matters most to you.

Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, iPhones tend to have a simpler and more straightforward user interface, and iPhone users love them for it. These phones are designed to be intuitive, making it easier for people who aren’t very tech-savvy to navigate. Apple has its own ecosystem and its software is consistent across their devices, so if you know how to use one Apple product, using another becomes a breeze.

Android phones, on the other hand, offer more customization and flexibility, which might mean a bit more complexity. However, recent versions of Android have made strides in simplifying things. The interface can sometimes vary depending on the brand of Android phone you choose, but many are becoming more user-friendly with straightforward menus and settings.

Ultimately, the choice between iPhone and Android regarding ease of use might come down to personal preference. If simplicity and a more uniform user experience are crucial, an iPhone might be the better pick. But if you enjoy tweaking settings to match your preferences precisely, Android offers more room for customization, albeit with a slightly steeper learning curve for some users.

Hardware

The difference in hardware between the iPhone and Android is on the surface. iPhones, made solely by Apple, come in a limited number of models, granting Apple control over how the software and hardware function together. Meanwhile, Android software is available to various phone manufacturers, leading to a range of Android devices from different manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, Motorola. This variety means Android phones differ in size, weight, features, and overall quality.

While some high-end Android phones like the latest Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy Ultra model match the iPhone in quality, there are also more affordable Android options with fewer features that might suit your needs just fine. When choosing an iPhone, you pick a model from Apple. However, with Android, you not only decide on a brand but also choose a specific model, offering a broader selection.

There may be a feature that you won’t find on a new iPhone but can find on some Android phones. One example of that is a headphone jack – a feature that Apple stopped adding to their smartphones back in 2016.

Some people may appreciate the wide array of choices with Android, while others prefer the simplicity and quality assurance that come with Apple’s iPhones.

Operating Systems

Operating systems form the heart of smartphones, and both iOS and Android operating system have their advantages.

iPhones operate on Apple’s iOS, while Android phones run on Google’s Android operating system. Both systems have a familiar layout with popular apps on the home screen, including utilities, games, a phone app, camera functions, and messaging capabilities. They rely on touch interfaces and may include hardware features like accelerometers or gyroscopes for added functionalities.

Apple launches a fresh iOS version nearly every autumn, frequently introducing additional software updates including security updates throughout the year. In contrast, Android updates used to be less regular in earlier years, with version 2.0 debuting in 2009 and versions 3 and 4 following in 2011. Recently, Android has adopted a more annual update schedule. However, some Android manufacturers, like Samsung, tweak the operating system slightly for their devices.

Notably, some Android device makers delay or entirely skip updating their phones to the latest Android OS. This can leave older phones without the latest OS support. Comparatively, Apple’s support for older iPhones tends to be better than Android’s due to the platform’s openness to multiple manufacturers. This aspect ensures iPhones often receive updates for a longer duration compared to many Android phones.

When it comes to getting and managing notifications, the iPhone allows you to reply directly within notifications without opening the app, a feature not available on Android. However, Android offers the ability to designate certain notifications as “priority,” ensuring they appear at the top of the list while minimizing less crucial messages. Additionally, clearing notifications on Android is simpler with just a single swipe compared to the iPhone.

One feature that made Android smartphones stand out was the use of dynamic widgets and home screen launchers. However, iPhones eventually caught up with Android and now offer them as well.

Dynamic widgets are small, interactive elements on your phone’s home screen that display real-time information without requiring you to open an app. Both iPhone and Android offer their own versions of widgets, although they operate a bit differently.

In iPhones running on iOS, widgets were introduced with iOS 14. These widgets are available in various sizes and can display information from compatible apps, such as weather updates, calendar events, news headlines, or fitness progress. Users can customize their home screens by arranging and resizing widgets according to their preferences. However, these widgets are static and don’t update in real-time; instead, they refresh their information periodically or when you open the associated app.

Overall, while both iPhone and Android devices offer widgets that enhance the home screen experience, Android’s widgets are typically more dynamic, providing real-time updates and greater customization options. iOS widgets, although useful, are more limited in their real-time updating capabilities and customization options.

Security

Security is a critical concern for smartphone users, and when it comes to comparing the safety measures of iPhone and Android devices, there are notable differences.

Both operating systems offer encryption to keep your data safe whether it’s stored or being sent. Also, the majority of iOS and Android devices have secure user authentication methods, like using facial recognition or fingerprint scans.

For iPhone users, security measures are robust due to several key factors. Apple prioritizes end-to-end encryption in its apps, ensuring that data, such as messages, remains scrambled throughout its journey between sender and recipient. This level of encryption minimizes the risk of interception or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

On the other hand, Android typically employs encryption “in transit,” which secures data while it’s moving but might leave it vulnerable at certain points, such as passing through Google servers.

Apple also maintains strict control over app downloads through the Apple App Store, the exclusive source for iPhone apps. This approach significantly reduces the risk of malware infiltration, as Apple rigorously screens and filters apps to prevent malicious software from being available to users. In contrast, Android’s open ecosystem and wider availability of third-party apps and open-source apps can expose devices to potential security threats, making them more susceptible to malware attacks.

While both iPhone and Android devices are susceptible to security threats, the iPhone’s closed ecosystem and stringent measures make it harder for attackers to target iOS users compared to Android users.

Apps

When it comes to the iPhone, apps are exclusively accessible through Apple’s App Store, boasting an extensive collection of over 2 million iOS apps. Apple maintains stringent standards for app inclusion, prioritizing quality and security. This strict oversight reduces the risk of encountering malware within the store, ensuring a higher level of safety for users. Additionally, Apple rigorously tests apps to guarantee compatibility with its devices, providing a more seamless experience.

On the other hand, Android offers its apps through the Google Play Store as well as third-party sources, amassing a larger repository of nearly 3 million apps.

Google’s more lenient standards enable a wider range of app availability, but this openness also increases the likelihood of encountering potentially risky software. The multitude of Android device manufacturers combined with the less stringent screening in the Google Play Store might lead to compatibility issues, where certain apps may not function optimally across all Android devices.

Despite the smaller selection in the Apple App Store compared to Google Play, Apple’s strict curation offers a safer and more consistent user experience. The broader selection and the ability to download Android apps from outside the official store might attract users seeking greater flexibility and options. But there’s also a question of bloatware.

When you get a new iPhone, no matter where you buy it or which model you choose, you won’t find any extra apps already installed. That means your iOS device starts clean without any apps you didn’t ask for slowing it down.

But if you buy a new Android phone, especially from a certain carrier, you might find some apps already there, like CNN or DirecTV Now. Even if you spend a lot on a fancy Android phone, sometimes these unwanted apps still come with it.

Some unlocked phones, usually the ones considered the best Android phones, like Google Pixel, don’t have these extra apps, but others might have stuff you didn’t ask for, like ads or sponsored software. Examples of this are OnePlus phones and some Samsung phones that bother users with ads and trending apps.

Device Integration

Apple’s system of devices, like iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs, smoothly connect and work together. This connection is not as strong among various Android gadgets, especially if they’re made by different companies.

Many people use more than just a phone, such as a tablet or a computer. Apple’s tightly integrated ecosystem makes it easier for these devices to work together seamlessly. Since Apple produces multiple devices like computers, tablets, watches, and phones, it offers unique features that Android may lack.

For instance, your iPhone can act as a remote control for an Apple TV. Also, you can unlock your MacBook or iPhone using an Apple Watch. Apple services like AirDrop (which uses Bluetooth to share files from the iPhone to any Apple device), FaceTime, iMessage, and iCloud storage allow quick file sharing between an iPhone, Mac, or iPad without using emails. With Apple’s continuity features, you can begin watching something on Apple TV and then continue from where you stopped on your iPhone.

Google’s services, such as Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Now, function on all Android gadgets. However, unless all your devices—like your watch, tablet, phone, and computer—are from the same manufacturer (which is rare), Android doesn’t provide a unified experience across different devices. Google and Microsoft (as well as other Android developers) also offer Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and other cloud-based storage apps, but the integration is still lacking.

Virtual Assistants

In the realm of artificial intelligence and voice assistance, Android holds a distinct advantage.

Siri, Apple’s default intelligent assistant, continues to progress with each iOS update. Yet, compared to Google Assistant, Siri has limitations in performing intricate tasks. Google Assistant, a standout feature on Android devices, leverages Google’s extensive database to streamline daily life. For instance, it can remind you to leave early for an appointment if it detects heavy traffic based on your Google Calendar entries.

While Siri offers convenience on iPhones, its capabilities don’t match the advanced functionalities of Google Assistant. Yes, iPhone users can switch to Google Assistant if they prefer, but Android users do not have access to Siri without an Apple device.

Maintenance

Overall, iPhone devices are less user-serviceable compared to Android phones.

Apple’s emphasis on simplicity means tasks like upgrading storage or replacing the battery require professional assistance.

In contrast, many Android models offer users the flexibility to replace batteries to improve battery life and expand storage independently. While Android might lack the iPhone’s elegance, its DIY-friendly approach can save costs on repairs and provide more control over maintenance tasks like battery replacement and storage expansion.

Price

iPhones typically come with a higher price tag, starting around $500 and reaching up to $1,500 or more depending on the specs and screen size – for example, you can get an iPhone SE 2022 for just over $400 and it’s still a phenomenal example of an iPhone.

Apple positions its devices as premium, reflected in their cost. On the other hand, Android phones offer a broader spectrum, ranging from around $100 to as high as $1,750. There are cheap phones under $200 that may compromise on certain features, but there are also some of the best big and small phones, as well as phablets and foldables that exceed $1,000.

Fortunately, various payment plans provided by Apple, Google, and online retailers like Amazon make higher-end phones more accessible. This flexibility makes the price less of a deciding factor when choosing between an iPhone or an Android device.

iPhone vs Android: Which is Better for You?

Choosing between an iPhone and an Android device mostly depends on personal preferences. iPhones excel in seamless integration, security, and regular updates. Meanwhile, Android offers diverse options and customization.

Before making the decision, consider your own needs and how you’re going to use this smartphone. Whether it’s the simplicity of an iPhone or the flexibility of Android that matters most to you, it’s all about picking what feels best for you.

The post iPhone vs. Android: Which Is Better For You? first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Because there are several types of validation rules you can apply to your dataset, let’s walk through each one individually so you can pick the one that fits best.

Validate Text

With the text validation feature in Google Sheets, you can check for entries that contain, don’t contain, or are the same as specific text. You can also validate the cell for an email address or URL.

For example, we’ll validate the text in our cell to make sure it contains “ID” for our product numbers.

Select the cell or range and use Data > Data validation to open the sidebar and pick Add rule.

Apply to range: Confirm the cell or range and use the icon on the right to add another cell range. Note: As shown below, you should use the sheet (tab) name with the cell reference or data range. Our sheet name is Dates.

Criteria: Pick the text option you want to use and enter the text in the field beneath. For our example, we choose “Text contains” and enter “ID.”

Advanced options: To show and enter help text or choose a warning or rejection for invalid data, expand Advanced options, and mark the ones you want to use.

Select Done to apply the rule. You can then test your data validation rule. Input a valid entry and then an invalid entry to make sure the rule works as you expect.

Validate Dates

For validating dates in Google Sheets, you have several options. You can check for a date on, after, before, or between as well as a valid date.

As an example, you may want to confirm that the dates entered fall after a particular date, such as January 1, 2023, for your company’s 2023 financials.

Select the cell or range and use Data > Data validation to open the sidebar and pick Add rule.

Apply to range: Confirm the cell or range and optionally add another.

Criteria: Pick the date option you want to use the drop-down menu or text field to pick or enter the corresponding date. For our example, we pick “Date is after,” choose “exact date,” and enter “1/1/23” in the field beneath.

Advanced options: Like the text validation above, you can expand this section to add help text and pick an invalid input action.

Select Done when you finish. You can then test your date validation by entering a valid and invalid date per your rule.

Validate Numbers

If you want to validate numbers in Sheets, you can set up a rule that checks for those greater than, less than, equal to, between, and more.

For this example, we want to confirm that the number entered is between 1 and 17 for parents entering their minor child’s age.

Select the cell or range, pick Data > Data validation, and choose Add rule.

Apply to range: Confirm the cell or range and optionally add another.

Criteria: Pick the date option you want to use and enter the text in the field beneath. For our example, we pick “Is between” and enter “1” in the first field and “17” in the second.

Advanced options: Like the above validations, expand this section to add help text and pick an invalid data action.

Select Done to apply the rule. Test your number validation rule by entering both a correct and incorrect number.

Create a Drop-Down List

Drop-down lists are another validation type you can use in Sheets. What’s different about these is that you can insert a drop-down list using the Insert or the Data menu. Either way, you’ll use the Data Validation sidebar to set up the list of items.

Here, we’ll set up a drop-down list to choose a menu item.

Do one of the following to add a drop-down list:

• Select the cell and pick Insert > Dropdown in the menu. The sidebar will open.
• Right-click the cell and pick Dropdown.
• Select the cell, pick Data > Data validation, and choose Dropdown in the Criteria menu in the sidebar.

Enter your list items in the Option 1 and Option 2 fields and use the Add another item button to include more. You can also reorder the items using the grid icons on the left of each.

Choose a color for each list item in the color palette drop-down box on the left.

Advanced options: Expand this section to show help text, choose an invalid data action, and pick the display style for the list.

Select Done when you finish, and you’ll see your drop-down list ready to go.

Insert a Checkbox

Similar to the drop-down list validation above, you can add a checkbox to a cell using one of two options and customize the values in the Data Validation sidebar.

Here, we’ll add checkboxes to add dishes to our meals.

• Select the cell and pick Insert > Checkbox in the menu. The sidebar will open.
• Select the cell, pick Data > Data validation, and choose Checkbox in the Criteria menu in the sidebar.

To use specific values for the checked and unchecked box statuses, mark the option Use custom cell values and enter those you want to use. For our example, we enter “Yes” and “No.”

Advanced options: Expand this section to show help text and choose an invalid input action.

Select Done to apply the checkbox rule to the cell or range of cells.

Use a Custom Formula

One more way to use data validation is with a custom formula in Google Sheets. This is a good option when none of the above preset rules apply. You can do things like make sure the cell contains text or limit the number of characters in the cell.

As an example, we’ll set up the validation rule to check for text in the cell. If a number or date is entered, this invokes the invalid data action.

Select the cell or range and pick Data > Data validation.

Apply to range: Confirm the cell or range and optionally add another.

Criteria: Pick “Custom formula is” and enter the formula in the field beneath. Using our example, we enter the formula “=ISTEXT(A2)” to check that cell A2 contains text.

Advanced options: Expand this section to enter help text and choose an invalid data action. For our example, we’ll mark the option to show help text and enter a custom message to display along with rejecting the input.

Select Done to apply the rule. Then, give your new validation rule a test by entering both valid and invalid data to make sure the formula works as expected. In the screenshot below, you can see our message for an invalid entry.

Edit or Remove Data Validation

If after you set up a data validation rule, you want to change it or simply remove it, both are easy to do.

Select the cell or range containing the validation and choose Data > Data validation in the menu to open the sidebar.

Then, do one of the following:

• To edit a rule, select it, make your changes, and choose Done to save it.
• To remove a rule, hover your cursor over it and select the Delete (trash can) icon.
• To remove every rule in the list, use the Remove all button.

With the data validation feature in Google Sheets, you can make sure your data is entered correctly. Whether you pop up a warning message or provide drop-down list options, you can save yourself the aggravation of checking for invalid data later.

If you also use Microsoft applications, look at how to create a drop-down list in Excel too.

The post How to Use Data Validation in Google Sheets first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

You can’t dial a code on your phone because your phone has a minor glitch, your device’s secondary SIM is causing the problem, a malicious app on your phone, your phone’s network settings are incorrect, and more. Luckily, you have a few ways to fix that problem and use your codes without issues. We’ll show you what those fixes are.

1. Add a Comma at the End of Your Code

One quick way to fix your issue is to suffix the code you want to dial with a comma. This comma tells your phone to ignore errors and continue executing your code. You can use this tip with any code you want to dial on your phone.

For example, if you want to dial *123#, you’d type *123#, (note the comma at the end). This dials your code, ignoring any errors that may appear.

2. Enable and Disable Your Phone’s Airplane Mode

Another way to fix your code issue is to turn on and back off your phone’s airplane mode. Enabling the mode turns off all network connections on your phone, and disabling the mode restores those connections. This helps fix connectivity issues on your phone.

1. Pull down twice from the top of your phone’s screen.
2. Select Airplane mode in the open menu to turn on your phone’s flight mode.

3. Wait for 10 seconds.
4. Turn the mode off by tapping Airplane mode in the same menu.
5. Dial your code.

3. Restart Your Android Phone

If toggling on and back off airplane mode didn’t fix your issue, give your Android device a reboot and see if that resolves your problem. Doing so fixes many minor glitches with your device, possibly resolving your code dial error.

1. Press and hold down the Power button on your phone.
2. Select Restart in the menu to turn off and back on your phone.

3. Dial your code when your phone turns on.

4. Turn Off the Secondary SIM on Your Dual SIM Phone

If your Android phone offers multiple SIM slots, disable the secondary SIM and see if that resolves your issue. This is because your secondary SIM may interfere with your primary SIM, causing your MMI code problem.

1. Go to Settings on your Android phone.
2. Select Mobile network in Settings.
3. Choose your secondary SIM on the open page.
4. Turn off the Enable option.

5. Quit Settings and dial your code.

5. Manually Select Your Service Provider on Your Mobile Phone

Sometimes, your phone has trouble connecting to the appropriate network provider, preventing you from dialing your codes. In this case, manually set the correct carrier on your phone to resolve your issue.

1. Access Settings on your phone.
2. Select Mobile network in Settings.
3. Choose your SIM card on the list.
4. Select Carrier on the following screen.
5. Turn off the Auto select option.

6. Select your carrier from the network operators list.
7. Dial your code.

6. Use Safe Mode on Your Android Phone

Like Microsoft’s Windows operating system, Android offers a safe mode to isolate your phone’s third-party tools. This lets you turn on your phone where your third-party apps aren’t loaded, allowing you to verify if those items are causing your problem.

You can use this mode when you have trouble dialing codes on your device.

1. Press and hold down the Power button on your phone.
2. Tap and hold on Power off in the open menu.
3. Select OK in the prompt to boot your phone in safe mode.

4. Dial your code when your phone is in safe mode.

If your code dials successfully in safe mode, one or more of your installed apps are the culprit. In this case, remove those apps from your phone to resolve your issue.

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Select Apps > App management in Settings.
3. Find and tap the suspicious app on the list.
4. Select Uninstall to remove the app.

5. Choose OK in the prompt.

7. Reset Network Settings on Your Phone

Your Android phone allows you to customize various network settings. If you or someone else has incorrectly configured an option, that may be why you can’t dial codes on your phone.

In this case, you can reset your phone’s network settings to resolve your issue. Doing so erases your custom network configuration and lets you set up those settings from scratch.

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Select System settings > Back up and reset > Reset phone in Settings.
3. Choose Reset network settings.

4. Dial your code when you’ve reset the settings.

8. Replace Your Physically Damaged SIM Card

If nothing else works, your last resort is to replace your current SIM card with a new one. This is because your current SIM card may be physically damaged, preventing you from dialing codes on your phone. The above methods not working indicates your SIM card is the culprit.

You can contact your cellular provider and request a new SIM card. Your new card should work fine and let you dial your codes without errors.

Troubleshooting an Invalid MMI Code Error on Android

Android’s “Connection problem or invalid MMI code” error prevents you from dialing your network-specific codes and getting relevant information. If the issue persists even after multiple attempts to run your code, use the fixes outlined above and dial your codes without issues.

The post 8 Ways to Fix a “Connection problem or invalid MMI code” Error on Android first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Close and Relaunch Your Web Browser

The first fix to apply when your cursor disappears on Google Docs is to quit and re-open your web browser. This helps resolve minor glitches with your browser, some of which may be causing your cursor problem.

Make sure you’ve saved your unsaved work before quitting your browser.

You can restart your Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or another browser by selecting X in the browser’s top-right corner. Then, open your PC’s Start menu, find your browser, and select it in the search results. If a browser refuses to quit, use the Task Manager to force-close your browser.

Prevent Windows From Hiding Your Cursor When You’re Typing

Windows offers an option that allows you to hide your cursor when you’re typing something on your computer. You or someone else may have enabled this option, causing the cursor to disappear while typing on Google Docs.

In this case, turn off that option, and your issue should be resolved.

1. Open the Start menu, find Control Panel, and select the item with that name.
2. Choose Hardware and Sound in Control Panel.
3. Select Mouse in the Devices and Printers section.
4. Open the Pointer Options tab.
5. Disable the Hide pointer while typing option.

6. Select Apply followed by OK at the bottom.

Turn Off Hardware Acceleration in Your Web Browser

The hardware acceleration feature enhances your web browser’s performance, but sometimes, this feature causes issues. This option being enabled may be the reason your cursor disappears on Google Docs.

In this case, turn off the feature and see if that resolves your cursor issue.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Settings to access Chrome settings.
2. Select System in the left sidebar.
3. Turn off Use hardware acceleration when available on the right.

4. Close and relaunch your web browser.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Launch Firefox, select the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, and choose Settings.
2. Select General in the left sidebar and scroll down to the Performance section on the right.
3. Turn off the Use recommended performance settings option.
4. Disable the Use hardware acceleration when available option.

5. Quit and re-open your browser.

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge, select the three dots in the top-right corner, and choose Settings.
2. Select System and performance in the left sidebar.
3. Turn off Use hardware acceleration when available on the right.

4. Close and re-open your browser.

Update Your Web Browser

If your web browser version is outdated, that may be why you have issues with the sites in your browser. Outdated browsers often have many bugs, which you can fix by updating your browser to the latest version.

Google Chrome

1. Select the three dots in Chrome’s top-right corner and choose Help > About Google Chrome.

2. Wait for Chrome to find and install the latest updates.
3. Restart Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Select the three horizontal lines in Firefox’s top-right corner and choose Help > About Firefox.

2. Allow the browser to check for and install the available updates.
3. Restart your browser.

Microsoft Edge

1. Choose the three dots in Edge’s top-right corner and select Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.

2. Wait for Edge to find and install the latest updates.
3. Close and re-open your browser.

Change Your Cursor’s Color on Windows

If your cursor remains invisible on Google Docs, change the cursor’s color so you can easily spot it on your screen. Note that this is a universal change, meaning you’ll see your cursor’s new color everywhere on your system and not just on Google Docs.

On Windows 11

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Accessibility in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Mouse pointer and touch on the right.
4. Select Black, Inverted, or Custom. If you select Custom, choose your preferred cursor color.

On Windows 10

1. Launch Settings using Windows + I.
2. Select Ease of Access in Settings.
3. Choose Mouse pointer in the left sidebar.
4. Select Black, Inverted, or Custom on the right pane. If you choose Custom, select the custom color for your cursor.

Change Your Google Docs Document’s Page Background Color

One reason you can’t see your cursor on Google Docs is that both the Google Docs page background color and the cursor color are the same. In this case, if you don’t wish to change your cursor’s color, you can switch to a different page color on Google Docs to ensure your cursor remains visible.

1. Launch your Google Docs document.
2. Select File > Page setup from the menu bar.
3. Choose Page color and select your preferred color.

4. Select OK to apply your changes.

If you’ve changed your page’s color to black and your document’s text has become invisible, change your font color to see your text again.

Bring Back Your Disappeared Cursor on Google Docs

There are various reasons for your cursor errors when you’re working with Google Docs. You can try basic fixes like restarting your web browser to potentially fix your problem. If that doesn’t work, you have a few other ways to resolve your issue.

The post How to Fix Mouse Cursor Disappearing on Google Docs first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Standard Portrait Page Sizes

Before you begin, you should have an idea of the size you want to use for your vertical slides. Unlike Microsoft PowerPoint, you won’t see a list of portrait orientation options.

Here are some common paper sizes you might consider.

• Letter or Standard: 8.5 by 11 inches
• Legal: 8.5 by 14 inches
• Tabloid or Ledger: 11 by 17 inches

Common A-Series Paper Sizes

Note that you can round up the following A-series paper sizes if you like.

• A3: 11.69 by 16.54 inches
• A4: 8.26 by 11.69 inches
• A5: 5.83 by 8.26 inches

How to Make Google Slides Vertical

You can change the orientation for your presentation easily in Google Slides on the web. As of this writing, you don’t have this ability in the Google Slides mobile app.

Additionally, when you adjust the orientation, this changes all slides in the presentation by default. You cannot use different orientations for individual slides.

1. Visit Google Slides, open your presentation, open the File menu, and pick Page setup.

2. In the drop-down menu, choose Custom.

3. Enter the dimensions you want to use for the slide size and pick the measurement to the right. You can choose Inches, Centimeters, Points, or Pixels. Again, you can use the paper sizes listed above or your custom sizes.

4. Select Apply.

You’ll then see the slides in your presentation displayed vertically instead of horizontally. If you already have content on the slides, you may need to adjust your items to accommodate the vertical layout.

How to Make Google Slides Horizontal Again

If after you change the orientation in Google Slides, you decide that landscape slides would work better, you can revert it just as easily.

Select File > Page setup from the menu. In the drop-down box, choose one of the standard horizontal sizes or use the Custom option to enter your dimensions. Then, select Apply.

Like changing the orientation to vertical, you may then want to adjust your elements for the horizontal slide view.

Which View Is Good for You?

Whether you’re creating a Google Slides presentation for a newsletter, poster, infographic, or one that looks good on mobile devices, you can change the orientation in just a few steps.

Now that you know how to make Google Slides vertical, take a look at our tutorial for how to hide and unhide slides too.

The post How to Make Google Slides Orientation (to Vertical and Back) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Convert a Number to Text: TEXT

Starting with a simple way to convert a number to text using a specified format is the TEXT function. You can use it for a date, time, percentage, currency, or similar number.

The syntax for the formula is TEXT(number, format), where you can use the exact number or a cell reference for the first argument. Depending on the format you want to use, you can visit the Google Docs Editors Help page for the list of over a dozen options for the second argument.

As an example, we’ll format the time 22:30 in a 12-hour format with AM or PM and as text using this formula:

=TEXT(“22:30”,”hh:mm AM/PM”)

For another example, we’ll format the number in cell A1 as text with a percent sign using this formula:

=TEXT(A1,”0%”)

Combine Text: CONCATENATE

If you want to join two strings of text, you can use the CONCATENATE function. You may have a first name and last name, city and state, or similar that you want to combine into a single cell.

The syntax is CONCATENATE(string1, string2,…), where you can use the text or cell references for the arguments.

In this example, we’ll combine the text in cells A1 through D1 into a single string with this formula:

=CONCATENATE(A1:D1)

If you want to place a space between the words, you can insert a blank space within quotation marks between each cell reference using this formula:

=CONCATENATE(A1,” “,B1,” “,C1,” “,D1)

For another example, we’ll combine the text “First name: ” with the text in cell A1 with this formula:

=CONCATENATE(“First name: “,A1)

Combine Text With a Delimiter: TEXTJOIN

The TEXTJOIN function is similar to CONCATENATE for combining text. The difference is that you can use a delimiter (separator) and combine arrays with TEXTJOIN.

The syntax is TEXTJOIN(delimiter, empty, text1, text2,…). For the delimiter argument, place the space, comma, or other delimiter in quotes and for the empty argument, use True to exclude empty cells or False to include them.

As an example, we’ll join the text in the cell range A1 through C2 with a space as the delimiter and TRUE to ignore the empty cell (A2). Here’s the formula:

=TEXTJOIN(” “,TRUE,A1:C2)

For another example, we’ll combine the text in cells A1 through A10 with a comma as the delimiter and FALSE to include the empty cells (A4 through A8) so you can see how the result looks. Here’s the formula:

=TEXTJOIN(“,”,FALSE,A1:A10)

Tip: If you want to combine numbers, you can use the JOIN function.

Separate Text: SPLIT

Maybe you want to do the opposite of the above and separate text rather than combine it. For this, you can use the SPLIT function.

The syntax is SPLIT(text, delimiter, split_by, empty). Use the split_by argument with True (default) to separate the text around each character in the delimiter, otherwise use False. Use the empty argument with True (default) to treat consecutive delimiters as one, otherwise use False.

Here, we’ll split the text in cell A1 using a space as the delimiter and the defaults for the other arguments with this formula:

=SPLIT(A1,” “)

For another example, we’ll split the text in cell A1 using “t” as the delimiter. This removes the “t” like it removes the space delimiter above and leaves the rest of the text. Here’s the formula:

=SPLIT(A1,”t”)

Now, if we add FALSE as the split_by argument, this formula separates the text only at the “t[space]” mark:

=SPLIT(A1,”t “,FALSE)

Compare Text: EXACT

Are you working on comparing data in your sheet? Using the EXACT function, you can compare two strings of text and receive a simple True or False result for whether they match or not.

The syntax is EXACT(text1, text2), where you can use text or cell references for the arguments.

As an example, we’ll compare the two text strings in cells A1 and B1 with this formula:

=EXACT(A1,B1)

For another example, we’ll compare the text in cell A1 with “Google” using this formula:

=EXACT(A1,”Google”)

Change Text: REPLACE and SUBSTITUTE

While you can use the Find and Replace feature in Google Sheets, you may need to be more specific than the feature allows. For instance, you might want to change a letter in a particular spot or only a certain instance of text in a string. In this case, you can use either REPLACE or SUBSTITUTE.

Although similar, each function works slightly differently, so you can use whichever meets your needs best.

The syntax for each is REPLACE(text, position, length, new) and SUBSTITUTE(text, search_for, replace_with, occurrence). Let’s walk through a couple of examples and how to use the arguments.

REPLACE

Here, we want to replace “William H Brown” with “Bill Brown,” so we’ll use the REPLACE function and this formula:

=REPLACE(A1,1,9,”Bill”)

To break down the formula, A1 is the cell with the text, 1 is the starting position to replace, 9 is the number of characters to replace, and Bill is the replacement text.

As another example, we have phone numbers stored as text and need to change the prefix for each. Since each prefix is different, we can use REPLACE to specify the position and number of characters for the replacement. Here’s the formula:

=REPLACE(A1,5,3,”222″)

Tip: To change multiple cells in a column, you can drag the formula down to apply it to the subsequent rows as shown below.

SUBSTITUTE

For an example of the SUBSTITUTE function, we want to replace “new york” with “New York” and will add the occurrence argument to make sure we only change the first instance in our string. Here’s the formula:

=SUBSTITUTE(A1,”new york”,”New York”,1)

To break down this formula, A1 contains the text, “new york” is the text we search for, “New York” is the replacement, and 1 is the first occurrence of the text.

If you were to remove the occurrence argument in the above formula, the function would change both instances to “New York” by default as you can see here:

=SUBSTITUTE(A1,”new york”,”New York”)

Change the Letter Case: PROPER, UPPER, and LOWER

If you import data from another source or mistype during data entry, you may end up with mismatched letter cases. Using the PROPER, UPPER, and LOWER functions, you can quickly correct it.

The syntax for each is simple as PROPER(text), UPPER(text), and LOWER(text) where you can use a cell reference or the text for the argument.

To capitalize the first letter of each word in a text string, you can use the PROPER function and this formula:

=PROPER(A1)

To change the letters to all uppercase, use the UPPER function and this formula:

=UPPER(A1)

To change the letters to all lower case, use the LOWER function and this formula:

=LOWER(A1)

Remember, you can also enter the exact text for all three functions within quotes as follows:

=PROPER(“online tech TIPS”)

Obtain Part of a Text String: LEFT, RIGHT, and MID

Maybe you need to extract part of a text string. You may have data mixed in with other data or want to use a portion of a string for something in particular. You can use the LEFT, RIGHT, and MID functions to get the part you need.

The syntax for each is LEFT(string, num_characters), RIGHT(string, num_characters), and MID(string, start, length). You can use a cell reference or the text as the string argument in each.

For an example of the LEFT function, we’ll extract the first three characters from the left using the text in cell A1 with this formula:

=LEFT(A1,3)

For an example of the RIGHT function, we’ll extract the first four characters from the right using the same cell with this formula:

=RIGHT(A1,4)

For an example of the MID function, we’ll extract the name “Jane” from the text in the same cell.

=MID(A1,6,4)

In this MID example, a 6 for the start argument selects the 6th character from the left. Remember that all characters count, including spaces and punctuation. Then, a 4 for the length argument selects four characters.

Get the Length of a Text String: LEN and LENB

When you plan to do something specific with your data, such as copy and paste or export it for use elsewhere, you might need to be cautious about the character count. With LEN, you can get the number of characters in a text string, and with LENB, you can get the count in bytes.

The syntax for each is LEN(string) and LENB(string), where again, you can use a cell reference or text as the argument.

Here, we’ll get the character count for the text in cell A1 with this formula:

=LEN(A1)

With this formula, we’ll get the character count for the text in cell A1 but as bytes instead:

=LENB(A1)

Remove Extra Spaces: TRIM

If you need to clean up your data from leading, trailing, or miscellaneous extra spaces, you can use the TRIM function.

The syntax is TRIM(text), where you can use a cell reference or text for the argument.

Here, we’ll remove the spaces from the text string in cell A1 with this formula:

=TRIM(A1)

Next, we’ll remove extra spaces from the specific text “ Online Tech Tips” with this formula:

=TRIM( “Online Tech Tips”)

Tackle Your Text With Google Sheets Functions

Google Sheets offers many features for working with text. You can wrap text, change the format, hyperlink it, and more. However, when you have a lengthy dataset, the Google Sheets text functions can help you tackle your text changes quicker and more efficiently. Will you give one or two a try?

For related tutorials, look at how to use Google Sheets formulas for arrays.

The post 15+ Simple Google Sheets Text Functions first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

1. Highlight Cells

Highlighting the entire cell is pretty straightforward. You can choose to highlight only one or a group of cells. Follow these steps:

1. Select the cell or a group of cells you want to highlight.

2. Select the Fill color icon from the toolbar, and choose the highlight color you want.

3. The selected cells will automatically become highlighted with a different fill color than the others.

And that’s all there is to it. Highlighting cells might be the easiest thing to do in Google Sheets.

2. Highlight Text

If you don’t want to highlight the whole cell but only the data inside it, you can do it by changing the text color. It doesn’t matter if it’s a particular value, the whole text, or just a part of the text in a cell you want to highlight; the concept is the same.

1. Select the text within the cell or part of the text you want to highlight. Double-click the cell with your cursor to access the text to do this.

2. Select the Text color icon from the main toolbar, and choose the desired color.

3. The selected text will automatically change to the color you chose from the color palette.

Note: You can use as many colors as you want to highlight your text. But remember that some colors might be difficult to read depending on the cell background color. You can combine cell and text highlight methods to achieve different effects. You can also change the formatting style of your text to Bold, Italic, or Strikethrough to put even more emphasis on the text or a cell.

3. Conditional Formatting

For data analysis, you can format the cells based on their content. For example, you can change the background color of cells with the same value. Conditional formatting will save you time if you need to highlight several different cells with the same value and you don’t want to manually search for them to select and highlight those values.

Let’s see how to automatically highlight cells that begin, end, or contain a specific value, word, or phrase, changing only the conditional formatting rules.

Note: Conditional formatting is less powerful in Google Sheets compared to Microsoft Excel. The former limits you to 50 rules per sheet, while you can create up to 256 rules in Excel to highlight your data.

1. Highlight Text That Begins With a Specific Word

1. Select a cell (or multiple cells) that contains a specific word, phrase, or value.
2. Open the Format menu from the ribbon at the top of the screen.

3. Select Conditional Formatting from the drop-down menu. The Conditional Formatting menu will open on the right side of the Google Sheet.

4. If you want to apply Conditional Formatting to multiple cells that contain the same word, you’ll have to input the range to which the formatting will be applied. Click on the Apply to Range box.

5. When the dialog box opens, type in the range of cells where you want to apply the formatting. Look at the cell numbers and column letters and type in the range— e.g. A2:A16. This will highlight the cells that meet the conditional formatting rule .

6. In the Conditional Formatting menu, under Format Rules (or Conditional format rules), click on the drop-down menu for Format cells if…

7. Select Text starts with from the drop-down menu.

8. In the Value or formula box, type in the specific word (or a custom formula) with which the cell begins.

9. In the Formatting Style section, you can select the text and background color you want added to the text or the whole cell and text formatting options such as Bold, Italic, and Strikethrough.

10. When you select all the desired options in Formatting Style, hit the Done button.

The cells containing a specific word will be highlighted automatically (in our example”, the word is “Best”).

2. Highlight Text That Ends With a Specific Word

You can also highlight all the cells that end with a specific word. The steps are almost the same. However, when you come to the point where you need to select Format rules, You’ll choose Text ends with from the drop-down menu.

All the steps before and after this are the same as described in the previous section. Once you are ready to apply the highlight to all the cells that end with a specific word, phrase, or value, hit the Done button.

3. Highlight Text That Contains a Specific Word

You probably guessed that to highlight text that contains a specific word you have to follow the same steps as previously described in the Conditional Formatting section. But when you reach the point to select Format rules, you’ll choose Text contains from the drop-down menu.

Select the formatting styles you desire and hit the Done button to finish.

Manually highlighting text gives you precise control over the selection process, allowing you to emphasize specific data points, labels, or insights. This hands-on method is ideal for smaller datasets.

On the other hand, automatic highlighting with conditional formatting offers efficiency and scalability. It allows you to set up rules that dynamically highlight cells based on specific criteria, making it perfect for larger datasets. After using conditional formatting, you can also filter your spreadsheet data by color.

Whether you choose the manual or automatic route, highlighting the correct text enhances the clarity and readability of your spreadsheets, so keep experimenting with both methods.

The post How to Highlight Texts in Google Sheets (Manually and Automatically) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.