In this section, we will cover the fundamental steps to create and save workbooks in Excel. This is a crucial skill for any Excel user, as it forms the basis for all subsequent work. By the end of this section, you will be able to create new workbooks, save them in various formats, and understand the importance of file management.

1. Open Excel: Launch the Excel application from your computer.
2. New Workbook:
   • Option 1: Click on the "Blank Workbook" option on the start screen.
   • Option 2: Go to the "File" tab, select "New," and then click on "Blank Workbook."

When you open Excel, you are presented with a start screen that offers various templates and a "Blank Workbook" option. Selecting "Blank Workbook" creates a new, empty workbook where you can start entering data.

1. Save As:

   • Go to the "File" tab.
   • Select "Save As."
   • Choose the location where you want to save the file (e.g., This PC, OneDrive).
   • Enter a name for your workbook in the "File name" field.
   • Select the desired file format (e.g., .xlsx, .xls, .csv).
   • Click "Save."

2. Save:

   • If you have already saved the workbook before, you can simply click the "Save" icon on the Quick Access Toolbar or press Ctrl + S to save any changes.

The "Save As" option allows you to save your workbook for the first time or save it with a new name or format. The "Save" option is used to save changes to an already saved workbook.

Different file formats serve different purposes. The default .xlsx format is suitable for most tasks, but you might need to use .csv for data import/export or .pdf for sharing non-editable versions of your workbook.

1. Open Excel and create a new blank workbook.
2. Enter the following data in the first few cells:
   • A1: "Name"
   • B1: "Age"
   • A2: "John Doe"
   • B2: "30"
3. Save the workbook with the name "PersonalData" in the .xlsx format.

• Mistake: Forgetting to save the workbook periodically.
  • Tip: Use Ctrl + S frequently to save your work and avoid data loss.
• Mistake: Saving the workbook in the wrong format.
  • Tip: Ensure you select the correct file format based on your needs.

In this section, we covered the basics of creating and saving workbooks in Excel. You learned how to create a new workbook, save it in different formats, and the importance of regular saving. These foundational skills are essential as you progress through more advanced Excel functionalities. Next, we will explore how to enter and edit data in your workbooks.