Excel can generate a built-in data form (data form: A dialog box that displays one complete record at a time. You can use data forms to add, change, locate, and delete records.) for your range. The data form displays all of your column labels in a single dialog box, with a blank space beside each label for you to fill in data for the column. You can enter new data, find rows based on cell contents, update existing data, and delete rows from the range.

Use a data form when a simple form listing the columns is sufficient and you don't need more sophisticated or custom features. A data form can make data entry easier than typing across the columns when you have a wide range with more columns than will fit on the screen at one time.

If you need a sophisticated or specialized data entry form, you can create a worksheet or template (template: A workbook that you create and use as the basis for other similar workbooks. You can create templates for workbooks and worksheets. The default template for workbooks is called Book.xlt. The default template for worksheets is called Sheet.xlt.) to use as a form and then customize the worksheet form to meet your needs. For example, you might create an expense report form for people to fill out online or in printed form.

Use this method when you want complete flexibility to customize your form. Worksheet forms are particularly useful when you want individual printable copies of your forms. You can develop a data entry application using the Microsoft Visual Basic Editor (Microsoft Visual Basic Editor: An environment in which you can edit macros that you've recorded and write new macros and Visual Basic for Applications programs.) to keep the data from the forms in an Excel range.