Creating Custom Lists Using Datasheet View

One of the big improvements in SharePoint 2003 is the ability to have your lists act like real spreadsheets, and to have the flexibility to modify the information in those lists as easily as if you had them open in Excel. To do this, you can create and modify a custom list using Datasheet view.

NOTE

To be able to view and modify lists in Datasheet view, you will need a Windows SharePoint Servicescompatible spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Office Excel 2003. Without this software, you will be forced to use the manual methods described in the rest of this lesson.

To create a custom list using Datasheet view, perform the following steps:

1.	From the home page of the site, click Create on the navigation bar.
2.	Under Custom Lists, choose Create Custom List in Datasheet View.
3.	Enter a name and a description and indicate whether the list will be displayed on the Quick Launch bar.
4.	Click Create to finalize the creation of the custom list.
5.	The list should now open in Datasheet view if you have Excel 2003 installed. It will look similar to the one shown in Figure 20.2, except without data entered in the columns. Make changes to the list like you would in a regular spreadsheet. Any changes you make are automatically reflected in the list. Figure 20.2. Creating a custom list in Datasheet view.

CAUTION

Remember, when working with SharePoint in Datasheet view (and SharePoint in general), there is no "Undo" button, so the changes you make are automatically reflected in the site content!

Any type of bulk changes to a list are made much easier using this technique. Mastering it will greatly simplify your job as a Site Administrator.