Friday, 21 March 2025

10 Top Things to Do after Exams

 

Finishing exams is a huge relief! Here are 10 things you can do afterward to relax, recharge, and make the most of your time:

1. Celebrate! 🎉

Take a moment to appreciate your hard work. Whether it's a small treat, a night out with friends, or just sleeping in—celebrate your effort.

2. Sleep & Rest 😴

Exams can be exhausting, so catch up on the sleep you missed. Your body and mind will thank you!

3. Declutter & Organize 📚

Clear out old notes, organize your study space, and get rid of unnecessary clutter. A fresh start feels great!

4. Reconnect with Friends & Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

You may have been too busy to catch up, so now’s the time to spend quality moments with loved ones.

5. Pick Up a Hobby 🎨🎸

Do something you love or try something new—whether it’s painting, playing an instrument, coding, or cooking.

6. Travel or Take a Short Trip 🚗

Even if it’s just a weekend getaway, a change of scenery can be refreshing.

7. Exercise & Stay Active 🏋️‍♂️

Exams can lead to long hours of sitting, so get moving—hit the gym, go for a hike, or just take a walk outside.

8. Watch Movies & Read for Fun 🎬📖

Binge-watch a series, go to the movies, or read a book that isn’t a textbook. Enjoy entertainment stress-free!

9. Plan for the Future 📝

Think about what’s next—internships, projects, or even just setting new goals for yourself.

10. Just Relax & Do Nothing 🌿

It’s okay to take a break and simply do nothing for a while. You deserve it!

What’s the first thing you’re planning to do? 😊

Reach out to Palium Skills to learn about your options and how to avoid wasting the free time available after your Class X or Class XII exams or in between study years. This is the most crucial time for you to prepare and build your career!

Saturday, 15 March 2025

List of Shortcuts in Excel

Shortcuts are keyboard combinations that can do specific actions in Excel 




Here’s a comprehensive list of Excel shortcuts categorized for easy reference, along with examples to illustrate their use.

Basic Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
Ctrl + N Create a new workbook Opens a blank Excel file.
Ctrl + O Open an existing workbook Opens the file selection window.
Ctrl + S Save the workbook Saves your changes to the file.
Ctrl + P Print the workbook Opens the print menu.
Ctrl + W Close the workbook Closes the current workbook.
Ctrl + C Copy Copies selected text or cell content.
Ctrl + X Cut Cuts selected text or cell content.
Ctrl + V Paste Pastes copied/cut data.
Ctrl + Z Undo Reverses the last action.
Ctrl + Y Redo Restores an undone action.

Navigation Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
Arrow Keys Move between cells Moves selection in the arrow's direction.
Ctrl + Arrow Key Jump to the last non-empty cell in the direction If A1 is selected, pressing Ctrl + ↓ moves to the last filled cell in column A.
Ctrl + Home Go to A1 Jumps to the first cell (A1).
Ctrl + End Go to the last used cell Moves to the last used row and column.
Page Up/Page Down Scroll one screen up/down Scrolls through the worksheet.
Alt + Page Up/Page Down Move one screen left/right Helps navigate large sheets.

Selection Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
Ctrl + A Select the entire worksheet Selects all the data in the sheet.
Shift + Arrow Key Extend selection Expands the selected range.
Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Key Select a range to the last non-empty cell Selects from the current cell to the last filled cell in a direction.
Shift + Space Select entire row Selects the entire row of the active cell.
Ctrl + Space Select entire column Selects the entire column of the active cell.

Editing Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
F2 Edit active cell Places the cursor inside the cell for editing.
Alt + Enter Insert a new line within a cell Adds a line break inside a cell.
Ctrl + D Fill down Copies the content of the topmost cell down.
Ctrl + R Fill right Copies the leftmost cell’s content to the right.
Ctrl + "-" Delete selected cells/rows/columns Removes the selection and shifts adjacent data accordingly.
Ctrl + "+" Insert new cells/rows/columns Adds new space to the sheet.

Formula Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
= (Equal Sign) Start a formula =SUM(A1:A10) sums the values in A1 to A10.
Ctrl + ` Show formulas instead of values Toggles between formula view and normal view.
F4 Toggle absolute/relative cell reference Changes A1 → $A$1 → A$1 → $A1 when editing a formula.
Alt + = AutoSum Quickly sums up a range.
Ctrl + Shift + Enter Enter an array formula (for older versions) Used to enter legacy array formulas.

Formatting Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
Ctrl + B Bold Makes text bold.
Ctrl + I Italic Italicizes text.
Ctrl + U Underline Underlines text.
Ctrl + 1 Open Format Cells dialog Allows formatting of numbers, alignment, etc.
Ctrl + Shift + $ Apply currency format Converts numbers to currency format (e.g., $123.45).
Ctrl + Shift + % Apply percentage format Converts a number into a percentage (e.g., 0.5 → 50%).
Ctrl + Shift + # Apply date format Formats numbers as a date (e.g., 03/15/2025).

Worksheet Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
Shift + F11 Insert a new worksheet Adds a new worksheet to the workbook.
Ctrl + Page Up Move to the previous worksheet Switches to the previous sheet.
Ctrl + Page Down Move to the next worksheet Switches to the next sheet.
Alt + H + O + R Rename a worksheet Opens the rename option for the current sheet.

Data Handling Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
Ctrl + T Create a table Converts a range into a table.
Ctrl + Shift + L Apply/Remove filters Adds or removes filters on column headers.
Alt + Down Arrow Open drop-down list in filtered column Displays available filter options.
Ctrl + Shift + U Expand or collapse formula bar Adjusts formula bar visibility.

Pivot Table Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
Alt + N + V Insert a PivotTable Opens the Create PivotTable dialog.
Alt + J + T + R Refresh PivotTable Updates PivotTable data.
Alt + J + T + I Insert PivotChart Adds a chart to PivotTable.

Miscellaneous Shortcuts

Shortcut Action Example
F7 Spell check Runs spell check on selected text.
F12 Save As Opens the Save As dialog.
Ctrl + Shift + " (Quotation) Copy value from the cell above Copies the above cell's value into the active cell.
Ctrl + Shift + : Insert current time Inserts the system's current time in the selected cell.
Ctrl + ; Insert current date Inserts today's date.

This list covers most Excel shortcuts that boost productivity.

Excel is used extensively for Data collection, analysis and presentation of information in a user understandable format which can be easily understood by the normal user. It is the most commonly used application as it is easily accessible and available for all users. 

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  • Regular & Fast Track Classes: Choose between weekday or weekend sessions to suit your schedule.

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  • Flexible Learning Modes: Available in offline (classroom) and live online formats.

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Why Learn Advanced Excel?

Advanced Excel is a crucial tool for data analysis, financial modeling, reporting, and business decision-making. Mastering Excel can open opportunities in roles such as data analyst, business analyst, financial analyst, and MIS reporting.

Course Coverage

The course covers the following topics comprehensively -

  • Conditional Formatting
  • Visualizations
  • Pivot Tables
  • Formulas for Date, Text, Financial Calculations etc.
  • Advanced Functions like Vlookup, XLookup, Match, Sumif, Sumifs etc.

Enroll Today!

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Start learning Excel today and unlock global opportunities!

 

 

 

Monday, 3 March 2025

Top 10 Things to Learn in Graphic Designing

 


If you're starting out or aiming to build a strong foundation then you need to ensure that you definitely learn these things as part of your Graphic Designing course. The best courses for your future career foundation in Graphics Designing must include the following-

🎨 1. Design Principles

These are the rules of good design. Master these and you’ll already be ahead of the curve:

  • Balance

  • Contrast

  • Alignment

  • Hierarchy

  • Proximity

  • Repetition

  • White space

🎯 2. Typography

Fonts are everything in design. Learn:

  • Font pairing

  • Kerning, tracking, leading

  • Readability vs style

  • Choosing the right font for tone

🌈 3. Color Theory

Understanding color helps create emotion, harmony, and brand identity. Learn:

  • Color wheel basics

  • Complementary colors

  • Color psychology

  • Color palettes and accessibility

🖼️ 4. Layout & Composition

How elements are arranged affects how people read or interact with your design. Learn:

  • Grid systems

  • Visual hierarchy

  • Focal points

  • Rule of thirds

💻 5. Design Software

Start with:

  • Canva (beginner-friendly)

  • Adobe Photoshop (photo editing, graphics)

  • Adobe Illustrator (vector-based design, logos)

  • Figma (UI/UX, prototyping)

  • InDesign (for print, editorial design)

🧠 6. Branding & Identity

Design is key in how people perceive a brand. Learn:

  • Logo design

  • Brand color systems

  • Style guides

  • Consistency in visual identity

📱 7. Digital & Social Media Design

Design for where people actually see your work. Learn:

  • Instagram posts & stories

  • YouTube thumbnails

  • Web banners

  • Responsive/adaptive design

🧑‍💻 8. UI/UX Basics

Even if you're not becoming a full UI/UX designer, understanding the basics is valuable:

  • Wireframing

  • User journey

  • Usability

  • Web vs mobile design

🖼️ 9. Image Editing & Retouching

Especially useful for marketing, content, and personal branding:

  • Removing backgrounds

  • Adjusting lighting/colors

  • Retouching faces/products

📁 10. Portfolio Building & Real Projects

You grow by doing. Practice with:

  • Real or mock client projects

  • Logo redesigns

  • Social media packs

  • Case studies in your portfolio

If you're looking to turn this into a learning plan or want tools & resources for each area, Palium Skills can help map that out too! Want a roadmap or course suggestions then reach out to us through https://paliumskills.com

 

Saturday, 1 March 2025

Understanding Conditional Formatting in Excel

 

 


Using Conditional Formatting in Excel

Conditional Formatting in Excel allows you to format cells based on specific conditions, making data analysis easier by highlighting key information.

1. Applying Conditional Formatting

Steps to Apply:

  1. Select the range of cells you want to format.
  2. Go to the Home tab → Click Conditional Formatting in the ribbon.
  3. Choose a formatting rule based on your needs.

2. Common Conditional Formatting Rules

A) Highlight Cells Based on Values

  • Example: Highlight sales greater than $10,000.
    • Click Conditional FormattingHighlight Cells RulesGreater Than…
    • Enter 10000 and choose a formatting style (e.g., red fill).

B) Use Color Scales for Data Ranges

  • Example: Apply a color gradient from red (low) to green (high).
    • Click Conditional FormattingColor Scales → Choose a style.

C) Use Data Bars to Visualize Data

  • Example: Show progress in a dataset.
    • Click Conditional FormattingData Bars → Choose a fill style.

D) Apply Icon Sets

  • Example: Show green, yellow, and red arrows for high, medium, and low values.
    • Click Conditional FormattingIcon Sets → Choose a style.

E) Highlight Duplicates

  • Example: Find duplicate names in a list.
    • Click Conditional FormattingHighlight Cells RulesDuplicate Values.

3. Custom Conditional Formatting with Formulas

You can use formulas to apply formatting dynamically.

Example 1: Highlight Rows Where Sales Exceed $10,000

  1. Select the dataset (e.g., A2:D100).
  2. Click Conditional FormattingNew Rule.
  3. Select Use a formula to determine which cells to format.
  4. Enter the formula:
    =B2>10000
    
  5. Click Format, choose a color, and apply.

Example 2: Highlight Even Rows for Better Readability

  1. Select your data range.
  2. Click Conditional FormattingNew Rule.
  3. Enter the formula:
    =MOD(ROW(),2)=0
    
  4. Choose a light fill color and apply.

4. Managing and Removing Conditional Formatting

  • View Applied Rules:
    • Click Conditional FormattingManage Rules.
  • Remove Conditional Formatting:
    • Click Clear Rules and choose from the worksheet or selected cells.

Conclusion

Conditional Formatting is a powerful Excel feature that helps visualize trends, highlight important data, and improve data readability.

Would you like a custom VBA script for advanced formatting, or help with a specific scenario? 🚀