Analysis on another level with the tools you already have

Since we started unpacking Python in Excel, one theme keeps popping up:

“I get that Python's powerful… but what exactly does it do inside Excel?”

“And do I really need to learn it?”

Fair questions. Especially with all the AI buzz and Copilot updates.

So let’s get clear.

Python is the same language that powers Instagram algorithms and self-driving cars.

But inside Excel, it’s your shortcut to deeper, smarter data analysis:

Discover trends Excel charts can’t reveal
Run complex forecasting models
Flag anomalies and issues before they become problems

Just to name a few.

Now, if you mainly use Excel for quick lists or basic calculations, this probably isn't something you'll need right now.

But if you're in Excel daily, cleaning data, creating reports, analyzing performance... I'd say Python in Excel is going to open some exciting doors.

We've had so many questions about this that I just recorded a YouTube video walking through real use cases and showing where Copilot and AI fit into the real picture. I'll be sharing more next week.

And as you probably know, we’ve been working on a new course launching on June 25th:

Python in Excel for the Real World.

It's designed to answer:

What gap does Python fill inside Excel... and when should you use it?

🤓 Geeky News

🛜 Power Query goes online

Not in Excel Online, though, but in Power BI Service.

You can now use Power Query in the browser to import and transform data before you model it in Power BI. No Desktop needed.

It’s finally possible to manage your entire semantic model end-to-end on the web.

Of course, the advantage of the Desktop app is that it doesn't require an account...

🖼️ Compress images on Windows 11

Windows 11 now lets you shrink image file size without changing resolution, right from the Share menu.

You can choose between Low, Medium, or High compression levels. It works by lowering JPEG quality and creates a separate compressed copy when sharing.

Bonus: you can also crop or edit the image before sharing. No need to open Paint or Photos.

The new feature is rolling out gradually via the Windows Insider Program.

🎞️ Video trimming in Clipchamp - now even easier

Clipchamp, Microsoft's freemium video editor, lets you trim videos by editing the transcript.

Just generate a transcript, highlight the parts you don’t want, and delete. The video timeline updates automatically.

It’s a faster way to clean up meeting recordings, webinars, or podcasts without scrubbing through footage.

Rolling out to work accounts in June, with personal accounts coming soon.

⌨️ Did You Know?

Python in Excel introduced me to some handy shortcuts - beyond just the Python-specific ones.

You probably know F2 puts you in edit mode (saves you that double-click).

But if your formula’s getting cramped, you don’t need your mouse to jump to the formula bar:

Ctrl + F2 lets you switch between typing in the cell and the formula bar.

And when your formula starts spilling over multiple lines?

Ctrl + Shift + U expands the formula bar for a clearer view.

Works for Python cells and regular formulas. Super smooth.

👏 Power Stories

Bernie took Automate with Power Query and found exactly what we hoped for: real examples that made things click.

	“This course was a helpful extension to my journey of learning and using Power Query. The numerous examples of real-world situations were brilliant. Now I feel more confident in finding the best solutions to Excel data challenges.”
	Bernie Simmonds, Consultant

That’s the goal. More clarity, more confidence, and smarter ways to solve real problems.

See you next week (sooner than usual, even 😉)

Leila

P.S. Python in Excel for the Real World is almost here. Expect to hear from me on Wednesday, June 25th.

Leila Gharani - XelPlus