HOW TO CREATE A LINK BETWEEN TWO EXCEL FILES

Question

How do i create a link between two exel files to enable me to switch fast between the two files.

Answer 1

To quickly switch between two or more open spreadsheets press CTRL+Tab.

Answer 2

Hello @Pieter Le Roux

If I understand your idea correctly, you’re looking for a way to quickly switch between two Excel files on your Windows computer, and you’re wondering if creating a “link” between them could make this faster.

To make things clearer, I’d like to gently clarify that when you mention “linking” files, it can actually refer to a few different things.

To help me guide you more accurately, could you please share a bit more detail?

• Are you trying to create a clickable link inside a cell that opens the other file, or are you looking for a quick way to switch between two files that are already open?
• Are your files saved locally on your computer, or in a cloud location like OneDrive?
• You can also describe what you see on your screen, or share a screenshot if possible. That will help me better understand your setup.

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In the meantime, here are two common approaches you can try if they match what you need:

1/ Open two Excel files side by side

This way will support you view and work on both files at the same time.

• Open both Excel files
• Press the Windows key + Left Arrow or Windows key + Right Arrow on your keyboard
• This will snap each file to one side of the screen

Expected result: You will see both files at once, making it easier to compare or work between them without switching back and forth.

2/ Create a clickable hyperlink inside Excel

You can add a shortcut in one file that opens the other file instantly.

• Open your first Excel file
• Click on an empty cell
• Go to the Insert tab at the top
• Select "Link" (or Hyperlink)
• Browse and select your second Excel file
• Click "OK"

Expected result: You will have a clickable link in the cell that opens the other file.

Note: If your file is stored in the cloud, clicking the link may open it in the web version by default. If you prefer to open it in the desktop app, you can right click the link, choose "Open with", and then select "Desktop".

If this does not match what you had in mind, just let me know how you would like the files to behave, and I will adjust the steps for you. I’m here to help you work through it.

Have a great day!

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Answer 3

To switch quickly between two Excel files, create workbook links (external references) between them and then use Excel’s window switching features.

To create a link between two workbooks (Windows or web):

1. Open both workbooks.
2. In the destination workbook (where the value should appear), select the cell where the linked value is needed.
3. Type = (or a function like =SUM( if needed).
4. Switch to the source workbook and click the sheet and cell(s) to link.
5. Press Enter.
   • Excel creates a formula such as:
     • When source is open: =[SourceWorkbook.xlsx]Sheet1!A1
     • When source is closed: ='C:\Reports\[SourceWorkbook.xlsx]Sheet1'!A1

Alternative copy/paste method:

1. Open both workbooks.
2. In the source workbook, select the cell(s) to link and copy (Ctrl+C).
3. Switch to the destination workbook and select the target cell.
4. On Home > Paste > Paste Link.
   • Excel inserts a formula that links back to the source workbook.

On the web (OneDrive/SharePoint):

1. Save both workbooks online and open them.
2. In the destination workbook, type = and then switch to the source workbook and select the cell(s).
3. Press Enter.
   • Excel uses the full cloud path in the formula, for example: =SUM('https://.../Documents/[data.xlsx]Sheet1'!$A$6:$A$9)
4. When opening the destination workbook, select Enable Content so links can refresh.

To move between the two files quickly after links exist, use Excel’s window switching (for example, Alt+Tab in Windows, or View > Switch Windows in Excel) while the linked workbooks are open.

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References:

• Create workbook links
• Work with links in Excel