Consistent formatting is important in models. It helps communicate what particular cells are for, and helps to communicate useful information about the structure of the model. In order to facilitate easy, consistent formatting, we have a set of FAST format macros.

3. Financial modelling should be collaborative. Collaboration
reduces error, speeds up development time and lowers
cost. The Financial Modelling Handbook is a collaborative,
crowd-sourced guide to building better financial models
using the FAST Standard.

4. Kenny Whitelaw-Jones talks
about financial modelling for a
living. He’s leading the Financial
Modelling Handbook project. He
hopes your name will be on the
cover when it’s published.

5. Consistent formatting is important in models. It helps
communicate what particular cells are for, and helps to
communicate useful information about the structure of the
model.
In order to facilitate easy, consistent formatting, we have a set
of FAST format macros.

6. By assigning commonly used formats to keyboard shortcuts, we
ensure formatting is applied consistently by all team members.
The shortcuts make it more efficient to apply formatting. We do
it as we go along, and don’t kid ourselves that we’ll come back
and do it later.

7. The Format Macros file is saved in a hidden state which means
it runs in the background while you are working.
The first section of this guide shows you how to set up Excel to
automatically load the Macros file each time Excel runs.

8. Download the file that
accompanies this
modelling guide.
Locate the XLSTART
folder. It often sits within
Program Files 
Microsoft Office  Office
14*
Copy the Macros file into
that folder.
Excel will open the
macro file each time
Excel launces.
*Office 14 is where your Office 2010 files are
stored. If you have other versions of office
installed you will have a different number here.

9. If you can’t locate your XLSTART
folder, or don’t have access to it,
there is another option.
Locate your Excel Options (within
the File menu).
Select the Advanced tab.
Scroll down to “General”.
Find “At start up, open all files in”.
Save your Macro file to a folder on
your machine and enter the file
path to that folder.
The folder you choose should only
contain files that you wish Excel to
open when it launches.

10. Input shading:
ctrl + shift + i
Default number
style:
ctrl + shift + ,
Add decimal
places to a
number:
ctrl + .
Remove decimal
places from a
number:
ctrl + ,

11. Toggle date style:
ctrl + shift + /
Percentage style:
ctrl + shift + p

12. Imported link:
ctrl + shift + m
Default black font:
ctrl + shift + b
Factor style:
ctrl + shift + .

13. Counterflow link:
ctrl + shift + o
Exported link:
ctrl + shift + x
Borders:
ctrl + shift + d

14. The full list of shortcuts is
available for download along
with this guide and the Format
Macros file.