Microsoft Word 2007
• Content Controls – are predefined blocks of content that you can position anywhere in the document. These include text boxes, drop-down menus, calendars, and pictures. You can also lock content controls to prevent users for editing or deleting the content. This gives you the ability to control the data that can be entered on a form.
• XML Mapping – gives you the ability to populate portions of a document template with data from an XML file. This will allow you to use the same template and different XML files to pre-populate information. This, used along with the content controls, gives you a lot of power to generate dynamic documents.
• Document Building Blocks – Are predefined pieces of content such as a cover page, header or footer that simplifies the quick assembly of professional looking documents. But even more powerful is the ability to create custom building blocks. You can construct a cover page, but even more useful is tied to the ability to use XML mapping so that when a logo or other item is changed, you do not have to go back and redesign the template.
• Word XML Format – now takes advantage of the Open Packaging Conventions that describe the method for packaging information in a file format. The file is smaller because of Zip compression, it is more robust, and custom XML is easier to work with because it is stored in its own part. You can modify a Word 2007 XML file programmatically using the System.IO.Packaging Class.
Microsoft Excel 2007
• Spreadsheet Size – has been increased from 256 columns to 16,385 and from 65,536 rows to 1,048,578. You can have 1024 spreadsheets in a work book (same as Excel 2003) as well as the increase of many more previous limits.
• New Charting – can give you much more professional looking charts. Based on the theme that is applied to your work book, the charts can sport special effects such as 3D, transparency, and soft shadows.
• Sorting – has been increased from 3 columns to 64 columns and you now have the ability to sort by color. You can also filter by color or by date, select multiple items to filter, and filter data in Pivot Tables.
Article comments
1 - Edwin Bartow
Just wanted to mention one other option for anybody struggling with the new Ribbon interface. Office 20007 is a great product! ToolbarToggle is an inexpensive add-in utility which brings back the Office 2003 Toolbars and Menus into Office 2007. ToolbarToggle can be used with the Ribbon or replace the Ribbon - as well as they support full customization with Macros. Would love to get your feedback when you have a chance.