In this series of bimonthly blogs, Western Computer shares our expertise with tips and tricks to help users work more efficiently in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Based on our more than 30 years in business—with 1,100+ solution implementations, including more than 200 in the cloud—we share the expertise we have accumulated to enable users to work as proficiently as possible. You can also subscribe to these blogs in our LinkedIn newsletter. 
When it comes to managing complex business operations, time is your most valuable asset. That’s where Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central shines, offering tools and shortcuts designed to enhance your productivity. Whether you’re new to Business Central or an experienced user, knowing the right shortcuts and tips can make your day-to-day operations smoother and more efficient.
Here’s a cheat sheet of essential productivity tips that will help you get the most out of Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Master Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are invaluable tools for boosting efficiency and saving time. Below are some of the most used shortcuts in Dynamics 365 Business Central:
- Ctrl+F1 – Open Business Central Help.
- Alt+Q – Access the "Tell Me" feature to quickly find pages or actions.
- Alt+N – Create a new record.
- Shift+F12 – Open Role Explorer for easy navigation.
- Alt+O – Add a new note to the selected record.
- Alt+F7 – Sort the selected column in ascending or descending order.
- Shift+F3 – Toggle the filter pane to focus on data filters.
- F3 – Toggle the search box within a list.
Navigating Lists Efficiently
If you work frequently with lists in Business Central, knowing how to filter and sort data is key to staying organized and efficient.
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Alt+F3 – Filter based on the selected cell value.
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Ctrl+Alt+Shift+F3 – Reset all applied filters quickly.
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Ctrl+Shift+F3 – Toggle the filter pane to focus on totals.
Make sure to save filters that you use frequently as views to avoid repetitive setup every time.
Enhanced Search Capabilities
The search function in Business Central is highly versatile:
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Search is case-insensitive and works only on visible columns.
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Filtering is case-sensitive and searches across all fields.
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You can create combined format expressions for complex searches. For example, 5599|8100..8490 will filter results that either match 5599 or fall within the range from 8100 to 8490.
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Use filter tokens like %mycustomers to filter specific types of records (e.g., customers within your Role Center).
Take Advantage of Filter Characters
Leverage powerful filter characters to save time and quickly find relevant data:
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Interval: Use 22..24 to find records from the 22nd to the 24th of the month.
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Either/or: Use 1200|1300 to find numbers matching either 1200 or 1300.
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Case-insensitive search: Use @man to find all instances of "man" regardless of case.
Speed Up Data Entry
Streamlining data entry processes can dramatically boost your productivity.
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F8 – Copy the value from the cell above to the current cell.
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Ctrl+Insert – Insert a new line in documents like sales orders or purchase orders.
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Ctrl+Shift+Enter – Skip to the next Quick Entry field outside a list for faster navigation.
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Quick Entry – Customize which fields you can quickly move between by using the Enter key, allowing you to focus only on the necessary fields.
Use the Built-in Calculator
Did you know that you can perform calculations directly in numeric fields? For instance, entering 19+19 automatically calculates the sum as 38. This is particularly useful when entering complex pricing or inventory numbers.
Autosaving and Focus Mode
Business Central’s autosaving feature ensures that your data is continuously saved without any manual effort. However, for intense data entry, you may prefer to use Focus Mode, which maximizes the document view and allows you to concentrate on line items without distractions.
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Ctrl+Shift+F12 – Toggle Focus Mode to get a clearer, expanded view of document lines.
Customize Your Workspace
If certain features or fields slow you down, Business Central allows for workspace customization:
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Double-click column headers to auto-fit them, reducing the need to manually adjust column widths.
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Use Alt+F6 to expand or collapse field groups, making your workspace more streamlined and tailored to your needs.
<H2> Date and Time Flexibility
Business Central allows for flexible date and time entries based on regional settings. For example, entering "w" inserts the work date, while "t" inserts today’s date. You can also specify periods, such as "P1" for the first accounting period, to streamline date-related workflows.
By mastering these tips and tricks, you’ll enhance your productivity and get more out of Dynamics 365 Business Central. Whether you’re filtering through data, entering orders, or navigating through lists, these shortcuts and features will make your experience more efficient and enjoyable. See all of these productivity tricks at this cheat sheet for Dynamics 365 Business Central. Start incorporating these into your daily routine and watch how much time you save!
Need help mastering Dynamics 365 Business Central? Contact us at Western Computer to learn more about how we can optimize your Business Central experience with customized training and support.
