Microsoft Excel Tips
Shortcuts and More

Microsoft Excel Tips: Shortcuts and More

Struggling to quickly and accurately enter data into your Microsoft Excel worksheet, chances are, you’re struggling to make the most of your data entry time. Ideally, you want to streamline data entry as much as possible so that you don’t end up wasting time working on your worksheets or trying to get that data in–and if you aren’t able to get the data in quickly and effectively, you may have more trouble figuring out how to analyze it.

With these shortcuts and strategies, however, you can make the most of Microsoft Excel, streamline data entry, and make your tasks much easier.

1. If you want to type in a new entry, there’s no need to delete what you already have there.

Just click on it, then hit enter.

If you want to change existing content, on the other hand, you’ll need to try one of two things. First, go up to the formula bar and edit the content. Second, go for in-place editing. You’re already in the location in the worksheet where you want to make the change, which can make it easier to ensure that your data is entered exactly where you want it.

Double-clicking in the cell or placing F2 will open it for editing.

2. Do you want to delete the content in a cell?

Start by pressing the delete key after clicking in the box. This will clear all the existing content out of the cell without removing any existing formatting, so if you have changed the font or bolded it, that formatting will remain intact when you go to enter further information in the cell.

Want to clear everything? Click on the Home menu, then to go Clear. “Clear All” will clear everything in the cell, including both formatting and the content. You can also choose to Clear Content or Clear Formatting.

3. Undo and Redo are powerful tools in Microsoft Excel.

If you’ve enabled keyboard shortcuts, Undo is Ctrl + Z. Want to redo the last action, including editing or formatting? Ctrl + Y will redo those actions. These items are also built into the Quick Access toolbar, making it easier.

4. Make sure you’re familiar with the best shortcuts in Microsoft Excel to maximize the time spent on data entry.

In many cases, you can use several actions or processes to complete the same end goal in Microsoft Excel. However, these keyboard shortcuts are the easiest way to accomplish your goals.

• Current Date: Ctrl + ;
• Time: Ctrl + :
• Duplicate from the cell or row immediately above: Ctrl + D. This is most useful for extensive comments or long sets of data.
• Move down long columns so that you can create a line break and make a quick adjustment to row height: Alt + Enter
• Add a new worksheet: Shift + F11. The new worksheet will be named with the next available sheet number.
• Edit lengthy text notes and formulas: Double-click, use in-place editing, or expand the formula bar. Move to the right-hand side, click on the down arrow, and expand it. Ctrl + Shift + U will allow you to resize it with ease. It will stay that way unless you decide to collapse it.

Using the right shortcuts and strategies in Microsoft Excel can make a huge difference in the time you spend on data each day. With these tools and strategies, you can make your Microsoft Excel use much more efficient. Want to learn more about how to benefit from these data entry tips or how to make your time in Microsoft Excel go more smoothly? Contact us today for more information.