If you know me, you know I am a huge fan of keyboard shortcuts. If you do any work at all in Excel here are 10 great ones that will save you time.
1. CTRL+1 – Format
Need to format something? Just press CTRL + 1 and you’ll be instantly transported to the formatting options you need. The best part is this trick works for just about everything including cells, charts and more!
2. F2 – Edit a cell
No need to leave the keyboard to double-click a cell for editing. F2 is all you need.
3. CTRL+Arrow keys – Navigate your worksheet
There’s no need for endless scrolling when you can use the CTRL+arrow key trick. Using this keyboard combo will jump you to the last populated cell in that direction.
You can also use CTRL+SHIFT+arrow keys to quickly select a whole range of cells.
4. F4 – Toggle cell references between relative and absolute
This one let’s you skip manually typing in the $ when you need an absolute cell reference. Keep hitting the F4 key to cycle through relative, mixed and absolute cell reference options.
5. ALT+ES – Paste Special > Values
When copying data from another source using Paste Special – Values will leave all the unwanted formatting, formulas, etc behind and keep your data nice and clean. Here are loads more things you can do with copy & paste tricks like this.
6. F3 – Show Names
If you ever use range names in your workbooks you’ll like this one. Just press F3 and you get a list of all the defined names. Pick one and press ok to add it to the formula you are typing. Super fast and handy.
7. CTRL+K – Add Hyperlink
Select a cell, shape, etc press CTRL+K to open the hyperlink box then enter the destination URL or location. This one also works in Word and PowerPoint.
8. CTRL+T – Insert Table
Excel Tables are awesome and they can make things much easier in Excel. Just select any cell in a range of related data, and press CTRL+T to make it table. If you’re not familiar with them go here now and see what you’re missing. You’ll be glad you did!
9. CTRL+S – Save
From the better safe than sorry department, use CTRL + S to quickly save your work.
10. CTRL+SHIFT+L – Turn on/ off filters
I love filters but sometimes clearing each filter can be a pain. This shortcut lets you turn-off and turn-on the filters super fast.
Did you learn any news ones from this list? Which of your favorites did I miss? Leave a comment and let me know.
Work Smarter Not Harder 