Keyboard shortcuts in Excel for Mac: Work like an expert

If you are a user of Excel on Mac, mastering keyboard shortcuts can revolutionize the way you work with spreadsheets. These shortcuts allow you to execute actions quickly and efficiently, avoiding the need to constantly navigate menus and toolbars. Learn how to get the most out of Excel and take your productivity to the next level.

Essential shortcuts in Excel for Mac users

Let's start with the fundamental shortcuts that every Excel user on Mac should know. These key combinations will allow you to perform common tasks in the blink of an eye:

• Command + N: Create a new Excel file.
• Shift + Command + P: Create a new file from a template or theme.
• Command + Option + R: Expands or minimizes the ribbon.
• Command + S: Save or sync the current file.
• Command + P: Opens the print dialog box.
• Command + O: Open an existing file.
• Command + W: Close the current file.
• Command + Q: Exits the Excel application.
• Command + Z: Undoes the last action performed.
• Command + Y: Redo or repeat the last action.

Selecting and navigating cells with keyboard shortcuts

Moving through cells and making precise selections is essential for an efficient workflow in Excel. These shortcuts will help you achieve this without using the mouse:

• Shift + arrow key: Extends the selection one cell in the indicated direction.
• Shift + Command + arrow key: Extends the selection to the last non-empty cell in the same column or row.
• Shift + Home o Shift + FN + Left Arrow: Expands the selection to the beginning of the row.
• Control + Shift + Home o Control + Shift + FN + Left Arrow: Expands the selection to the beginning of the sheet.
• Control + Shift + End o Control + Shift + FN + Right Arrow: Extends the selection to the last cell on the sheet.
• Control + Spacebar: Select the entire column.
• Shift + Spacebar: Select the entire row.
• Command + A: Select the current region or the entire sheet.

Boost your formula skills in Excel using decisive shortcuts

Formulas are the heart of Excel, and these shortcuts will allow you to work with them more efficiently:

• F2: Edit the selected cell.
• Control + Shift + C: Expands or contracts the formula bar.
• Enter: Completes the entry of a cell.
• Esc: Cancels entry in a cell or formula bar.
• Shift + F3: Open the Formula Builder.
• Shift + F9: Calculates the active sheet.
• = (equals sign): Starts a formula.
• Command + T o F4: Toggles between absolute, relative and mixed formula references.
• Shift + Command + T: Insert the Autosum formula.

Keyboard shortcuts for working with charts, filters, and outlines

Excel is not only about numbers, but also about data visualization. These shortcuts will help you create and manipulate charts, filters, and outlines with ease:

• F11: Insert a new chart sheet.
• Direction keys: Cycle through the chart object selection.
• Command + Shift + F o Control + Shift + L: Add or remove a filter.
• Control + 8: Shows or hides schematic symbols.
• Control + 9: Hides selected rows.
• Control + Shift + (: Shows the selected rows.
• Control + 0: Hides selected columns.
• Control + Shift + ): Shows the selected columns.

 Advanced functions with the F keys in Excel for Mac

The function keys (F1 to F12) also have associated actions in Excel for Mac. Here are some of the most useful ones:

• F1: Opens the Excel help window.
• F2: Edit the selected cell.
• Shift + F2: Insert a note or open and edit a cell note.
• Command + Shift + F2: Insert a threaded comment or open and reply to an existing comment.
• F5: Displays the “Go to” dialog box.
• Shift + F9: Calculates the active sheet.
• F11: Insert a new chart sheet.
• F12: Displays the “Save As” dialog box.

Customize your own keyboard shortcuts in Excel for Mac

Did you know you can create your own keyboard shortcuts in Excel for Mac? Follow these steps to personalize your experience:

1. Open Excel and go to the menu bar at the top of the screen.
2. Click "Tools" and then select "Customize Keyboard."
3. In the pop-up window, choose a category and the command you want to associate with a shortcut.
4. Click the “Press new keyboard shortcut” field and enter the desired key combination.
5. Click “Add” to save the new custom shortcut.

If the shortcut you choose is already assigned to another function, Excel will notify you. You can choose to replace the previous assignment or choose a different combination.

Master the keyboard shortcuts in Excel for Mac makes you a true spreadsheet master. With practice, you will be able to perform complex tasks in a matter of seconds, increasing your efficiency and productivity. Don't be afraid to dig in and customize the shortcuts to your needs.