MS Excel: entering data shortcuts Windows, Mac, Web

Whether you're managing inventories, budgeting finances, or preparing large datasets, entering data efficiently in Microsoft Excel is crucial. Microsoft Excel 2021 provides a wide range of keyboard shortcuts that help users streamline the data entry process.

In this article, we explore all the essential data entry shortcuts available in Excel 2021 for Windows, Mac, and Excel for Web, making your spreadsheet tasks faster and more productive.

Data entry shortcuts:

• Save time on repetitive actions

• Reduce dependency on the mouse

• Increase data accuracy

• Minimize hand strain during long sessions

Table: Excel Data Entry Shortcuts (Windows, Mac, Web)

Action	Windows	Mac	Excel for Web
Enter and move down	Enter	Return	Enter
Enter and move up	Shift + Enter	Shift + Return	Shift + Enter
Enter and move right	Tab	Tab	Tab
Enter and move left	Shift + Tab	Shift + Tab	Shift + Tab
Start a new line in same cell	Alt + Enter	Control + Option + Return	Alt + Enter
Fill down from above	Ctrl + D	Command + D	Ctrl + D
Fill right from left	Ctrl + R	Command + R	Ctrl + R
Copy above cell (from same column)	Ctrl + '	Control + '	Ctrl + '
Enter current date	Ctrl + ;	Control + ;	Ctrl + ;
Enter current time	Ctrl + Shift + ;	Control + Shift + ;	Ctrl + Shift + ;
Repeat last action	F4	Command + Y	Ctrl + Y
Cancel cell entry	Esc	Esc	Esc
Clear cell content	Delete	Delete	Delete
Enter same value in selected cells	Ctrl + Enter	Command + Return	Ctrl + Enter
Open context menu	Shift + F10	Fn + Shift + F10	Right-click
Data validation drop-down	Alt + ↓	Option + ↓	Alt + ↓
Undo entry	Ctrl + Z	Command + Z	Ctrl + Z
Redo entry	Ctrl + Y	Command + Y	Ctrl + Y

Pro Tips

• Use Ctrl + Enter to input the same value across multiple selected cells.

• Alt + Enter is your friend when writing multi-line text inside one cell.

• Combine data entry with AutoFill by dragging the fill handle or using Ctrl + D/R for quick filling.

Summary

Mastering data entry shortcuts in Excel is a game changer, especially for users working with large data sets. From filling values faster to entering time-stamped data, these shortcuts are indispensable tools for anyone looking to improve productivity in Excel.

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