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.

Guide on Efficient Data Entry: Mastering Shortcuts in Microsoft Excel 2021.

In this article, we explore all the essential data entry shortcuts available in MS Excel: entering data shortcuts Windows, Mac, 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: MS Excel: entering data 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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