Excel is one of the most widely used spreadsheet software available. It is used by millions of people all over the world for various purposes ranging from simple calculations to complex analysis. Excel has a lot of features that help users to work efficiently. One of these features is the ability to assign keyboard shortcuts to various commands. This article will show you how to assign keyboard shortcuts in Excel.
What is a Keyboard Shortcut?
A keyboard shortcut is a combination of keys that is used to perform a specific action or command. Keyboard shortcuts are used to save time and effort by avoiding the use of the mouse or touchpad. In Excel, keyboard shortcuts are used to perform various tasks such as formatting cells, inserting rows and columns, and navigating between worksheets.
How to Assign a Keyboard Shortcut in Excel
Assigning a keyboard shortcut in Excel is easy. Follow the steps below:
- Open Excel and click on the “File” tab.
- Select “Options” from the menu.
- Click on “Customize Ribbon” on the left-hand side of the window.
- Click on the “Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize” button at the bottom of the window.
- Select the command you want to assign a keyboard shortcut to from the list on the left.
- Click on the “Press new shortcut key” box and press the keys you want to use as the shortcut.
- Click on the “Assign” button.
- Click on the “Close” button.
Types of Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel
Excel has two types of keyboard shortcuts: built-in shortcuts and custom shortcuts. Built-in shortcuts are pre-defined by Excel and cannot be changed. Custom shortcuts, on the other hand, are shortcuts that you can create yourself.
Built-in Keyboard Shortcuts
Excel has many built-in keyboard shortcuts that you can use to perform various tasks. Some of the most commonly used built-in shortcuts are:
- Ctrl + A – Selects all cells in the current worksheet.
- Ctrl + C – Copies the selected cells to the clipboard.
- Ctrl + V – Pastes the contents of the clipboard into the selected cells.
- Ctrl + X – Cuts the selected cells and moves them to the clipboard.
- Ctrl + Z – Undoes the last action.
- Ctrl + Y – Redoes the last action.
- Ctrl + B – Applies bold formatting to the selected cells.
- Ctrl + I – Applies italic formatting to the selected cells.
- Ctrl + U – Applies underline formatting to the selected cells.
- Ctrl + F – Opens the “Find and Replace” dialog box.
Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Custom keyboard shortcuts are shortcuts that you can create yourself. These shortcuts can be used to perform any command or action in Excel. To create a custom keyboard shortcut, follow the steps outlined above in the “How to Assign a Keyboard Shortcut in Excel” section.
Benefits of Using Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel
Using keyboard shortcuts in Excel has many benefits. Some of the most significant benefits include:
- Saves time – Keyboard shortcuts are faster than using the mouse or touchpad.
- Increases productivity – Using keyboard shortcuts can help you work more efficiently and accomplish more in less time.
- Reduces strain – Using the mouse or touchpad for extended periods can cause strain on your hands and wrists. Using keyboard shortcuts can help reduce this strain.
- Improves accuracy – Keyboard shortcuts can help you avoid errors caused by using the mouse or touchpad.
Conclusion
Assigning keyboard shortcuts in Excel is easy and can save you a lot of time and effort. Excel has many built-in shortcuts that you can use, and you can also create your own custom shortcuts. Using keyboard shortcuts in Excel has many benefits, including increased productivity, reduced strain, and improved accuracy. So, start assigning keyboard shortcuts today and see the difference it makes in your work!
