Keyboard Shortcuts to use with a Macintosh Computer

You can avoid reaching for the mouse if you are familiar with keyboard shortcuts. If you forget one of these, use the mouse and go to the menu bar. In each pull down menu you will see keyboard commands given in the right side of the window.

Commonly used keyboard combinations

To use one of these combinations Hold the Command (Apple) key down and strike the letter key

	Open a new workbook quickly.		Cut- Removes the selection from the active document and places it on the clipboard.
	Opens a previously saved document.		Copies the selection to the clipboard
	Closes the active window, but does not Exit Excel.		Paste - Inserts the contents of the clipboard at the insertion point (cursor) or whatever is selected.
	Saves the active document with its current file name, location and format.		Selects all on the active worksheet.
	Prints the active file, also gives the opportunity to change print options		Find - Searches for specified text in the active document
	Exit - Closes Microsoft Excel.		Bold - Formats selected text; make text bold, or remove bold formatting
	Undo the last action. This selection can be repeated several times.		Italic - Formats selected text; make text italic or remove italic
	Redo - After an action has been undone, it can be reinstated in the document.		Underline - Formats selected text; make text underlined or remove underline

Less commonly used keyboard combinations
(Note: To save space below, the control key is indicated by Ctrl)

	Select the next sheet in the workbook		Select the previous sheet in the workbook		Move to the previous workbook or window
	Complete a cell entry and move to the right in the selection		Complete a cell entry and move to the left in the selection		Create a chart that uses the current range
	Insert a new worksheet		Start a new line in the same cell		Complete a cell entry and move down in the selection
	Move to the next workbook or window		Start a formula		Cancel a cell entry
	In print preview, move to the first page when zoomed out		In print preview, move to the last page when zoomed out		In print preview, move to the last page when zoomed out
	In print preview, move to the first page when zoomed out		Complete a cell entry and move up in the selection		Move between unlocked cells on a protected worksheet
	Apply the outline border		Remove outline borders		Apply the outline border
	Remove outline borders		Select the entire row		Select the entire column
	In a cell with a hyperlink, this activates the hyperlink		Enter the time		Enter the date
	Insert a hyperlink		Fill down		Fill to the right
	Apply the percentage format		Apply the currency format		Select the current region around the active cell
	Hide rows		Hide columns		Insert the AutoSum formula
	Unhide rows		Unhide columns		Show, or hide, the Standard toolbar
	Complete a cell entry and move up in the selection		Displays all formulas in a worksheet, repeat to hide		Create names from row and column labels
If text is already selected and you want to extend the selection area
	Extend selection one character to the left in the formula bar, or one cell to the left in the worksheet			Extend selection one character to the right in the formula bar, or one cell to the right in the worksheet
	Extend selection to the last non blank cell to the right or above a selected cell.			Extend selection to the to the last non blank cell to the left or below a selected cell
If you want to move the cursor
	One character to the right in the formula bar or one cell to the right in the worksheet			One character to the left in the formula bar or one cell to the left in the worksheet
	One word to the right in the formula bar			One word to the left in the formula bar
	To the end of a document or to the right edge of the formula bar			To the beginning of a document or to the left edge of the formula bar
This list is by no means complete. To find other keyboard combinations check the Excel help index.

Assignment

Leave your browser window open. Open Microsoft Excel, if it is not already open.
From this point forward, do not use your mouse

1. Open a new workbook .
2. Insert a new worksheet into the workbook
3. Move to sheet 2
4. Move your cursor to cell D4
5. Type your name and press the Enter key
6. Move back into cell D4 and Copy your name
7. Move from sheet 2 to sheet 4
8. Move your cursor into cell E5
9. Paste your name
10. Hide the column your name is in
11. ( deserved , but not required ) Pat yourself on the back!

Each of the steps in the list above should have been accomplished without the use of your mouse. If you reached for the rodent, review the two tables above, go back to step 1 and try again. Good luck.

External Links

1. Excel PC and Mac Keyboard Shortcuts - This page lists PC and Mac shortcuts side by side

A Macintosh Keyboard is available showing general Macintosh keyboard shortcuts