How to Edit a Cell in Excel Using Keyboard

If you want to be efficient and increase your productivity while working on Excel, it is important to master the use of keyboard shortcuts. One important function in Excel is editing a cell. Whether you need to correct a typo or input new data, knowing how to quickly edit a cell using only the keyboard can save you a lot of time. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to edit a cell in Excel using keyboard shortcuts.

Introduction

Editing a cell in Excel is a fundamental task that most people have to perform on a daily basis. This post is going to provide you with some crucial keyboard shortcuts that can help you edit a cell quickly and easily.

Step by Step Guide to Editing a Cell in Excel Using Keyboard

Step 1 – Select the cell you want to edit

The first step towards editing a cell using your keyboard is to select the cell that you want to edit. You can do this by placing your cursor on the cell you want to edit and pressing the F2 function key on your keyboard.

Step 2 – Change or enter the new data

Once the cell is in edit mode, you can make the necessary changes to the data. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate through the text. If you want to insert new data, just place your cursor where the new data is required and start typing.

Step 3 – Save the changes

After entering or changing the data, press the Enter key on your keyboard to save the changes you have made. If you don’t want to save the changes, you can press the Escape key to exit the edit mode without saving the changes.

Step 4 – Repeat the process for other cells

If you want to edit another cell, just select it and repeat the entire process from the beginning. You can use this method to edit any cell in an Excel sheet.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Editing Cells in Excel

F2

As mentioned earlier, pressing the F2 function key on your keyboard is the quickest and easiest way to put a cell in edit mode. This shortcut key can save you a lot of time when working on large spreadsheets with a lot of data.

Shift + F2

If you want to add a comment to a cell while editing it, then you should use the Shift + F2 keyboard shortcut. The comment box will then appear right in the cell you are editing.

Ctrl + Z

If you make a mistake while editing a cell, you can use the Ctrl + Z function key to undo the last change made. This shortcut key can save you from a lot of frustration in case you accidentally delete something important in the cell.

There you have it, a quick and easy guide on how to edit a cell in Excel using your keyboard. By mastering the keyboard shortcuts mentioned in this post, you will be able to perform these tasks with a lot more speed and efficiency. Give them a try and see how much time you can save in the long run.

Other Tips for Editing Cells in Excel

Use the Tab Key to Move between Cells When Editing

If you have a large Excel sheet with multiple columns of data, the Tab key can be a handy tool when you are editing. Once you have finished editing a cell, hit the Tab key to move to the next cell to the right. If you want to move to the cell on the left, just use the Shift + Tab keyboard shortcut.

Use the AutoFill Feature

If you need to enter sequences of data into several cells in a column, such as a series of dates, the AutoFill feature can be a real time-saver. To use it, first type in the first few cells of your data series, then select these cells and hover your mouse over the fill handle located in the bottom-right corner of the selection. Once your pointer turns into a small cross, drag it down to the end of the series, and Excel will automatically fill in the rest of the cells based on your original entries.

Convert Text to Numbers or Dates

If you have imported data from another source, such as a text file or a web page, you may find that some of the cells contain text instead of numbers or dates. If you need to perform any calculations or sort the data, you will first need to convert them to the correct format. You can do this by first selecting the cells, then clicking on Data in the top menu, followed by Text-to-Columns. A wizard will appear that will guide you through the process of converting the selected text to either numbers or dates.

Editing cells in Excel using keyboard shortcuts can be a huge time-saver, allowing you to work more efficiently with your data. In this post, we have outlined the steps to take and some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts you can use to edit cells quickly. By incorporating these tips and tricks into your workflow, you can become a more efficient and productive Excel user.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about editing cells in Excel using the keyboard:

Can I edit multiple cells at once using the keyboard?

Yes, you can easily edit multiple cells at once using keyboard shortcuts. First, select the cells you want to edit, and then press the F2 key to enter edit mode. You can then make the necessary changes to all of the selected cells at once. Once you are finished editing, hit the Enter key to save the changes.

How can I edit a cell without affecting its formula?

If a cell contains a formula and you want to edit the contents of the cell without affecting the formula, then press the F2 key on your keyboard to enter edit mode. Delete only the part of the contents that you want to change. Once you are done, press Enter to save the changes and preserve the formula.

What should I do if I accidentally delete important data from a cell?

If you accidentally delete or overwrite important data in a cell, don’t panic. Just press the Ctrl + Z keyboard shortcut to undo the last action. This will restore the cell to its previous state, allowing you to retrieve the deleted data.

Is it possible to add new rows or columns while editing in Excel?

Yes, you can add new rows or columns while editing in Excel by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + + (plus sign). Select the row or column where you want to add the new ones, and hit this keyboard shortcut. A new row or column will be immediately added, and you can start editing the cells as usual.

How can I edit a cell comment using the keyboard?

If you need to edit a cell comment when working in editing mode using your keyboard, you can do so by pressing Shift + F2. This will take you to the comment field where you can make the necessary changes. Press Enter to save the changes you have made to the comment.