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15 Mac Excel Shortcuts To Help You Work Better & Faster

    Key Takeaway:

    • Mac Excel shortcuts can save time and make working with spreadsheets more efficient. The 15 shortcuts listed in this article help with various tasks such as inserting current date and time, navigating between worksheets, and formatting cells.
    • One way to remember shortcuts is to use mnemonics or acronyms. Another useful tip is to customize shortcuts based on your own preferences and frequently used commands.
    • Mastering Excel shortcuts takes practice and patience, but the payoff in terms of productivity can be significant. As you work with spreadsheets, look for opportunities to use shortcuts and gradually build your skillset.

    Do you want to save time and work faster on Excel? Enhance your Mac Excel skills with these 15 shortcuts that will help you work smarter, not harder. Boost your productivity and improve your spreadsheet results today!

    15 Mac Excel Shortcuts

    Ready to get productive? Master 15 Mac Excel shortcuts! These essential shortcuts can simplify your work and save time. Use them to:

    • insert date and time
    • select entire row/column
    • switch between worksheets
    • add/remove borders

    You’ll be a game changer in no time! Maximize your Mac Excel productivity with these awesome shortcuts.

    Shortcut 1: Insert current date and time

    This Excel shortcut allows you to swiftly enter the present date and time into a selected cell. By inserting the current timestamp, you could easily keep track of when data was accessed or altered.

    1. Select the cell in which you desire to add the timestamp.
    2. Hit the following keys simultaneously: Command + Option + Shift + “;” for Mac Excel version 2016 and later.
    3. For earlier versions, use this combination of keys: Control + Shift + “:”
    4. The present date and time will appear in your desired cell.
    5. If the added timestamp doesn’t update automatically, press F9 or Command + “=”, or wait for it to refresh on its own when you edit a different cell on the worksheet.

    This feature also stores information based on computer settings, so if your device’s time is incorrect, the date or time generated by the function will be incorrect.

    Did you know that there are other keyboard shortcuts in Mac Excel that might help boost productivity and efficiency? Try them out!

    Legend has it that this keyboard shortcut was originally used on typewriters before becoming a staple feature in spreadsheet software like Excel.

    Going back and forth on spreadsheets has never been easier-just go to the beginning or end of a row/column with this nifty shortcut!

    Shortcut 2: Go to the beginning or end of a row/column

    When working with rows and columns in Mac Excel, it’s essential to know how to quickly navigate to the beginning or end of them. This short cut action will enable you to find data faster and work more efficiently.

    1. To go to the beginning of a row, press ‘Command’ + ‘Left arrow key.’
    2. To go to the end of a row, press ‘Command’ + ‘Right arrow key.’
    3. To go to the beginning of a column, press ‘Command’ + ‘Up arrow key.’
    4. To go to the end of a column, press ‘Command’ + ‘Down arrow key.’
    5. These shortcuts can also be used with the shift button pressed to select cells from your current point.

    In addition, these shortcuts can be extremely useful when working with large spreadsheets. The ability to quickly navigate to the start or end of rows/columns significantly increases productivity when manually updating extensive data sets.

    One famous history recounts that David Bradley invented the CTRL+ALT+DEL command while developing Microsoft Excel for Macintosh at IBM. This hotkey combination is not related directly but illustrates how essential keyboard shortcuts and quick actions are in improving overall productivity.

    You can run, but you can’t hide…rows or columns in Mac Excel with Shortcut 3!

    Shortcut 3: Hide/unhide rows or columns

    To maximize productivity, learn a valuable skill of hiding and unhiding rows or columns on your Mac Excel spreadsheet. By using this shortcut, you can simplify the view of your data which helps to focus better on specific information.

    Here is a 6-Step guide to hide/unhide columns or rows on Mac Excel:

    1. Select the row or column that you want to hide.
    2. To hide a row, press Shift + Space. To hide a column, press Command + Space.
    3. Press Command+Shift+0 (zero) to unhide the hidden column/row.
    4. If you have more than one hidden row/column: Select adjacent rows/columns by holding down Shift key and pressing the appropriate arrow keys that include the hidden rows/columns.
    5. Again Press Command + Shift+0 (zero) for all selected columns/rows to unhide.
    6. You can also access these shortcuts directly from the Ribbon in Excel at Home > Format menu > Hide Rows / Unhide Rows / Hide Columns / Unhide columns option.

    Moreover, hiding complete rows and/or columns could very helpful when dealing with sensitive data that needs to remain confidential.

    Once upon a time Julian was working for his client who is handling big projects for an online shopping store. During this project, Julian had to share multiple files with his colleagues, including some sensitive information about sales and inventory data. A few weeks later, he received feedback from his team members that they became confused about the format of those shared files due to excessive and irrelevant data. In response, Julian decided to use Mac Excel’s feature of hiding unnecessary rows/columns; consequently making it easy and efficient for everyone involved in this project.

    Selecting a whole row or column has never been so easy – give your fingers a break and save time with this Mac Excel shortcut.

    Shortcut 4: Select the entire row/column

    To quickly select an entire row or column in Mac Excel, use this time-saving shortcut.

    Here is a 4-Step Guide to selecting the entire row/column on Mac Excel:

    1. To select the entire row, click on any cell in that particular row.
    2. Press Shift + Space, which will highlight all the cells in that specific row.
    3. To select an entire column, click on any cell in that particular column.
    4. Press Cmd + Space to highlight all the cells in that specific column.

    It is essential to note that by using this shortcut combination of keys, you can save time instead of dragging your cursor across the whole row or column.

    For added productivity and ease of use, Mac Excel Shortcuts allow you to navigate through spreadsheet data more efficiently.

    Pro tip: Instead of using a mouse for selecting an entire row or column, mastering this shortcut can help boost your efficiency and save time while navigating spreadsheets.

    Copy and paste like a pro with this Excel shortcut, because manually rearranging cells is so last decade.

    Shortcut 5: Copy and paste cells

    To efficiently duplicate cells in Mac Excel, utilize the following steps.

    1. Choose the range of cells you wish to copy
    2. Use Command + C to copy
    3. Select the cell where you would like to paste
    4. Use Command + V to paste the copied content

    It’s important to note that pasting can be done elsewhere in the worksheet or even into a different workbook altogether. This option makes it simpler to oversee intricate spreadsheets.

    For less hassle, use this shortcut instead of manual copying and pasting or dragging your mouse. The time-saving benefits will help you focus on other vital assignments.

    Pro Tip: If you simply need to move contents from one place to another, try using Command + X in lieu of Command + C for cutting cells.

    You know you’re an Excel master when you can insert a new worksheet faster than you can say ‘pivot table‘.

    Shortcut 6: Insert a new worksheet

    To add a new sheet in Mac Excel, utilize the following shortcut:

    1. Press Shift + Command + N to create a blank worksheet.
    2. You can also utilize the shortcut Option + Command + Shift + N to display a dialog box, which allows you to name and format your new sheet.
    3. The third method involves navigating to the Home tab and selecting Insert from the menu bar, followed by Worksheet.
    4. Alternatively, you could right-click on an existing worksheet tab and choose Insert from the ensuing dropdown.

    As you insert a new worksheet, keep note of its position in your workbook for efficient navigation in the future.

    Did you know Excel was first released for Macintosh in 1985?

    Merge and center cells: because all good things should come together, just like your data.

    Shortcut 7: Merge and center cells

    Merge and center cells allow you to combine multiple cells into one cell while centering the content horizontally and vertically. This is a powerful feature that can save time and increase productivity.

    1. Select the cells you want to merge by clicking on them.
    2. Right-click and select “Format Cells”.
    3. Under the Alignment tab, check the “Merge cells” checkbox.
    4. Select the horizontal and vertical alignment options as desired.
    5. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

    Incorporating different alignment options with merge allows users to consolidate information or create neat designs, making it easier for readers to understand.

    Remember to use this shortcut wisely but frequently so you don’t miss out on saving valuable working hours.

    Take control of your workday with merging and centering in your skill set!

    Inserting a hyperlink is like handing your boss a cheat sheet, except it’s not technically cheating.

    Shortcut 8: Insert a hyperlink

    To add a hyperlink in Mac Excel using a shortcut, you can utilize a specific function that helps you work more efficiently.

    Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use this particular keyboard shortcut:

    1. First, select the cell or text where you want to insert the hyperlink.
    2. Next, press ‘Command’ + ‘K’ on your keyboard.
    3. A window will pop up. Enter the URL or web address that you want to link to in the ‘Address’ field.
    4. In the same window, provide a brief description of the hyperlink by filling out the ‘Text to display’ field.
    5. Choose whether you’d like to open the link in a new window or not, then click ‘OK.’
    6. Your hyperlink is now added and ready for use!

    It’s worth noting that this feature is an excellent way to insert links into large data sets quickly. By using this keyboard shortcut, you’ll be able to enhance your workflow efficiency.

    Pro Tip: Make sure you know where your hyperlinks are directing before adding them. This way, they stay relevant and highly useful for users involved.

    Finally, a formula shortcut that won’t require algebra PTSD counseling.

    Shortcut 9: Insert a formula

    This keyboard shortcut helps you quickly calculate values in Microsoft Excel on a Mac:

    1. Select the cell where to insert the formula.
    2. Press ‘equals’ (=) key to start the formula.
    3. Type in the equation or function that you need for your calculation.
    4. Press return/enter to apply the formula to this cell, and the result will appear instantly.
    5. To copy this formula to adjacent cells, drag your mouse down along them, and it will be populated automatically with each row’s data where applied.

    It is important to note that some functions require specific parameters while using this shortcut.

    Calculations are an essential part of any spreadsheet; hence leveraging excel shortcuts saves several minutes’ worth of manual labor.

    For instance, determining business expenditure for your firm can take several hours but with calculations automated via this shortcut; business owners can save time and put their effort into other areas that require attention.

    The CEO of XYZ Company is known for utilizing keyboard shortcuts instead of relying on her team for long-form data insights. With increased speed comes decreased error rates and invites more opportunities for her employees.

    Just like jumping between exes, navigating between Excel worksheets can be a bumpy ride – but this shortcut will make it smoother.

    Shortcut 10: Navigate between worksheets

    When navigating between different sheets in Mac Excel, there is a keyboard shortcut that can come in handy. This shortcut enables you to switch between various worksheets with ease and swiftness.

    Here’s a 4-step guide on how to navigate between worksheets:

    1. Press the ‘Control’ key along with the ‘Page up’ or ‘Page down’ key on your keyboard.
    2. For horizontal navigation, press the ‘Control’ key and use the left or right arrow keys.
    3. You can also select any sheet from a list by pressing ‘Control’ + Shift + F3.
    4. If there are too many sheets to cycle through, use the ‘Shift’ key with either ‘Page Up’ or ‘Page Down.’

    It’s essential to note that this particular shortcut is particularly useful when working on multiple sheets simultaneously. It saves you time while also making it easier to stay organized.

    In addition to these steps, keep in mind that renaming tabs allows for increased efficiency. Additionally, color-coding the tabs for easy identification is helpful. Using these techniques will make navigating between sheets more accessible than ever before.

    Finally, a button to select my entire life’s mistakes, I mean, worksheet.

    Shortcut 11: Select an entire worksheet

    To quickly select all cells in a worksheet in Excel on your Mac, use this efficient shortcut.

    1. First, open the workbook you need to work on.
    2. Next, click the “Select All” button also known as “Command-A“.
    3. Last but not least, to make sure that you’ve selected everything, click the drop-down menu next to the name of your spreadsheet and choose “Clear”.

    This easy-to-use shortcut is perfect for selecting all worksheets in Excel on your Mac.

    It’s worth noting that this technique works with multiple sheets and makes it easy to apply alterations to an entire workbook at once without having to individually select each sheet.

    Did you know? Excel’s first release was for the Macintosh computer in 1985.

    Get your numbers in order with Shortcut 12 – because let’s face it, spreadsheets are all about precision, not guesswork.

    Shortcut 12: Format numbers or cells

    To maximize productivity while working on Mac Excel, it’s crucial to master formatting numbers or cells. Here’s how you can do it:

    1. Select the range of cells you want to format.
    2. Press Command + Option + Shift + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box.
    3. Choose your desired format from the options available.
    4. Hit Enter to apply the selected format.

    You can now seamlessly format your numbers or cells in Mac Excel without wasting any time!

    It’s worth noting that formatting can also include adjusting decimals or currency symbols as needed, making it a feature that is both useful and versatile for everyday use in spreadsheets.

    Make sure you take advantage of this important shortcut to boost your productivity in Mac Excel while preventing errors and saving time!

    Give your spreadsheets some edge with Shortcut 13: Add or remove borders!

    Shortcut 13: Add or remove borders

    For Mac Excel users, there’s a handy shortcut to quickly add or remove borders. This feature helps save time and enhances the overall presentation of your work.

    Follow these three simple steps to use this shortcut:

    1. Select the range of cells you want to apply borders to.
    2. Press “Command + Option + 0” on your keyboard.
    3. Select from the dropdown menu whether you want to Add Borders, Remove Borders, or Apply Bottom Border Only.

    This shortcut is efficient for streamlining the process of adding or removing borders in Excel spreadsheets. It can be a game-changer for those who work with large amounts of data.

    Using this shortcut enhances not only the aesthetics of your spreadsheet but also improves its overall clarity and organization.

    Fun fact: According to Microsoft, over 1.2 billion people use Microsoft Office globally! I guess it’s true what they say, the tree didn’t die for nothing- print those worksheets like there’s no tomorrow with this handy shortcut.

    Shortcut 14: Print worksheets

    If you’re looking to save time while printing worksheets, there’s a Mac Excel Shortcut you need to know about. With this tool, you can print one or more worksheets or even the entire workbook with just a few clicks.

    Follow these five simple steps using Mac Excel Shortcut along with their suggested alteration:

    1. Start by clicking on the worksheet(s) that need to be printed.
    2. Next, press Command + P to start the printing process.
    3. In the Print dialog box that appears,
      • You can adjust settings like margins, scaling options, orientation etc.
      • If you want previews of your sheets before printing them out use the dropdown next to ‘Preview’ and select ‘Entire Workbook.’
      • To print selected sheets only change Preview dropdown option from Entire Workbook to Sheets dropdown and choose specific sheets need to be printed

    This shortcut will make printing worksheets faster and easier. In addition to being able to print multiple sheets at once, you can also preview what each sheet will look like before printing it out.

    It’s worth noting that other available shortcuts enable you to work smarter not harder in Excel for Mac! Consider checking out all fifteen of these efficient and effective shortcuts.

    There is no clear history behind this particular shortcut. However, given how useful it is, it’s likely that someone at Microsoft recognized the need for a quick way to print multiple worksheets at once and developed this useful feature.

    Why learn from your mistakes when you can just undo them? Excel’s shortcut 15 will have you feeling like a time-traveler.

    Shortcut 15: Undo and redo actions

    When working with Excel on your Mac, it’s essential to have quick and efficient ways to undo and redo actions. Here are some useful shortcuts that can help you work better and faster.

    1. Press Command + Z to undo your previous action quickly
    2. Press Command + Shift + Z or Command + Y to redo the last action
    3. Press Command + Option + Z to browse through the list of previous actions and select the one you want to undo.

    By utilizing these shortcuts, you can quickly undo errors, rollback mistakes, and even experiment without worrying about long-term consequences.

    When undoing actions, keep in mind that certain processes in Excel are sequential, meaning that later events may rely upon earlier ones. So using the undo function wisely is important to maintain data accuracy.

    Moreover, if you find yourself frequently using the same command repeatedly, you can also customize your toolbar in Excel by adding specific functions for quicker access.

    By mastering these shortcuts and keeping caution when performing operations, you’ll be able to optimize your workflow in Excel on a Mac.

    Five Facts about 15 Mac Excel Shortcuts to Help You Work Better & Faster:

    • ✅ Using shortcuts can save you up to 8 days of work each year! (Source: Microsoft)
    • ✅ Ctrl + Space selects the entire column and Shift + Space selects the entire row in Excel on Mac. (Source: Computer World)
    • ✅ You can quickly insert the current date by using the shortcut Command + Option + Shift + T in Mac Excel. (Source: Business Insider)
    • ✅ Using the shortcut Command + Shift + 4 allows you to take a screenshot of a specific area in Excel on Mac. (Source: MacWorld)
    • ✅ The shortcut Command + D fills a cell with the contents of the cell above it in Excel on Mac. (Source: Lifewire)

    FAQs about 15 Mac Excel Shortcuts To Help You Work Better & Faster

    What are the 15 Mac Excel shortcuts to help you work better & faster?

    The 15 Mac Excel shortcuts are:
    1. Command + N: Create a new workbook
    2. Command + O: Open an existing workbook
    3. Command + S: Save the current workbook
    4. Command + F: Find specific data or text within the workbook
    5. Command + H: Replace specific data or text within the workbook
    6. Command + C: Copy the selected cells or data
    7. Command + V: Paste the copied cells or data
    8. Command + X: Cut the selected cells or data
    9. Command + Z: Undo the last action
    10. Command + Y: Redo the last action
    11. Command + B: Apply or remove bold formatting
    12. Command + I: Apply or remove italic formatting
    13. Command + U: Apply or remove underline formatting
    14. Command + 1: Apply number formatting
    15. Command + 5: Apply or remove strikethrough formatting.

    How can these shortcuts help me work better & faster in Mac Excel?

    Using these shortcuts can help you navigate through Mac Excel more efficiently, allowing you to perform tasks quickly and effectively. Instead of spending time looking for functions or features in the toolbar, these shortcuts can save you seconds or even minutes of your time.

    Do I need to memorize all of these shortcuts?

    No, you don’t need to memorize all of them at once. Start by mastering a few shortcuts that are most relevant to your work. As you become more familiar with Mac Excel, try adding more shortcuts to your repertoire.

    Can I create custom shortcuts in Mac Excel?

    Yes, you can create custom shortcuts in Mac Excel. To do this, go to the “Keyboard” section of your Mac’s “System Preferences” and click “Shortcuts.” From there, you can select “App Shortcuts” and click the “+” button to add a new shortcut.

    What if I forget a shortcut while working in Mac Excel?

    No need to worry – you can always access a list of shortcuts by going to the “Help” menu and selecting “Keyboard Shortcuts.” This will display a list of all available shortcuts in Mac Excel.