Navigation shortcut
Confirm the entry and move down
Enter on Windows, Return on Mac.
When to use it
Confirms the cell entry and moves down. Its behavior is configurable: the move direction can be changed under File, Options, Advanced.
The shape of it
- Windows
Enter
- Mac
Return
Worked examples
Enter down a column
Type 100, press Enter → The value is saved and the cursor moves to the cell below
Column-wise entry.
Enter a formula
Type a formula, press Enter → The formula calculates and the cursor moves down
Ctrl + Enter keeps the cursor in place.
Compare with Alt + Enter
Alt + Enter → A line break inside the cell
Enter alone would leave the cell.
Worth knowing
- Shift + Enter moves up.
- Ctrl + Enter confirms without moving, or fills a selection.
- Enter accepts the autocomplete suggestion when the dropdown is open.
Where it goes wrong
- Pressing Enter to "select" a suggestion sometimes also moves the cursor away.
- The move direction setting affects every workbook.
Related
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