Excel like a finance pro.
Selection shortcut
Add another range to the selection without the mouse
Shift + F8 on Windows, Shift + F8 on Mac.
When to use it
Enters Add to Selection mode so you can select several separate ranges with the keyboard alone.
The shape of it
- Windows
Shift + F8
- Mac
Shift + F8
Worked examples
Two ranges
Select A1:A5, press Shift + F8, arrow to C1, Shift + ↓ four times → A1:A5 and C1:C5 both selected
A non-contiguous selection without Ctrl + click.
Format several areas
Shift + F8, then select, then Ctrl + B → Both ranges bolded
Formats apply to every selected area.
Exit the mode
Press Shift + F8 again or Esc → Add mode turns off
The status bar shows "Add to Selection" while on.
Worth knowing
- Ctrl + click is the mouse equivalent.
- Watch the status bar for the mode indicator.
- F8 alone starts Extend Selection mode.
Where it goes wrong
- Easy to leave on and select things by accident.
- Copying a non-contiguous selection only works when the areas line up.
Related
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