

Personally, I like using the function keys to control the computer, so I leave this setting alone, and just the fn key when needed in Excel. In essence, this setting reverses behavior so that you need to use fn to control the Mac. If you do this, however, note that you won't be able to use function keys for things like Brightness, Volume, etc. Here you can check a box that will that will change function key behavior to work like "standard function keys". If you really hate using the fn key, you can change this behavior by changing a preference at System Preferences > Keyboard. You'll find the fn key in the lower left on your keyboard. To make function keys work like you expect in Excel, you need to add a key: the function or fn key. Why?īy default, Function keys on a Mac control the computer itself, things like screen brightness, volume, video pause and play, and so on. This means that if press only the function keys in Excel, you'll end up controlling the Mac, and not Excel. For example, you can use F1 for help, F7 for spelling, and shift + F3 to insert a function. But if you try these shortcuts directly on a Mac, they don't work. Standard Mac keyboard with 12 function keysĪs you know, function keys are uses for many shortcuts in Excel. These keys sit at the top of the keyboard and are labeled F1 to F12 on standard keyboards and F13, F14 and higher on extended keyboards.
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Like their counterparts in the Windows world, Mac keyboards have function keys.

The table below shows some example shortcuts with a translation. You'll see these symbols in menus across all applications, so they're not specific to Excel. There really aren't too many symbols, so I recommend that you bite the bullet and memorize them. The Mac Finder – abbreviations appear in all applications, not just Excel For example, the Command key is abbreviated as ⌘, the Control key with ⌃, and the option key as ⌥. These symbols have a long history on the Mac, and you'll find them in menus everywhere. One of more confusing aspects of keyboard shortcuts on the Mac are the symbols you'll see for certain keys. We've used line breaks to make sure each address appears on two lines.Also see: Excel shortcuts on the Mac // 3 minute video 1. This might take some getting used to, but can come in handy depending on what you're working on. Just use the shortcut whenever you want to insert a line break (and save the Enter key for navigating to the next cell). Go ahead and try it! This works in Google Sheets too.

There's a simple keyboard shortcut that will let you add as many line breaks as you want-inside any cell. If you've ever tried hitting Enter there, you know it just takes you to the next cell in your worksheet. Line breaks are pretty easy to add in most programs-all you have to do is press Enter on your keyboard, and voilà! One of the few places this doesn't work is Excel. They can even be used in everyday situations, like when you're writing an email, posting to Facebook, or commenting on something you saw or read online. They can be used to start a new paragraph in Microsoft Word. Most of us use line breaks without even thinking about it. en/excel-tips/how-to-use-fractions-in-excel/content/ How to add line breaks in Excel Lesson 26: How to Add Line Breaks in Excel
