TIPS for CLICKS: Data entry

There are plenty of shortcuts provided in Excel program for data entry. Their purpose is twofold:

• to reduce data entry time, and
• to reduce data entry mistakes, to avoid errors

I don't think that average Excel user can remember or need to use all of them. However, several of those shortcuts are helpful for almost all users and are worth remembering.

Here is my very short list of shortcuts for data entry and basic editing.

Press CTRL key together with:

; (semicolon)     > to insert current date 

: (colon)            > to insert current time (need to use SHIFT key simultaneously to use colon)

" (quatation mark) or letter d   > to copy the cell from above the active cell

c    > to copy the selection

r     > to copy the cell from the left of the active cell

v     > to paste the recent selection

x     > to cut the selection

y  or press function key F4  > to repeat the last action, e.g. format a cell, copy cell value, etc.

z (letter)    > to cut the selection

By the way, if it happens that you enter lots of textual data in Excel or Word, I'd recommend installing and utilizing on your computer or tablet the "PhraseExpress" software that you can download and use for free.

It is excellent data entry helper, text expander and proofing/autocorrecting tool. Probably the best kind of 'shortcut' available right now in terms of time saving for textual data entry people. You can type long blocks of text with just a few keystrokes. It's available for both Windows and Mac users. Try it for yourself in Excel or Word etc..