Excel: Returning to the First Column of the Next Row

Last reviewed: November 29, 1994
Article ID: Q24729
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 1.x, 2.2, 3.0, 4.0

SUMMARY

Microsoft Excel has no built-in key command that will allow you to return to the start of the next row when entering data into a Microsoft Excel worksheet (for example, a command that will allow you to enter information in a spreadsheet and press the RETURN key at the end of a row to go to the first cell in the next row without using the ARROW keys). However, there are two ways to simulate this action.

To use the TAB key to move through a selection:

  1. Select the columns into which information will be entered.

  2. After each entry, press TAB to go to the next cell.

  3. When the last column is reached, press TAB to move the cursor to the first cell in the next row of your selection.

To use a command macro to move to the first column in the next row:

  1. Enter the following information into a macro sheet.

    A1: FirstColumn A2: =SELECT(OFFSET(ACTIVE.CELL(),0,1)) A3: =RETURN()

  2. Select cell A1.

  3. From the Formula menu, choose Define Name.

  4. Under Macro, select Command.

  5. Enter a key in the OPTION+COMMAND Key box, to be used to run the macro from the keyboard. For example, type an "a" (without quotation marks) in the OPTION+COMMAND box.

  6. Choose the OK button.

  7. To move to the beginning of the next column when the end of a row is reached, press RETURN to enter the value into the cell and then press OPTION+COMMAND+key (for example, OPTION+COMMAND+A).

NOTE: Whenever the command macro is to be used, the macro sheet must be open.


KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory:

Additional words: 1.0 1.00 1.03 1.04 1.06 1.5 1.50 2.2
2.20 3.0 3.00 4.0 4.00


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 29, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.