Working with Worksheet Data

Data are entered into the worksheet using File | Open to open a data file, typing data directly into the worksheet, or copying the data from another application and pasting it into the worksheet. Use the Data Tab commands to sort the data, view statistics, or to adjust the data using mathematical functions.

 

Entering Data into a Cell

Edit the contents of a cell by making it the active cell. The active cell is positioned by clicking on a cell with the mouse, by using the ARROW keys, PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN, TAB, HOME, END, and SHIFT+TAB. Press the F2 key or highlight the contents of the cell edit box to edit the contents of the cell.

 

To enter new data and delete the old, position the active cell and begin typing. Edit mode is entered automatically and the old data is deleted. Pressing ENTER, Up or Down ARROWS, TAB, SHIFT+TAB, PAGE UP, or PAGE DOWN keys cause the edit changes to be recorded permanently in the cell. After pressing F2 or highlighting the cell edit box use the HOME, END, BACKSPACE, DEL, and ARROW keys to edit the cell. Pressing ESC while editing a cell cancels the changes and restores the original data.

 

Moving the Active Cell

To move the active cell:

 

Moving the Active Cell within Selections

The ENTER, TAB, SHIFT+ENTER, and SHIFT+TAB keys move the active cell within a group of selected cells without canceling the selection.

 

Worksheet Input Modes

The worksheet has several special input modes that tracks the mouse position:

 

Pressing the ESC key before releasing the mouse button cancels the mouse-tracking mode.

 

 

See Also

Clearing Data and Leaving Cells Empty

Copying Data

Cutting Data

Deleting Cells, Columns, or Rows

Deleting Data and Shifting Data to Fill the Empty Cells

Editing Data

Undo Command

Entering Data

Worksheet Error Codes and Special Numeric Values

Inserting Cells, Columns, or Rows

Selecting Cells

Selecting Cells with the Keyboard

Selecting Cells with the Mouse

Merging Files

Sorting Data

Transforming Data

Keyboard Commands

Data File Formats

[.XLS] and [.W**] Files

ASCII [.DAT] Files

SYLK [.SLK] Files