Excel 2.20: Enter Versus Edit Mode of Active Formula Bar

Last reviewed: October 31, 1994
Article ID: Q45251

SUMMARY

The active formula bar in Microsoft Excel version 2.20 has two modes: Edit and Enter. When the formula bar is in Enter mode, the arrow (cursor) keys move from one cell to another (placing the cell reference(s) in the formula bar), as in earlier versions of Excel.

When the formula bar is in Edit mode, the arrow keys move the cursor around the characters in the formula bar. The exact functions of the keys for each mode are described below.

When the formula bar is activated, it is automatically in Enter mode. To toggle to Edit mode, press COMMAND+U.

To use the arrow keys to move around the characters in the formula bar while in Enter (not Edit) mode, hold down the OPTION key while pressing the arrow keys.

Note: Microsoft Excel for Windows works differently. When the formula bar in Excel for Windows is activated, it is automatically placed in Edit mode. Excel for the Macintosh version 2.20 remains in Enter mode when the formula bar is activated in order to be compatible with Excel 1.50 for the Macintosh.

MORE INFORMATION

The functions of the arrow keys in the Edit and Enter modes are as follows:

Enter Mode

   Key                         Result
   ---                         ------

   Arrow (cursor) keys         Move active cell up, down, left, or
                               right one cell

   SHIFT+arrow key             Extend selection up, down, left, or
                               right one cell

   OPTION+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW     Move one character left or right in the
                               formula bar

   OPTION+SHIFT+LEFT/RIGHT     Extend selection one character left or
   ARROW                       right in the formula bar

   OPTION+UP/DOWN ARROW        Move up or down one line in the formula
                               bar

   OPTION+SHIFT+UP/DOWN ARROW  Extend selection up or down one line in
                               the formula bar

Edit Mode

   Key                         Result
   ---                         ------

   LEFT/RIGHT ARROW            Move one character left or right in the
                               formula bar

   SHIFT+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW      Extend selection one character left or
                               right in the formula bar

   UP/DOWN ARROW               Move up or down one line in the formula
                               bar

   SHIFT+UP/DOWN ARROW         Extend selection up or down one line in
                               the formula bar

   COMMAND+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW    Move to the next space left or right in
                               the formula bar

For more information, see "Editing in the Formula Bar" under "Formula Bar Techniques" in the "Microsoft Excel Reference" version 2.2 manual.

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Additional reference words: 2.20

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Last reviewed: October 31, 1994
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