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Shortcuts for selecting cells

There are three keys in Excel that will help you select cells.  Being able to select a group of cells and doing a paste saves time. Being able to select a range fast obviously saves time!:

• CTL key
• SHIFT key
• F8 key

Do the following exercise to see how you can use the CTL key to select cells:

• Click on the first cell of your selection
• Now, hold down the CTL key and click on cells at random. All are selected
• While still holding down the CTL key, Select ranges of cells

Do the following exercise to see how to use the SHIFT key to select cells:

• Click on the first cell of your selection
• Now, hold down the SHIFT key and click on another cell some distance away. A block of cells are selected.
• If you clicked on the wrong cell, just click on the right one. The correct range is selected.

Do the following exercise to see how to use the F8 key to select cells:

• Click on the first cell of your selection
• Press the F8 key. You will notice that the words "Extend Range" now appears on the status bar at the bottom if you are using Excel 2010 or higher. 
• Now click on another cell some distance away.  No need to hold down any keys. The range is selected
• If you click on other cells, a new range from the first cell to the cell clicked is selected.  This will continue until you:
  • Press F8 again (to cancel the F8)
  • Do a copy or paste
  • Change worksheets or workbooks
  • Press the ESC key

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