Activate Selected Ribbon Control in Excel
After navigating through the Ribbon using the keyboard, you can instantly activate the selected Ribbon control without using a mouse. This shortcut helps you work faster and stay focused.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Enter or Spacebar | Enter or Spacebar |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
This shortcut activates the currently highlighted Ribbon control. It works like clicking a button with the mouse but keeps your hands on the keyboard.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Open Excel
- Press Alt (Windows) or Ctrl + Option (Mac) to activate the Ribbon
- Navigate to a Ribbon control using Tab or arrow keys
- Press Enter or Spacebar
- The selected control will be activated
Tips & Best Practices
- Use this with Access Keys for complete keyboard control
- Spacebar is especially useful for toggle buttons
- Great for users who prefer mouse-free navigation
FAQ
- Q: Does this work on all Ribbon buttons?
- Yes, most Ribbon buttons and controls respond to Enter or Spacebar.
- Q: Is there any difference between Enter and Spacebar?
- Both usually perform the same action, but Spacebar works better for toggle controls.