Toggle Add to Selection Mode in Excel (F8)
Add to Selection mode allows you to select multiple ranges of cells without losing your previous selections. This is useful when you need to apply formatting, copy, or perform actions on multiple non-adjacent ranges.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| F8 | Cmd + Shift + F8 |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
Pressing F8 toggles the Add to Selection mode on and off. When active, you can select additional ranges while keeping the previous selections intact.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Press F8 (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + F8 (Mac) to enable Add to Selection mode
- Select a range of cells
- Select additional ranges as needed
- Press the shortcut again to exit the mode
Tips & Best Practices
- Combine with formatting or copy commands to apply actions to multiple ranges
- Visible gridlines help in accurately selecting non-adjacent ranges
- Use undo (Ctrl + Z / Cmd + Z) if a selection was made incorrectly
FAQ
- Q: Can I use Add to Selection mode for non-adjacent columns?
- Yes, you can select any non-adjacent cells, rows, or columns.
- Q: Does this work with tables?
- Yes, it works in tables, ranges, and regular worksheets.
- Q: How do I know if Add to Selection mode is active?
- Excel shows “Add to Selection” in the status bar when active.