Enter and Move Left in Excel
This shortcut allows you to input data into a cell and move to the cell on the left automatically. It is useful for entering data across a row in reverse order.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows / Mac |
|---|
| Enter + Set direction to Left in Excel Options |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
Pressing Enter confirms the cell's content and moves the active cell one column to the left when the Excel option is set to "Left."
How to Use the Shortcut
- Select the cell where you want to enter data
- Type the value
- Press Enter to input the value and move left
- If needed, change the movement direction in File → Options → Advanced → After pressing Enter, move selection to "Left"
Tips & Best Practices
- Works well for entering data across rows from right to left
- Combine with AutoFill for fast horizontal data entry
- Ensure the movement direction is correctly set in Excel options
FAQ
- Q: What if pressing Enter still moves down?
- Check Excel options under Advanced → After pressing Enter, move selection and select "Left."
- Q: Does this work with merged cells?
- Yes, but Excel moves to the next unmerged cell in the left direction.