Move One Word Left in Excel
This shortcut allows you to move the cursor one word to the left within a cell while editing text, speeding up navigation in long text or formulas.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Left Arrow | Option + Left Arrow |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
Pressing this shortcut moves the cursor directly to the beginning of the previous word to the left, skipping over any characters or spaces in between.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Select the cell you want to edit
- Press F2 to enter edit mode
- Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Option (Mac)
- Press the Left Arrow key to jump one word to the left
Tips & Best Practices
- Combine with Shift to select entire words while moving
- Works well for navigating long formulas or text entries
- Speeds up editing without using the mouse
FAQ
- Q: Does this work across multiple cells?
- No, it only works within the active cell in edit mode.
- Q: Can I move multiple words at once?
- No, the shortcut moves one word at a time. Use repeated presses for longer jumps.