How to use formatting shortcuts like a Pro?

If you're working with data in Excel, learning essential formatting shortcuts can dramatically boost your productivity. Not only will these shortcuts save you time, but they’ll also ensure your spreadsheets are polished, professional, and client-ready.

In this article, we dive into 15 Excel formatting shortcuts that are not only easy to use but highly effective in transforming raw data into visually appealing reports.

1. Apply Bold Font to Headers

Headers make spreadsheets easier to understand, and bolding them adds instant clarity.

Shortcut: Control + B

• Hold Control and press B to bold the selected text.
• Pair it with other shortcuts like Control + I to italicize or Control + U to underline.

2. Add Borders to the Selected Range

Borders organize and define your data, converting it from a raw dump into a professional-looking table.

Shortcut: ALT + H + B + A

• Press ALT, then H, followed by B, and finally A.
• Customize border colors under Home → Font → Line Color.

3. Apply an Outline Border

Use thick borders to create separation between different sections or tables within the same worksheet.

Shortcut: ALT + H + B + T

• Press ALT, then H, followed by B, and finally T.
• For full customization, apply standard borders (ALT + H + B + A) before adding the outline.

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4. Autofit Column Widths

When text spills outside cells, autofitting adjusts column widths to perfectly fit their content.

Shortcut: ALT + H + O + W

• Press ALT, then H, followed by O, and finally W.

5. Remove All Formats

Need a clean slate? Remove all formatting from your cells with a simple command.

Shortcut: ALT + H + E + F

• Press ALT, then H, followed by E, and finally F.

6. Open the Format Cells Dialog Box

For comprehensive formatting options, the Format Cells dialog box is indispensable.

Shortcut: Control + 1

• Hold Control and press 1 to access alignment, font, borders, and more.

7. Wrap Text Within a Cell

Avoid cut-off text by wrapping it to fit neatly within a cell.

Shortcut: ALT + H + W

• Press ALT, then H, followed by W.

8. Align Text to the Center

Center-aligning text makes your spreadsheet look clean and organized.

Shortcut: ALT + H + A + C

• Press ALT, then H, followed by A and C.

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9. Align Text to the Middle

For a balanced look, align text vertically within a cell.

Shortcut: ALT + H + A + M

• Press ALT, then H, followed by A and M.

10. Apply General Format

If cells are formatted incorrectly, you can reset them to the default "General" format.

Shortcut: Control + Shift + ~

• Hold Control and Shift, then press ~.

11. Apply Currency Format

Make your financial data pop by applying a currency format.

Shortcut: Control + Shift + $

• Hold Control and Shift, then press $.

12. Apply Percentage Format

Convert numbers into percentages instantly with this shortcut.

Shortcut: Control + Shift + %

• Hold Control and Shift, then press %.

13. Apply Date Format

Need a quick date format? This shortcut has you covered.

Shortcut: Control + Shift + #

• Hold Control and Shift, then press #.

14. Navigate Quickly with Ctrl + Arrow Keys

Speed up navigation by jumping to the last filled or blank cell in a row or column.

Shortcut: Control + Arrow Key

• For example, Control + Down Arrow moves you to the last filled cell in a column.

15. Remove Borders

Clean up your spreadsheet by removing borders when they’re no longer needed.

Shortcut: ALT + H + B + N

• Press ALT, then H, followed by B and N.

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Conclusion

Excel formatting doesn’t have to be tedious. With these 15 powerful shortcuts, you can quickly transform raw data into polished, professional reports. Whether you’re adjusting column widths, applying borders, or adding bold headers, these tips will elevate your spreadsheet game.

Do you have favorite Excel formatting shortcuts? Share them in the comments below and let’s keep building our Excel skills together!