Most Excel users know Ctrl + 1 opens the Format Cells dialog, but did you know there are other handy shortcuts using Ctrl + number keys? Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Key Functions at a Glance
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + 1 | Open Format Cells dialog |
| Ctrl + 2 | Bold text (same as Ctrl + B) |
| Ctrl + 3 | Italicize text (same as Ctrl + I) |
| Ctrl + 4 | Underline text (same as Ctrl + U) |
| Ctrl + 5 | Apply strikethrough |
| Ctrl + 6 | Toggle object display on/off |
| Ctrl + 7 | (No assignment) |
| Ctrl + 8 | Show/hide outline symbols |
| Ctrl + 9 | Hide selected rows |
| Ctrl + 0 | Hide selected columns |
Note: These shortcuts do not work with the numeric keypad.
Detailed Breakdown
Ctrl + 1: Open Format Cells Dialog
The most well-known Excel shortcut. It opens the Format Cells dialog, allowing you to customize cell appearance and data types.
Ctrl + 2: Bold Text
Applies bold formatting to the selected text. Equivalent to Ctrl + B.
Ctrl + 3: Italicize Text
Applies italic formatting to the selected text. Equivalent to Ctrl + I.
Ctrl + 4: Underline Text
Applies underline formatting. Equivalent to Ctrl + U.
Ctrl + 5: Apply Strikethrough
Adds a strikethrough line through the selected text or values.
Ctrl + 6: Toggle Object Display On/Off
Hides or shows objects like shapes, icons, and charts. Pressing Ctrl + 6 again will bring the objects back.
Ctrl + 7: No Function Assigned
Interestingly, there’s no function linked to Ctrl + 7 in Excel.
Ctrl + 8: Show/Hide Outline Symbols
Toggles the display of outline symbols (like + and –) used in grouped rows or columns.
Ctrl + 9: Hide Rows
Hides the selected rows. Note: To bring them back, use the Undo command (Ctrl + Z).
Ctrl + 0: Hide Columns
Hides the selected columns. Similar to hiding rows, you can undo it with Ctrl + Z.
Summary
These Ctrl + number shortcuts enhance productivity in Excel, saving time on formatting and data management. Remember, they don’t work with the numeric keypad—only the top row numbers.
Try incorporating these shortcuts into your workflow and see how much faster you can navigate and format in Excel!
