CORE EXCEL · Step 20 of 23
Format selected cells from the keyboard Lesson guide and formula instructions Before this step: Select a real worksheet range and distinguish stored numbers from their display.
A focused formatting shortcut opens settings for selected cells without navigating command tabs. The general shortcut recalls the last category; the Font shortcut opens Font directly. Preview and Cancel leave the worksheet unchanged. Apply changes the captured cell formats in one native history operation.
In Practice select E2:E5, focus worksheet shortcuts and use the shown platform’s general Format Cells key. Enable a number-format draft, try 0% and cancel it. Open the general shortcut on E2:E5 again. Apply the quoted USD two-decimal format and Right alignment. Undo and Redo once. Select E5, use Control+Shift+F, set Bold on, Fill #E9F1F5 and a double Bottom border in #163D32, ending on Border. Apply, Undo and Redo once. Reopen the general shortcut on E5 to inspect the remembered Border tab. Keep F5 dependent on the unrounded numeric total. Check the current source and changed inputs, explain formatting versus value, predict the original raw total and explicitly save the checked lesson. Button alternatives and controlled demonstrations do not supply keyboard application evidence. Windows / Mac methods and focus Desktop reference platformWindows Mac Method in this lessonOpen Format Cells for the selection Open Font settings
Start here: Select the real worksheet range, then focus the lesson’s worksheet-shortcuts target.
Desktop key: Ctrl+1 · Selected worksheet cells
The general shortcut opens settings for the selected cells; it need not open Font specifically.
In this worksheet: Use the explicit keyboard-focus target before pressing the lesson’s platform-specific general key; the browser dialog remembers its last category.
Desktop references use the reviewed US-keyboard context. Function keys can require Fn. Use this lesson’s own platform selector and focus target for captured browser keys. Changing this reference selector does not run a worksheet command.
Check the context Where must the relevant focus or selection be?Choose a focus An actual workbook entry in the file-access list Selected worksheet cells, outside text editing The formula text editor, with its insertion caret Selected column headings and their right boundary The small fill handle of the selected seed cells The worksheet tab of the sheet being moved The worksheet grid and its active cell A cell entry or formula-bar editing target A real worksheet range, then its status-bar summary Only the selected true blanks, with a relative formula being entered The side or bottom selection border, away from the fill handle The workbook command area, outside cell text editing Which boundary matters here?Choose an explanation The general shortcut opens settings for the selected cells; it need not open Font specifically. The general Format Cells chord always opens Font regardless of the last category. Check method context This context check does not apply worksheet changes or complete the course exercise. Complete and check the actual workbook below.
Save this checked exercise Navigation does not record a passing attempt.
Applied lesson settings, explanations and source prediction: still needed SourceSmall purchases Zero quantity and zero price Returns and small amounts Platform contextWindows Mac Reset original
Teaching · read-only Your turn · edit this sheet
Teaching · read-only · E5
Step 1 / 6 Inspect stored values and a dependent formula
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Next step → Inspect E2:E5 F5 Focus E5
Demonstrate step More Inspect the highlighted cells. This step has no automatic change to apply. Teaching is read-only; switch to Your turn to edit.
Go ƒx Apply
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Focus worksheet shortcuts before using the shown keys. In desktop Excel, the same general key can open different formatting tools when a chart or another object is selected.
Recover and check your report In Practice, cancel an edited E2:E5 dialog draft first. Apply the USD format and Right alignment to E2:E5, then Bold, Fill #E9F1F5 and a double Bottom border in #163D32 to E5. Undo and Redo each application. Finish by reopening the general shortcut on E5 to inspect the remembered Border tab.
Required number format: "USD "0.00;("USD "0.00)
Undo Redo Check current workbook Formatting should change the display and emphasis while leaving the calculation numeric. Changed-input checks include zeroes, credits, discounts and fractional prices.
Download current formulas Download frozen values Inspect current worksheet and format observations [] {"platform":"windows","shortcuts":[],"applies":[],"cancels":[]} 