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Abstract 

In this lesson, we cover shortcuts you can use to insert or delete cells, rows, and columns.

Transcript 

In this video, we'll cover shortcuts you can use to insert or delete rows, columns, or cells.

To start off, if you first select an entire row or column, you can use a single shortcut to insert new rows or columns.

You can select an entire row with shift and the spacebar. Then, to insert a row, use Control shift + in Windows, Control + I on a Mac.

This shortcut is the same for inserting columns.

To select an entire column, Use control + spacebar. Then insert with Control shift + in Windows, Control + I on a Mac. 

You can insert multiple columns and rows as well, just begin with more than one cell selected.

The logic for deleting rows and columns is the same. The shortcut is Control -.

First, select an entire row or column, then use Control minus to delete. 

You can also use this shortcut to delete multiple rows and columns.

You can use both of these shortcuts to insert and delete cells as well, either individually or in groups.

The shortcuts are the same, but they work differently when you don't have an entire row or column selected.

For example, Control Shift plus (+) in Windows and Control I on a Mac will display the Insert Dialog, which lets you insert cells by shifting other cells either right or down. The Insert Dialog also provides options for inserting entire rows and columns.

So, I can insert cells by pushing other cells to the right.

Or, by pushing other cells down.

In a similar way, the shortcut Control minus displays the Delete dialog, with the same functionality.

So, for example, I can use this shortcut to delete specific cells and re-align this table.

Note that when you've copied cells to the clipboard, you'll see different behavior than when you insert. 

So, If I copy these cells, then use the shortcut for insert, I'll get the Insert paste dialog....

which let's you paste and push cells down in one step.

Or, paste and push cells to the right.

Finally, if you have entire rows or columns selected before you copy, the Insert shortcut will insert and paste in one step.
 

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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.