Microsoft KB Archive/45251

{| = Excel 2.20: Enter Versus Edit Mode of Active Formula Bar =
 * width="100%"|

Last reviewed: October 31, 1994

Article ID: Q45251

SUMMARY
The active formula bar in Microsoft Excel version 2.20 has two modes: Edit and Enter. When the formula bar is in Enter mode, the arrow (cursor) keys move from one cell to another (placing the cell reference(s) in the formula bar), as in earlier versions of Excel.

When the formula bar is in Edit mode, the arrow keys move the cursor around the characters in the formula bar. The exact functions of the keys for each mode are described below.

When the formula bar is activated, it is automatically in Enter mode. To toggle to Edit mode, press COMMAND+U.

To use the arrow keys to move around the characters in the formula bar while in Enter (not Edit) mode, hold down the OPTION key while pressing the arrow keys.

Note: Microsoft Excel for Windows works differently. When the formula bar in Excel for Windows is activated, it is automatically placed in Edit mode. Excel for the Macintosh version 2.20 remains in Enter mode when the formula bar is activated in order to be compatible with Excel 1.50 for the Macintosh.

MORE INFORMATION
The functions of the arrow keys in the Edit and Enter modes are as follows:

Enter Mode
Key                        Result ---                        --

Arrow (cursor) keys        Move active cell up, down, left, or                               right one cell

SHIFT+arrow key            Extend selection up, down, left, or                               right one cell

OPTION+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW    Move one character left or right in the formula bar

OPTION+SHIFT+LEFT/RIGHT    Extend selection one character left or   ARROW                       right in the formula bar

OPTION+UP/DOWN ARROW       Move up or down one line in the formula bar

OPTION+SHIFT+UP/DOWN ARROW Extend selection up or down one line in                               the formula bar

Edit Mode
Key                        Result ---                        --

LEFT/RIGHT ARROW           Move one character left or right in the formula bar

SHIFT+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW     Extend selection one character left or                               right in the formula bar

UP/DOWN ARROW              Move up or down one line in the formula bar

SHIFT+UP/DOWN ARROW        Extend selection up or down one line in                               the formula bar

COMMAND+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW   Move to the next space left or right in                               the formula bar For more information, see &quot;Editing in the Formula Bar&quot; under &quot;Formula Bar Techniques&quot; in the &quot;Microsoft Excel Reference&quot; version 2.2 manual. KBSubcategory: kbother KBSubcategory:
 * }