I often handle comparable data extractions and aim to enhance my productivity while converting them. My usual approach involves using the small black cross that appears when hovering over the active cell to autofill a field till the end of the range in the adjacent column:
In this instance, my task is to extend the series in column A by populating the rows starting from 3 downwards. Although I can use keyboard shortcuts to open the fill dialogue box and autofill the cells, it requires me to first scroll down to the end of the data in the adjacent column, which can be time-consuming for large data sets.
The keyboard shortcut Shift+↓ takes me to the end of the sheet instead of the intended range, which makes it cumbersome. While the black cross icon activated by the mouse can accomplish this task easily, I am unsure of how to replicate it using keyboard shortcuts.
Do you have any suggestions? It would be incredibly useful!
2 Answers
Introduction
Efficiency is essential in any task, and when it comes to working with data, it is no different. With the vast amount of data available, it is crucial to find ways to work smarter, not harder. Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to improve efficiency and speed up data transformation tasks. In this blog post, we will explore some keyboard shortcuts that can help transform data pulls.
Selecting the Entire Column or Row
When working with data, selecting the entire column or row is a common task. This can be done quickly with keyboard shortcuts. To select the entire column, place the cursor in the column you want to select and press “Ctrl + Spacebar.” To select the entire row, place the cursor in the row you want to select and press “Shift + Spacebar.” These shortcuts are useful when you need to apply a formula or formatting to an entire column or row.
Copying and Pasting Data
Another common task when working with data is copying and pasting. This can be done quickly with keyboard shortcuts as well. To copy data, select the cell or range of cells you want to copy and press “Ctrl + C.” To paste the data, select the cell or range of cells where you want to paste the data and press “Ctrl + V.” You can also use “Ctrl + X” to cut the data and “Ctrl + Z” to undo any changes you have made.
Filling Data Series
Filling data series is a common task when working with data. It can be done quickly with keyboard shortcuts. To fill a data series, select the cell or range of cells you want to fill and press “Ctrl + D.” This will fill the selected cells with the contents of the cell above. You can also fill a series by selecting the cell or range of cells you want to fill and pressing “Ctrl + R.” This will fill the selected cells with the contents of the cell to the left.
Autofilling Data
Autofilling data is another common task when working with data. It can be done quickly with keyboard shortcuts. To autofill data, select the cell or range of cells you want to autofill and press “Ctrl + E.” This will autofill the selected cells with the contents of the cell to the left. You can also use “Ctrl + Shift + E” to autofill the selected cells with the contents of the cell above.
Sorting Data
Sorting data is an essential task when working with data. It can be done quickly with keyboard shortcuts. To sort data, select the range of cells you want to sort and press “Alt + A + S + S.” This will bring up the Sort dialogue box, where you can choose how you want to sort the data. You can also use “Alt + H + S + U” to sort the selected cells in ascending order or “Alt + H + S + D” to sort the selected cells in descending order.
Filtering Data
Filtering data is another essential task when working with data. It can be done quickly with keyboard shortcuts. To filter data, select the range of cells you want to filter and press “Ctrl + Shift + L.” This will bring up the Filter dialogue box, where you can choose how you want to filter the data. You can also use “Alt + A + T” to turn the filter on or off.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keyboard shortcuts are a great way to improve efficiency and speed up data transformation tasks. With the vast amount of data available, it is crucial to find ways to work smarter, not harder. By using keyboard shortcuts, you can quickly select entire columns or rows, copy and paste data, fill data series, autofill data, sort data, and filter data. These shortcuts can save you time and help you transform data pulls more efficiently.
Choose the cell located at the beginning of the date column (in proximity to the number 1, which has the date “2018-05-27” in it), and then…
- Ctrl+Shift+↓ – to select all dates,
- then Shift+Left – to expand selection to the left,
- then Shift+Tab – to make the cell with
1active, without canceling the current selection, - then Shift+Left – to shrink selection to the left column.