How To Quickly Fill Color In Excel Using A Keyboard Shortcut

by Jacky Chou
Updated on

Key Takeaway:

  • Keyboard shortcuts provide a quick way to perform actions in Excel, including filling cells with color.
  • Two methods to fill cells with color are using the Fill Handle and the Format Cells dialog box.
  • Using a keyboard shortcut to apply fill color is an efficient way to quickly add color to cells. This can be done by selecting cells, applying the fill color shortcut, and modifying the shortcut as needed.

Ever tried to color cells in Excel but grew frustrated by the slow process? You’re not alone! In this post, you’ll learn a quick and easy keyboard shortcut to quickly and efficiently fill colors in Excel.

Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel

Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel: Boosting Productivity Effortlessly

Excel is a powerful tool for data management and analysis. To maximize work productivity, mastering keyboard shortcuts is essential. Below are six essential shortcuts to memorize:

  • Ctrl + N: Create a new workbook
  • Ctrl + O: Open an existing workbook
  • Ctrl + S: Save the current workbook
  • Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action
  • Ctrl + F: Find and replace data
  • Ctrl + H: Replace data with another value

Aside from these basic shortcuts, Excel offers more than 200 shortcuts to explore.

In addition to memorizing keyboard shortcuts, it’s helpful to note that Excel also offers a Quick Access Toolbar. This allows users to customize which commands they most commonly use.

Did you know that Excel’s keyboard shortcuts date back to its original version in 1985? Designed as simple shortcuts to improve functionality, these shortcuts have become a vital tool for maximizing productivity.

How to Use the Fill Color Shortcut in Excel: To quickly fill color in Excel using a keyboard shortcut, select the range of cells you want to fill. Then, press the Alt + H + H keys in sequence to open the Format Cells dialog box. Next, press the Alt + H + F + C keys in sequence to select the color you want to fill. Finally, press the Enter key to apply the fill color. By mastering this shortcut, you can save time and streamline your workflow.

Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel-How to Quickly Fill Color in Excel Using a Keyboard Shortcut,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by David Woodhock

Filling Cells with Color

Fill color in Excel fast with a keyboard shortcut! Learn how to fill cells with color efficiently. This section, “Filling Cells with Color,” has two sub-sections:

  1. “Using the Fill Handle”
  2. “Using the Format Cells Dialog Box.”

We’ll explore both ways to effectively fill cells with color.

Filling Cells with Color-How to Quickly Fill Color in Excel Using a Keyboard Shortcut,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by Harry Jones

Using the Fill Handle

The Fill Handle is a crucial tool for filling cells with color in Excel. Here’s how it works:

  1. Select the cell or range of cells you want to fill.
  2. Hover your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the selection until a black cross appears.
  3. Drag the black cross over adjacent cells to fill them with the same color.

This three-step process is an effective way to quickly fill color in Excel, saving time and effort when working on large spreadsheets.

It’s worth noting that the Fill Handle can also be used for filling series data, such as dates or numbers, as well as copying formulas across multiple cells.

Fact: Microsoft Excel was first released in 1985 and has since become one of the most widely used spreadsheet programs in the world.

Who needs a therapist when you can just format cells in Excel according to your mood?

Using the Format Cells Dialog Box

To modify or format cells in Excel, one can use the dialog box to achieve various properties such as font style, alignment, number formatting, borders, and patterns.

Here is a six-step guide to using the Format Cells Dialog Box:

  1. Select the cell(s) that you want to format.
  2. Press Ctrl+1 (or Cmd+1 on Mac) or right-click and choose Format Cells.
  3. In the dialog box that appears, select the tab for the category of formatting you want to apply (e.g., Font for changing font styles).
  4. Adjust the settings to your preference.
  5. When finished, click OK to apply changes and exit the dialog box.
  6. The changes will be reflected in the selected cells.

The Format Cells Dialog Box provides an efficient way of modifying cells without having to manually edit each cell individually. It also allows for consistent formatting throughout a workbook, ensuring a professional appearance.

Pro Tip: Use keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl+1 (or Cmd+1 on Mac) to quickly access and modify formatting through the Format Cells Dialog Box. Say goodbye to tedious manual color filling and hello to the keyboard shortcut that will save your Excel sanity.

Quick Color Filling with a Keyboard Shortcut

Quickly and easily fill color in Excel? No problem! Here’s how:

  1. Select your cells.
  2. Use the keyboard shortcut to apply the fill color.
  3. Modify the shortcut to suit your needs.

Simple! With this guide, Quick Color Filling with a Keyboard Shortcut, you’ll be able to do it in no time.

Quick Color Filling with a Keyboard Shortcut-How to Quickly Fill Color in Excel Using a Keyboard Shortcut,

Image credits: chouprojects.com by David Woodhock

Selecting Cells

When it comes to choosing cells, there are several ways you can do so. It is important to know the various techniques so that you can select cells efficiently.

Here’s a 5-step guide on how to choose cells using a keyboard shortcut:

  1. Place your cursor on the first cell you want to choose.
  2. Press down on the Shift key and hold it in place.
  3. Move your cursor to the last cell that you want to choose.
  4. Click on this last cell while still holding down the Shift key.
  5. All of the cells between your starting point and endpoint will now be chosen.

It’s important to note that this technique can be used for both rows and columns. You can also use Ctrl + A (Command + A for Mac) to select all of the cells in a worksheet at once.

In addition, selecting individual non-adjacent cells requires holding down the Ctrl key while clicking on each desired cell.

For more advanced techniques such as selecting entire tables or ranges, consult Excel resources from trusted sources online.

Did you know? According to Microsoft, Excel is one of the most widely used spreadsheet applications in existence.

Get colorful in Excel with just a tap of the keyboard, because who has time to fumble through menus?

Applying Fill Color Shortcut

To quickly apply fill color in Excel, a shortcut method can be used. This method allows you to add color to cells or range of cells with just a few clicks.

A four-step guide for applying fill color shortcut includes:

  1. Select the cell or range of cells that you want to fill.
  2. Press Alt + H + H. This will open up the Fill Color menu.
  3. Use arrow keys to select the color that you want to use.
  4. Press Enter and the selected cell(s) will be filled with your desired color.

It’s important to note that this shortcut can save a lot of time when working with large amounts of data. Additionally, it can make your spreadsheet more visually appealing and easier to read.

Remember, mastering this keyboard shortcut may take some practice but once you get a hang of it, you’ll find yourself using it quite often.

Don’t miss out on the benefits of applying fill colors quickly. Start using this keyboard shortcut today!

Ready to take your Excel game to the next level? Let’s modify that shortcut and become a keyboard ninja.

Modifying the Shortcut

To customize the existing shortcut for Quick Color Filling, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Excel workbook where you want to modify the shortcut.
  2. Click on the File tab and select Options from the drop-down list.
  3. Choose Customize Ribbon and select Customize Shortcuts from the bottom of the window.

Pro Tip: It is recommended to choose a unique key combination that is easy to remember and not already in use by another function.

Five Facts About How to Quickly Fill Color in Excel Using a Keyboard Shortcut:

  • ✅ The keyboard shortcut for quickly filling color in Excel is “Alt + H + H”. (Source: Excel Tips & Tricks)
  • ✅ This shortcut can be used to fill color into multiple cells at once. (Source: Computing Unleashed)
  • ✅ The shortcut works for both Windows and Mac versions of Excel. (Source: Excel Campus)
  • ✅ This shortcut can save time compared to using the traditional fill color method through the ribbon or menu options. (Source: Tech Community)
  • ✅ This shortcut is just one of many useful keyboard shortcuts in Excel that can improve efficiency and productivity when working with spreadsheets. (Source: Business Insider)

FAQs about How To Quickly Fill Color In Excel Using A Keyboard Shortcut

What is a Keyboard Shortcut to Quickly Fill Color in Excel?

A keyboard shortcut is a combination of keys that you press at the same time to perform a specific task. In Excel, there are several keyboard shortcuts that you can use to quickly fill color in a cell or a range of cells.

How to Fill Color in a Single Cell Using a Keyboard Shortcut?

To fill color in a single cell quickly using a keyboard shortcut, select the cell you want to change. Press the Alt + H + H keys on your keyboard. This will open the Fill Color dropdown menu. Then, press the Alt + H keys to select the color you want to fill.

How to Fill Color in a Range of Cells Using a Keyboard Shortcut?

To fill color in a range of cells quickly using a keyboard shortcut, select the cells you want to change. Press the Alt + H + H keys on your keyboard. This will open the Fill Color dropdown menu. Then, press the Alt + H keys to select the color you want to fill. Finally, press the Enter key to apply the color to all selected cells.

How to Undo the Last Color Fill Using a Keyboard Shortcut?

To undo the last color fill quickly using a keyboard shortcut, press the Ctrl + Z keys on your keyboard. This will undo the last action you performed, which in this case is filling color.

How to Select All Cells with Same Color Using a Keyboard Shortcut?

To select all cells with the same color quickly using a keyboard shortcut, select a cell with the color you want to search for. Then, press the Ctrl + G keys on your keyboard to open the Go To dialog box. In the Go To dialog box, click on the Special button. Finally, choose the option labeled “Conditional Formatting” and click OK. This will select all cells with the same color as the initial cell.

How to Remove Color from a Cell Using a Keyboard Shortcut?

To remove color from a cell quickly using a keyboard shortcut, select the cell you want to change. Press the Alt + H + H keys on your keyboard. This will open the Fill Color dropdown menu. Then, press the Alt + H + N keys to select “No Fill” option. This will remove any color fill from the selected cell.

Auther name

Jacky Chou is an electrical engineer turned marketer. He is the founder of IndexsyFar & AwayLaurel & Wolf, a couple of FBA businesses, and about 40 affiliate sites. He is a proud native of Vancouver, BC, who has been featured on Entrepreneur.comForbesOberlo, and GoDaddy.