Excel Tips & Tricks: Changing default direction of cell movement

When working in Excel and you hit Enter by default moves down to the cell just below where you are working. However, you may want to move in a different direction? For example, I have mine set to move to the right as most times that is the direction I am filling data into my worksheet.

In Excel 2003 follow the steps below to change the default direction:

• Go to Tools
• Select options
• Edit tab
• Change to the desired direction from the drop-down list titled “Move Selection after Entry”

In Excel 2007 follow the steps below to change the default direction:

• Hit the office button– at the very bottom right you will see “Excel Options”
• Go to “Advanced”
• Now change the direction in the drop-down list titled After pressing Enter, move selection. (see screenshot below)
• Click “OK”

About Michelle Mangen

Michelle Mangen is a single-mom of a son who always makes her laugh (when he's not arguing with her) and owner of Your Virtual Assistant in Neenah, WI. Your Virtual Assistant provides virtual services to small business owners who realize that not only can they not do it all in their business but also realize that their time is better spent on the tasks that provide them with the greatest return on their invested time. She can be found on Twitter as @mmangen