CTRL + 1: Format Cells

Formatting allows you to easily read data and understand it. You can use the Ctrl + 1 shortcut to open the Format Cells dialog box. You can change number formats, fonts, borders, alignment, colors, and more. In this article, you will learn all about formatting cells in Excel.

Key Takeaways:

• Press CTRL + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box.
• Format numbers, fonts, borders, and colors from one window.
• Use custom number formats without changing the actual values.
• Apply formatting to one cell or an entire range at once.
• Combine CTRL + 1 with other shortcuts to work faster.

 

Introduction to CTRL + 1 in Excel

What does Ctrl + 1 do?

The Ctrl + 1 keyboard shortcut opens the Format Cells dialog box. This window contains different formatting options available for cells in Excel. You do not need to move between sections of the ribbon. you can change the formatting all in one place.

How to Open the Format Cells Dialog Box

• Select the cell.
• Press Ctrl + 1.
• The Format Cells dialog box will open.
• Choose a formatting.
• Click OK.

 

Tabs of Format Cells

There are six main tabs in the Format Cells dialog box.

Number Tab

The Number tab can be used to change how the value is displayed. But it does not change the underlying data.

• Built-in formats: General, Number, Currency, Accounting, Date, Time, Percentage, and Fraction.
• Custom formats: You can customise the format.

Font Tab

The Font tab is all about style, readability, and emphasis.

• Fonts: You can change the font, font style, or strikethrough.
• Colors: Font colors are not just cosmetic; they highlight meaning. Red for losses, green for gains, blue for references.

Alignment Tab

The Alignment tab can make your content look tidy and is easy to read.

Border Tab

The Border tab lets you add outlines and separators for better structure.

• Standard borders: Thin, thick, or double lines applied to cell edges make data sections clear.
• Creative uses: Borders can mimic tables, group data, or replace gridlines in printouts. Combined with fill colors, they transform plain grids into professional reports.

Fill Tab

The Fill tab is used to add background colors and patterns.

• Solid Fill: Add a background color to highlight important cells.
  • Yellow for pending tasks.
  • Green for completed tasks.
  • Red for overdue items.
• Pattern Style: Apply patterns such as stripes, dots, or diagonal lines.
• Pattern Color: Choose the color used for the selected pattern.

Protection Tab

The Protection tab deals with controlling what users can and cannot do.

• Locking cells: By default, all cells are locked. But this will only work when you protect the sheet.
• Hiding formulas: This option hides the formula from the formula bar. It can protect your intellectual property or prevent accidental edits.

 

Tips and Tricks

• Select all ranges and then press Ctrl + 1 to apply bulk formatting.
• Standardize dates, numbers, or text with one command.
• Paste values using the shortcut – ALT + E + S + V.
• Apply currency formatting with CTRL + SHIFT + $.
• Apply percentage formatting with CTRL + SHIFT + %.

 

FAQs