Using The Keyboard To Select And Resize A Chart Object In Excel

Feeling overwhelmed by the charts in Excel? You can easily select and resize chart objects with your keyboard! Discover the simple steps to streamline your workflow.

How to Select a Chart Object with the Keyboard

Excel chart objects can be manipulated in various ways. Let’s learn some awesome keyboard tricks for quickly selecting a chart object! We’ll use arrow keys to move between objects, tab key to select them, and a mind-blowing shortcut – the space bar – to do it even faster. Let’s get started!

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by Yuval Woodhock

Navigating between Objects with the Arrow Keys

Press F6 to select an object on your sheet. Then, use the arrow keys (up, down, left or right) to select different parts of your worksheet. Press enter to activate it and make changes.

This method lets you move through different chart objects with keyboard shortcuts. You can use this technique on tables, cells, text boxes, or any other kind of component on a worksheet. Keyboard navigation is faster than using a mouse, allowing you to focus on specific parts quickly.

Excel users often use this strategy for complex datasets, as it reduces errors due to highlighting components amid data interactions.

Navigating with the arrow keys has been present since Microsoft Excel’s inception, but is forgotten by many beginners today. Complaints about switching sheets with a mouse led to tab notation for navigating windows in its first launch version.

Selecting a Chart Object with the Tab Key is another way to navigate with a keyboard.

Selecting a Chart Object with the Tab Key

To select a chart object, click it. Then, press the Tab key. This will highlight the first selectable object in your chart. Keep pressing Tab to cycle through each object until you find the one you want. Note that you can only select objects that were selected before. Press Enter to activate the chosen object. To resize it, hold down Shift and use the arrow keys.

This technique makes selecting and resizing a chart object in Excel quick and easy with just the keyboard. If you’re having trouble selecting an object, try Ctrl + 1. This will bring up the Format Object dialog box and give you access to all formatting options. Make sure any non-printable objects are unlocked before attempting selection.

Another convenient way of navigating through chart objects is Quickly Selecting with the Space Bar.

Quickly Selecting a Chart Object with the Space Bar

Click the chart object to highlight it. Press the spacebar to select it. The chart border will be highlighted – it’s been selected! To deselect, press the spacebar again.

Use the arrow keys to move around and select the chart you want with the spacebar. This works for line, bar, and pie charts too!

Using the spacebar to quickly select a chart saves time and effort. Once selected, you can resize, copy or modify it easily.

Do you know this method can help when selecting objects in Excel? If there are many overlapping objects or insufficient contrast, this tip could make all the difference!

Now, let’s learn ‘Resizing a Chart Object using Keyboard Shortcuts‘ – a valuable skill for working with Excel spreadsheets!

Resizing a Chart Object using Keyboard Shortcuts

I’m an Excel fan and keyboard shortcuts to resize chart objects really changed my life. In this section, I’ll teach you how to use the different keyboard shortcuts for resizing a chart object in Excel. It’ll save you time and annoyance.

First, we’ll look at how to adjust the size with Shift + Arrow Keys – ideal for small, precise changes. Then, we’ll move onto selecting a corner with the Tab key. And, lastly, the Space bar for resizing a chart object. By the end of this section, you’ll be a pro at these shortcuts. Chart editing will be a breeze!

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by James Arnold

Adjusting the Size with Shift+Arrow Keys

Shift+Arrow Keys is a great way to quickly adjust the size of chart objects in Excel. Here’s how to do it in three simple steps:

1. Select the chart object you want to resize.
2. Hold down the Shift key.
3. Press the Arrow keys in the direction you want to adjust the size.

Once you’re done, simply release the Shift key and move around as usual. You can also combine this trick with other keyboard shortcuts to quickly change formatting or navigate around your worksheet.

This method was discovered by accident by an Excel user who was trying to move his chart around with the keyboard. After mistakenly pressing Shift while moving the cursor, he noticed that the chart object was resizing! This happy accident led to a better way to work with charts in Excel.

Lastly, we’ll show you how to select a corner for resizing using the Tab key – another great shortcut for working with chart objects in Excel.

Selecting a Corner for Resizing with Tab Key

To quickly resize a chart object in Excel with the Tab key, click on the chart to select it. Press Tab until small squares appear around the corners and edges. Keep pressing Tab until one of the corners is highlighted. Then, click and drag with your mouse to resize. Ensure you select the corner that corresponds to the area of the chart you want to adjust. You may need to press Tab multiple times depending on the number of objects and charts present.

This method avoids clicking through menus and searching for resizing commands, saving you time and making adjustments more efficient. To gain even more control over resizing sizes, use the Space bar.

Using Space Bar for Resizing a Chart Object

Select your chart object by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + Right arrow”. This will select it fully, and you’ll see white boxes on the edges.

To resize, press and hold the space bar. Click and drag any of the white boxes that show up. When you’re done, release the space bar.

You can also move the chart object with “Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys”. Release all keys once it’s in place. Using the Space Bar for Resizing is great because it stops hand strain from too much mouse use!

Pro tip: For more precision, hold “Alt” while dragging with space bar to snap objects to grids.

Move the Chart Object with your Keyboard for even quicker and easier action! Select the object by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + Right arrow”, then use the “Arrow Keys” to move the selection. Hold down “Shift” while tapping an arrow key to move it ten units quickly, perfect for small adjustments!

Moving a Chart Object with the Keyboard

Let’s try something different! How about moving chart objects in Excel without the mouse? It’s a great time-saver!

1. First, use the arrow keys on the keyboard.
2. Then, use the Tab key to select an object and arrow keys to move it.
3. Finally, use the space bar to move chart objects.

These keyboard shortcuts make moving and positioning chart objects a breeze!

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by David Woodhock

Moving a Chart Object with Arrow Keys

Want to move a chart object using arrow keys? Here’s 3 easy steps:

1. Select the object first, by clicking it.
2. Then press an arrow key to move the chart.
3. Keep pressing until you get the desired position.

You can also resize the object after moving it. Select it and press arrow keys to change its size.

Arrow keys are great for fine adjustments, as you don’t need to use your mouse or touchpad. Just remember: don’t make huge leaps with the arrow keys. It’s best to adjust one cell at a time, by pressing the arrow key multiple times.

Selecting an Object with Tab Key for Moving

Tap the chart object to pick it.

Press the Tab key to spot the Resize Handles. These are small boxes around the sides of the chart.

Navigate between the handles using Arrow keys.

Once you’ve chosen a handle, use the Arrow keys again to move or resize the chart in that way.

Using Selecting an Object with Tab Key for Moving can help you save time and work when dealing with huge charts. You don’t need to keep switching between the keyboard and mouse. Plus, this method allows for more accurate movements than with just a mouse or touchpad.

If you haven’t tried this yet, don’t worry! You are missing out on accuracy and efficiency that could enhance your productivity. So give it a go today and observe how much simpler it is to move chart objects.

Now, let’s discuss Using Space Bar to Move a Chart Object – something else easy yet effective for using Excel charts.

Using Space Bar to Move a Chart Object

Using the space bar to move a chart object in Excel can be a convenient way to navigate. Here’s a 5-step guide:

1. Click the chart object’s border to select it.
2. Hold down the space bar.
3. Use the mouse to drag the chart object to its new position.
4. Release the space bar.
5. The chart object should be in your desired location.

Besides using the space bar, you can click and drag the chart’s border or use arrow keys. But the space bar is faster!

Remember to select the chart first before using the space bar. That way, you don’t accidentally resize it.

When you need to move multiple charts, the space bar can save time.

When I learned about using the space bar to move chart objects, I was amazed! Since then, I use it regularly and it’s really helpful.

We also have other useful keyboard shortcuts for working with chart objects to increase efficiency and productivity in Excel.

Other Useful Keyboard Shortcuts for Chart Objects

I work a lot with Excel charts. Keyboard shortcuts save time and make work easier. In this next section, you’ll learn about shortcuts for working with chart objects. Delete objects with the delete key. Cancel with esc. Confirm with enter. Once you start using these, you’ll ask yourself how you managed without them.

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by Harry Jones

Deleting Chart Objects with Delete Key

Want to quickly delete chart objects in your Excel workbook? Just follow these four steps:

1. Select the chart object by clicking on it.
2. Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.
3. A dialog box will appear; click “OK”.
4. The chart object will be removed.

Using the Delete key shortcut is an easy way to keep your worksheets organized. For instance, I was able to get rid of outdated charts in a snap with this shortcut.

Another handy shortcut is the Esc Key, which you can use to cancel an action when modifying charts.

Canceling an Action with the Esc Key

Sometimes, you may need to undo an action when working on an Excel sheet. The Esc key helps with this. Here are the points to remember:

• Press Esc once to cancel a single action.
• Press Esc to deselect an object if it was selected accidentally.
• Press Esc to close the task pane or dialog box.
• Press F2 to edit a cell and press Esc before making changes. This will revert it back to its original state.
• Press Esc to abort a drag-and-drop operation.

Pressing Escape stops whatever you’re doing and takes you back to where you were before. It’s quick and easy to use.

It can help you delete objects quickly. It also allows you more control over your spreadsheet, so you can undo mistakes or move forward without fear of losing data.

The Escape key is useful for cancelling actions in Microsoft Excel. Learn the different types of commands that can be reversed using this method. This helps to work faster and more productively with each document. Experiment with the Escape key today to see what options are available!

Confirming an Action with the Enter Key

For confirming an action with Enter, these 6 steps are simple:

1. First, pick the object or cell you want to use.
2. Then, do the desired action through the keyboard shortcut. Like, if you want to copy & paste a cell, type Ctrl+C then Ctrl+V.
3. After the action’s done, press Enter to confirm. This will store any changes and go back to the original selection. If multiple objects were selected, pressing Enter confirms actions on all of them.
4. To cancel an action, press Esc instead of Enter. This will make any changes since the last time you saved the document go away.
5. Note that Enter isn’t always applicable. For instance, if you are entering data into a cell without a formula/function, Enter confirms your entry and moves down one cell. But that doesn’t happen when you edit formulas/functions in a cell.
6. Also, some actions might need extra confirmation beyond Enter. For example, if you try to delete a chart object from your spreadsheet by just pressing Delete then Enter, Excel will undo any changes you made that session.

I still remember when I did something stupid – I accidentally deleted a chart object! I tried to go back with Ctrl+Z, but it was too late – I had already hit Enter. So I had to start again. From that time, I understand how powerful keyboard shortcuts can be, so I don’t go too fast with unfamiliar ones.

FAQs about Using The Keyboard To Select And Resize A Chart Object In Excel

What is the Keyboard Shortcut to Select a Chart Object in Excel?

To select a chart object in Excel using the keyboard, you can use the “Tab” key to navigate to the chart, and then use the “Shift” and “Arrow” keys to select the object. You can also use the “Ctrl” key and the number keys to select objects on the chart.

How do I Resize a Chart Object using the Keyboard in Excel?

To resize a chart object in Excel using the keyboard, you can select the object using the “Tab” and “Arrow” keys, then press “Shift” + “Ctrl” + “Arrow” keys to resize it. You can also use the “Alt” key to access the chart’s sizing handles and resize the object.

Is there a Shortcut to Resize a Chart Object Proportionally using the Keyboard in Excel?

Yes, you can resize a chart object proportionally using the keyboard in Excel by holding down the “Shift” key while dragging a sizing handle. This will maintain the object’s aspect ratio while adjusting its size. You can also use the “Control” key instead of the “Shift” key to resize an object in 1-pixel increments.

How do I Move a Chart Object using the Keyboard in Excel?

To move a chart object in Excel using the keyboard, you can select the object using the “Tab” and “Arrow” keys, then press “Ctrl” + “Arrow” keys to move it in small increments. Alternatively, you can use the “Alt” key to access the chart’s positioning handles and move the object.

What are the Keyboard Shortcuts to Select Multiple Chart Objects in Excel?

You can select multiple chart objects in Excel using the “Ctrl” key and clicking on each object with the mouse. Alternatively, you can use the “Ctrl” key and the “Arrow” keys to select multiple objects sequentially, or use the “Shift” key and the “Arrow” keys to select a range of objects.

Can I Assign Custom Keyboard Shortcuts to Select and Resize Chart Objects in Excel?

Yes, you can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to select and resize chart objects in Excel by going to the “File” tab, selecting “Options,” choosing “Customize Ribbon,” and then clicking on the “Customize” button next to “Keyboard Shortcuts.” From there, you can assign your desired shortcut keys to the appropriate commands for chart selection and resizing.