Absolute references with the F4 key If you're typing a formula, you may sometimes want a cell reference to stay locked on a specific cell or cell range even if the formula is copied. To do this, you'll need to change the cell reference to an absolute reference by adding. July 01, 2020 - by Bill Jelen The mighty F4 key should be in your Excel arsenal for two completely different reasons: Use F4 to add dollar signs in formula references to make them absolute, mixed, or relative. When you are not editing a formula, use F4 to repeat the last command.
- The problem isn't in Excel, it's in the computer BIOS settings. The function keys are not in function mode, but are in multimedia mode by default! You can change this so that you don't have to press the combination of Fn+F4 each time you want to lock the cell.
- A clear list of over 200 Excel shortcuts for both Windows and Mac, side-by-side. Windows shortcuts in dark gray on the left, Mac shortcuts in white on the right.
- The F4 keyboard shortcut does not work as expected in Microsoft Excel 2013, Excel 2010, or Excel 2007. For example, when you sort a row (row A), and then you press F4 to repeat the action on another row (row B), row B is not sorted. Or, when you copy and paste a cell, and then you press F4, the cell is pasted.
Control features on your Mac
![F4 For Excel Mac F4 For Excel Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/5/126511435/265070193.png)
By default, the top row of keys on your Apple keyboard control many different features on your Mac. For example, pressing the keys with speaker icons adjusts the volume.
If your Mac has a Touch Bar, learn about using function keys on MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.
Use standard function keys
Standard function keys work differently depending on the app and the keyboard shortcuts that you've set up. Some apps have their own keyboard shortcut preferences that you can customize.
F4 Excel Mac Equivalent
To use the standard function keys, hold the Fn (Function) key when pressing a function key. For example, pressing both Fn and F12 (speaker icon) performs the action assigned to the F12 key instead of raising the volume of your speakers.
If your keyboard doesn’t have an Fn key, try pressing and holding the Control key when pressing a function key.
Change the default function key behavior
If you want to change the top row of keys to work as standard function keys without holding the Fn key, follow these steps:
Using Excel On Macbook
- Choose Apple menu > System Preferences.
- Click Keyboard.
- Select 'Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys'.
If you don't see 'Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys'
If you don't see 'Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys', you might be using a keyboard not made by Apple. These keyboards might need a utility to change the keyboard functions. Check with your keyboard manufacturer for more information.
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Does Mac Have Excel
Learn about using function keys on MacBook Pro with Touch Bar.