Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated January 5, 2019)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
If you have multiple workbooks open at one time, and you are using the keyboard to enter information, it is sometimes a bother to take your hands off the keyboard, find the mouse, move the mouse pointer into the other window, and click on the mouse button. In fact, it can ruin your entire train of thought. It is even worse if each file is not visible on the screen. In this case you have to use the Window menu to select the other spreadsheet.
There is a quick method of switching between spreadsheet windows that uses the keyboard. To do this, simply press Ctrl+F6. This will cycle you between your open workbooks. For instance, if you have three workbooks open, and you press Ctrl+F6 three times, you will be back to your original workbook window.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2032) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Comprehensive VBA Guide Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the language used for writing macros in all Office programs. This complete guide shows both professionals and novices how to master VBA in order to customize the entire Office suite for their needs. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2010 today!
As you create and work on your workbooks, Excel can include sensitive personal information with the data. If you want to ...
Discover MoreDo you need to know how many times a worksheet has been used? Excel doesn't track that information, but you can develop ...
Discover MoreNeed to hide a large number of rows? It's easy to do if you combine a few keyboard shortcuts. Here are several techniques ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments