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Shortcut Key for Uppercase in Excel

January 8, 2024 8.3K views

Microsoft Excel offers numerous text functions, including converting text to uppercase. While various methods are available, using a shortcut key for Uppercase in Excel can significantly speed up the process. This guide will explore the shortcut key for converting text to uppercase in Excel and how to utilize it effectively.

Part 1: What is the Shortcut Key for Uppercase in Excel

Microsoft Excel, although a powerful spreadsheet software, lacks some advanced text modification features found in word processing applications like MS Word.

For instance, there is no direct option or built-in shortcut key for uppercase in Excel to change the case of text, such as converting lowercase or mixed-case sentences into all caps. Despite this limitation, Excel users can still achieve this task using various methods.

One such method involves using the UPPER formula. This formula allows users to convert every letter inside a cell to uppercase, regardless of the combination of lowercase and uppercase characters. To use this formula, simply enter "=UPPER(A2)" in a cell, where "A2" represents the cell containing the text you want to convert.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel method with formula in Excel 2013



If you prefer to learn how to uppercase in Excel without formula, you can create a VBA code to accomplish the same task. This VBA code will convert selected cells to uppercase within the selected range.

After adding the code in the VBA Editor, you can create a shortcut icon for the subroutine by customizing the Quick Access Toolbar. This icon will enable you to convert text to all caps with just a click.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel without formula method



Additionally, you can assign a keyboard shortcut to the macro by editing your macros. With the keyboard shortcut configured, you can select the cells you want to convert to uppercase and press the shortcut key for uppercase in Excel to achieve the conversion quickly, using the “Ctrl”, “Shift”, and the chosen key (preferably  “U” for easier memorization) to use in that workbook in the future.

The "Ctrl" key is typically located in the keyboard's bottom left or bottom right corner, and the "Shift" key is just above it. (In Mac, the Ctrl key is replaced by “Command” next to the space bar.)

Ctrl + shift; showing two of the major shortcut keys for uppercase in Excel 2019

Part 2: How to Use the Shortcut Key for Uppercase in Excel

Even though there is a need for a built-in shortcut key for uppercase in Excel 365, alternate shortcuts can achieve the desired results. The primary method involves using the UPPER formula, which is an Excel function that changes every letter inside a cell to uppercase, regardless of its original case.

To utilize the UPPER formula to figure out how to uppercase in Excel, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Open your Excel workbook and navigate to the cell containing the text you want to convert to uppercase.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel with formula step 1



  • Step 2: In an empty cell, enter the formula "=UPPER(A2)", where "A2" represents the cell reference that contains the text you wish to convert.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel with formula step 2



  • Step 3: Press "Enter," and the formula will instantly convert the text to uppercase.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel with formula step 3 complete



However, if you prefer to find a shortcut key for uppercase in Excel without formula, you can create a VBA code to convert selected cells to uppercase within the selected range. Here's how:

  • Step 1: Open Excel and press "Alt + F11" to open the VBA Editor.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel without formula



  • Step 2: In the VBA Editor, go to "Insert" and then "Module."

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel without formula step 2



  • Step 3: Copy and paste the following code into the module:

Sub AllCaps()

   For Each Cell In Selection

       If Not Cell.HasFormula Then

           Cell.Value = UCase(Cell.Value)

       End If

   Next Cell

End Sub

  • Step 4: Save the VBA code and close the VBA Editor.

After creating the VBA code, you can add a shortcut icon for the subroutine in the Quick Access Toolbar. To do this:

  • Step B1: Click the "Customize Quick Access Toolbar" icon.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel 2019 shortcut creation


 

  • Step B2: Select "More Commands" from the dropdown menu.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel 2019 shortcut creation step 2



  • Step B3: Choose "Macros" from the "Choose commands from" list and select the "AllCaps" macro. Click "Add" to add the macro to the Quick Access Toolbar.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel 2019 shortcut creation step 3



With the shortcut icon added, you can now select the cells you want to convert to uppercase and click the icon in the Quick Access Toolbar to achieve the conversion.

Additionally, you can assign a keyboard shortcut to the macro by editing your PERSONAL.XLSB workbook:

  • Step 1: Click "View," then "Macros," and select "View Macros."

how to uppercase in Excel using macron step 1



  • Step 2: In the Macro window, select the "AllCaps" subroutine and click "Options."

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel using macros step 2



  • Step 3: In the "Shortcut key" text area, click inside it and press "Shift + U" to assign "Ctrl + Shift + U" as the keyboard shortcut for the macro.

shortcut key for uppercase in Excel using macros step 3



Now, you can select the cells you want to convert to uppercase and press the "Ctrl + Shift + U" keyboard shortcut to achieve the conversion instantly. Just remember not to use this keyboard shortcut for other tasks, as it will override the default Excel shortcut.

By using these alternate shortcuts, you can efficiently convert text to uppercase in Excel, saving time and streamlining your data formatting tasks.

Part 3: How to Edit Microsoft Office Word for Free?

Introduction to WPS Office - A Free Microsoft Office Alternative:

WPS Office is a free, feature-rich office suite that provides a compelling alternative to Microsoft Office. It offers a comprehensive set of applications, including Writer (similar to Microsoft Word), Spreadsheets (similar to Microsoft Excel), and Presentation (similar to Microsoft PowerPoint).

Further, WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, ensuring seamless editing, creating, and saving of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents. Whether you are using Windows or Mac, WPS Office offers a user-friendly experience and powerful functionalities.

Steps to Edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in WPS Office:

  • Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the WPS Office website and download the free version suitable for your operating system (Windows or Mac). Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your computer.

WPS as an official office alternative in Excel 365



  • Launch WPS Writer (Word), Spreadsheets (Excel), or Presentation (PowerPoint): After installation, launch the specific application (Writer, Spreadsheets, or Presentation) based on the type of document you want to edit.

launching one of the wps alternatives to office



  • Open the Document: Click on the "File" menu and choose "Open" to locate and open the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document from your computer.

opening a file from office with wps instead



  • Edit the Document: Once it is open, you can edit it just like in Microsoft Office. WPS Office provides a familiar interface and similar features, making the editing process easy and intuitive.

editing microsoft files with wps



  • Save the Document: After making the necessary changes, click on the "File" menu and choose "Save" or "Save As" to save the edited document. WPS Office will automatically save the file in the original Microsoft Office file format.

saving the data after editing on wps



With WPS Office, you can confidently work on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents for free, without sacrificing functionality or compatibility. Whether you need to write, analyze data, or create presentations, WPS Office provides a reliable and efficient solution for all your office needs.

For more information on the advantages of WPS Office and to download it, you can visit their official website!

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FAQs:

What are some of the most common Excel shortcuts?

  • Ctrl+C - Copy.

  • Ctrl+V - Paste.

  • Ctrl+Z - Undo.

  • Ctrl+Y - Redo.

  • F2 - Edit cell.

  • Ctrl+A - Select all.

  • Home - Move to the beginning of the worksheet.

  • End - Move to the end of the worksheet.

How do you capitalize all letters in Excel on a Mac?

On a Mac, you can capitalize all letters in Excel by following these steps:

  1. Narrow down the cell or range of cells containing the text you want to capitalize and select them.

  2. Press "Command + Shift + K" to apply uppercase formatting to the selected text.

Can I use the "Ctrl + Shift + U" shortcut key in other Microsoft Office applications?

Yes, the "Ctrl + Shift + U" shortcut key can be used in other Microsoft Office applications like Word and PowerPoint to convert text to uppercase.

Is WPS Office compatible with Microsoft Office file formats?

Yes, WPS Office is fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx. You can open, navigate, edit, and even save Microsoft Office documents without compatibility issues.

Can I use WPS Office on both Windows and Mac computers?

Yes, WPS Office is available for Windows and Mac operating systems, allowing users to access its features and functionality on different platforms.

Summary:

This comprehensive guide explored various methods to learn how to uppercase in Excel. While this application lacks a built-in shortcut key for uppercase in Excel 365, users can utilize the "Ctrl + Shift + U" shortcut after inputting it into the macros and activating it to achieve this efficiently in their continuing work.

Moreover, we introduced WPS Office, where users can seamlessly edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, fully compatible with Microsoft Office file formats. The reliable WPS Office system offers a user-friendly experience and advanced functionalities on Windows and Mac systems.




15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.