How to Change Enter Key Direction from Down to Right in Excel for Mac
Question details
The user wants to configure Excel for Mac so that pressing the Enter (or Return) key moves the active cell to the right instead of downward.
- Product
- Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Entering data sequentially across rows rather than down columns.
- Observed behavior
- Pressing Enter moves the active cell downward by default, and the standard Windows 'File > Options' menu used to change this setting is not available on Mac.
Open a blank workbook in Excel for Mac so you can immediately test the Enter key behavior after adjusting your preferences.
Adjust Enter Key Direction via Excel Preferences
Modify the default Return key behavior directly within the macOS Excel Preferences menu.
Because macOS applications use a different menu structure than Windows applications, settings normally found under 'File > Options' in Windows are located in the application's 'Preferences' menu on a Mac.
Launch Excel for Mac. In the top Apple menu bar, click on 'Excel' next to the Apple logo, and select 'Preferences' from the drop-down menu.
In the Excel Preferences window, look under the 'Authoring' section and click on the 'Edit' icon.
Locate the setting labeled 'After pressing Return, move selection'. Make sure the checkbox is ticked, then click the drop-down menu next to it and select 'Right'. Close the Preferences window to save your changes.
Easily Change Enter Key Direction in WPS Spreadsheets for Mac
WPS Office for Mac offers a highly customizable and familiar interface. You can easily adjust your data entry preferences, including changing the Enter key direction to suit your horizontal data entry workflow.
- 1. Launch WPS Spreadsheets: Open WPS Office on your Mac and create a new spreadsheet or open an existing workbook.
- 2. Access Preferences: Click on 'WPS Office' in your Mac's top menu bar and select 'Preferences'.
- 3. Modify Workspace Settings: Navigate to the 'Edit' settings, locate the 'Move selection after Enter' option, and switch the direction to 'Right'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the File > Options menu missing in Excel for Mac?
Excel for Mac integrates with the standard macOS menu bar system. Unlike Windows, system and app settings on a Mac are typically found under the application's name (e.g., Excel > Preferences) rather than within a File tab.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to move right without changing preferences?
Yes. If you prefer to keep the default Enter key behavior (moving down), you can use the 'Tab' key to move one cell to the right while entering data across a row.
Can I change the Enter key direction to move Up or Left?
Yes. In the same 'Excel > Preferences > Edit' menu, the drop-down list for 'After pressing Return, move selection' includes options for Up, Down, Left, and Right.
