Add a note to a cell in Excel

Add a note to a cell in Excel: Shift+F2, type, Esc (Mac: Fn+Shift+F2)

Windows	`Shift+F2, type, Esc`
Mac	`Fn+Shift+F2`
Group	formula

Practice this shortcut

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What it does and when to use it

Shift+F2 opens a note on the active cell. Type, then Esc twice to close it with the text kept. A reviewer can leave twenty notes in a model without touching the mouse.

The common mistake

Pressing Enter expecting to close the note. Enter adds a line; Esc closes.

Related shortcuts

Repeat the last action F4 (or Ctrl+Y)
Lock a reference with F4 F2, F4
Make a reference absolute F2, F4, Enter
Evaluate part of a formula F2, select the part, F9, Esc
Enter one formula into many cells Select, type, Ctrl+Enter
The printable cheat sheet

Questions

What is the difference between a note and a comment?

Notes are the classic yellow boxes (Shift+F2). Comments are threaded conversations (Ctrl+Shift+F2 in newer versions).

Learn it by pressing it

Shortcutdrill gives you a task on a live sheet and a limit on key presses, so the shortcut has to become a reflex. Twenty-five drills are free; Pro unlocks all 80 for $9 a month, $29 a year, or $49 once.

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