Description: In Calc, I can choose a "Move selection" direction that will used after I press Enter on a cell, but I need 6 mouse clicks to change that direction. I would like to change the move selection direction more easily. One alternative would be to make "Move selection Down," "Move selection Right," etc., accessible via the Tools > Customize menu. For me, this would be a good option. Another alternative would be a fifth Move selection "direction" option that would move in whatever direction I indicated by my last use of an arrow key. For example, suppose that the move selection direction is Down. Now, I want to enter data across a row. With this requested feature, I could enter data in the first intended data cell and then change move selection to the right by pressing the Up arrow key (getting back to the first data cell) and the Right arrow key. Subsequent uses of the Enter key would move the selection to the right until I would use another arrow key. A "Same direction" menu option would be relatively easy for the typical user to select. Thanks for considering my request. Actual Results: (feature request described above) Expected Results: (feature request described above) Reproducible: Always User Profile Reset: No Additional Info: Moving in the same direction after Enter was an option in SuperCalc and perhaps other software.
By default (in left-to-right spreadsheets): [ENTER] > move to next cell down. [SHIFT]+[ENTER] > move to next cell up. [TAB] > move to next cell right. [SHIFT]+[TAB] > move to next cell left.
ady, thanks for your reply. I had been hoping to use the Enter key for both Down and Right (after setting the direction) because the Enter key is closer to my keyboard "home position," and use of the Enter key has become integrated with my muscle memory. However, I could adapt to leaving the move selection direction on Down and using the Tab key to move to the right.
If you are introducing data for the first time in an empty cell (as opposed to introducing a formula), the arrow keys should also work to move to the next cell (with the direction depending on which arrow key you use). Arrow keys will also work for moving to the next cell if you are replacing the entire content of the cell (i.e. not just when the cell is empty). Arrow keys won't work for moving to the next cell when you are editing cell's content, whether within the input box in the formula bar or in-cell editing (double click or F2). That's because the arrow keys in such cell's edit mode will move the cursor within the same cell, as part of the edition.
Thanks, ady. The Tab key probably will work better for me, since using the Right arrow key requires that I move my whole hand about 6 inches (15 cm) from the home position. I can use the arrow keys and return to the home position without looking down at the keyboard because I have friction tape on the F and J keys, but repeating the movement becomes distracting. If I enter numbers via the numeric keypad, it is convenient to use the Enter key on that keypad. Using the Tab key instead would be more comfortable than leaving my left hand on the arrow keys.
Are you aware that if you start entering data with a cell range selected, the movements will be restricted to the cell range? For example, if you want to fill only a row: 1. Select row 2. Start entering data 3. Press Enter: it goes to the right Does that cover it?
Thank you, Stéphane. I was not aware of the motion restriction feature. Now, I will make several entries by selecting the row, or I will make 2-3 entries by using the Tab key. I think that completes the solution for my purposes. For me, the Note to Bug Reporter would be clearer if "the request" could be changed to "that request" or "the information or data request". I thought at first glance that "the request" was my original bug report.
(In reply to Ralpho from comment #6) > Thank you, Stéphane. I was not aware of the motion restriction feature. > Now, I will make several entries by selecting the row, or I will make 2-3 > entries by using the Tab key. I think that completes the solution for my > purposes. Thank you! Let's close as "not a bug" then. > For me, the Note to Bug Reporter would be clearer if "the request" could be > changed to "that request" or "the information or data request". I thought > at first glance that "the request" was my original bug report. Sorry, I'm not sure what you are referring to.
Stéphane, When I was composing Comment 6, a "Note to Bug Reporter" paragraph appeared to the right of the comment box. I think the paragraph's font color was green or possibly aqua. Unfortunately, I don't recall the specific text in the paragraph. I think the general idea was that I should respond to the information or data request and then make an indicated change in the status or resolution.