The Cursor in Excel - All You Need to Know

This is the sample dataset.

Download Practice Workbook

Download the free Excel workbook here.

Cursor in Excel.xlsm

Different Types of Cursors and Their Functions

Use the Select Mode to select cells by clicking and dragging.

To fill data or expand a data series, move your mouse over the little square in the right corner of the cell and use the AutoFill cursor.

To move selected cells, use the Click and Drag cursor.

To copy selected data, hold CTRL and move your mouse to the edge of a cell or group of cells and use the Copy Cells cursor.

To enter data or edit existing values, double-click any cell and use the I-Beam Cursor.

To select a menu on the Ribbon, use the Mouse Pointer cursor.

To select an entire row/column, place the cursor on the row or column number.

Move the mouse to the column or row borders to use the Resizer cursor.

How to Change the Cursor Movement Direction in Excel

By default, the cursor moves vertically downward while pressing ENTER . If you press SHIFT + ENTER the selection will go one cell upward. Default direction can be changed, though.

Go to the File tab and click Options.

In the Excel Options dialog box, choose Editing options and click Direction.
Choose a direction for the cursor. The cursor will move in this direction when ENTER is pressed.
Click OK.

To keep the cursor on the same cell after pressing ENTER, uncheck After pressing ENTER, move selection and click OK.

How to Move the Cursor using Shortcuts in Excel

Double-click the cell to open the editing mode. Press and hold CTRL and press Right Arrow to move the cursor one word forward.

This is the output.

How to Change the Cursor from a Plus to an Arrow in Excel

Right-click the sheet name and select View Code.

Enter the following code.

Sub PlusToCursor()
Application.Cursor = xlNorthwestArrow
End Sub

Run the code by clicking the green play button or F5.

The cursor becomes an arrow.

How to Change the Cursor Color in Excel

Double-click the sheet name to insert a code module.

Select Worksheet.

Enter the following code.

Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
Cells.Borders.ColorIndex = xlNone
Target.Borders.Color = vbRed
End Sub

Borders were removed.

Select B4:F12 and red Borders will automatically be applied.

How to Highlight with the Cursor in Excel

Enter following code.

Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
Worksheets("Highlight with Cursor").Cells(14, 3) = Target.Row
Worksheets("Highlight with Cursor").Cells(15, 3) = Target.Column
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
End Sub