Insert Cells Difficulty

[kerrpe]

Hi - just recently switched to 2010 from 2003, still feeling my way around.

One thing I used constantly in 2003 that doesn't work the same in 2010 was "right click - insert cells" to move cells over.
I understand that "Home/Cells/Insert/Insert Cells" is supposed to be the equivalent, but it gives me an entire new column - I just want 12 new cells in my database, not a whole new column.

Is there a way to set the assignment for that command? Is it supposed to give you a column? How can I insert 12 cells only?

Thanks

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[gtche98]

I am in Excel 2010 and when I select a set of data from a column and right click it, it gives me the option to "Insert..." when I click that, I get the option to "shift cells right", or "Entire Row". As I recall that is basically the same as 2003. Are you trying to do something different than "Shift cells right" or "Shift cells down"?

 

[kerrpe]

Thaks, gtche98. I also get that pop up normally, but this time I am in a table and the only options "Insert" gives me is to put in "columns to the left" or "rows above". "Insert cells" on the ribbon is giving me a whole column.

It must have something to do with the table, because I don't have any issues with plain data.

 

[gtche98]

You are correct, If your data is formatted as a table, then you can only add entire rows or columns to the table. That is a limitation of the functionality of the table. It requires the dataset to be "square".

I would question the need to have the data formatted as a table. It gives you nice formatting, but otherwise, I have found the feature to be of limited value. If you had "plain" data, you would be able insert cells the way you want to.

 

[kerrpe]

Thanks - yes, I've come to the same conclusion about formatting as table. It was nice for formulas (to use table names to make them quickly) but perhaps more trouble than it's worth.
Appreciate your help.