Cannot move columns in Excel

Question

Anyone using Excel on Mac tried moving columns (without overwriting) around but always getting the "replace existing data" notification? I've pressed the Shift key right according to Microsoft instructions but the result is exactly the same (even though the graphics make it look like you can insert between columns) as without pressing Shift.

Answer 1

Hi Chzy,

First, I'm not on a Mac, but here are my thoughts:

1. If you choose Cut, then move to the column you want the data located and choose Insert, Insert Cut Cells
2. If you are dragging the range by the border, then you must keep the Shift key down until "after" you release the mouse button
3. After you Cut the cells, move to the desired location, and press Shift+Ctrl+=
4. You can try  CTRL+COMMAND+V after cut to open the paste special dialog box

Since I'm not on a mac I can't test these.

Answer 2

Hi ChzyOverkill,

Thank you for posting your query in our community.

Per your description, you want to move columns between existing columns. And from this official article: Move or copy cells, rows, and columns (microsoft.com), to achieve this, you have to hold down SHIFT and move the column.

And I tested it on my side(you can try to move the column first, and then hold down SHIFT key), here is what I found:

If I just select the column and move it, you can see the place you pointed is a light green column-shaped box; and if you hold down SHIFT key, the light green column-shaped box will become a light green line, then you could release the mouse, and the column will be moved successfully.

Here is a video I recorded for you:

Best regards,

Jazlyn

Answer 3

Hi Jazlyn, thanks for the demo and screen recording!
Turns out I wasn't holding down the Shift key long enough, but on my side when I move columns (as opposed to rows in the video) there's still only a faint green line (as opposed to the bright line in your vid and in my windows Excel).

Answer 4

Hi Shane, this was the answer I was looking for. I did release Shift early (unknowingly), and delaying the release solved the problem. Thanks!

Answer 5

Glad we found a solution.

Shane