The Styles shortcut (Alt + ‘) is a popular shortcut for many Excel users. To their frustration and grief this shortcut was removed from Microsoft Excel 2007 and 2010.

Download the 2007 Styles Excel Shortcut Tool

We have the cure! We have created the “Excel 07/10 Styles Hotkey Tool” to bring this shortcut functionality back into Excel. This tutorial describes how to install and use this custom built add-in.

Installing this shortcut means you always have Styles handy which allows you to standardise cell formatting and ensure your model has a consistent and professional look.

How to install Excel 2007 Styles shortcut

• Download the Excel Add-in associated with this tutorial.
• Save it under the following destination “C:\Documents And Settings\User Name\Application Data\Microsoft\AddIns\” (please insert the appropriate part for the User Name).
• Go to Excel Options.
• Open Add-Ins.
• Open the Excel-Add-Ins dialog box.
• Click on Browse to locate the Corality Excel 2007 Style Shortcut Tool to install it.
• Locate the Add-In file, select it and click OK.

This will create an Add-Ins tab at the top of Microsoft Excel 2007. Under it you will see a drop-box. This drop-box is now your Styles toolbar under Microsoft Excel 2007.

How to Use Excel 2007 Styles shortcut

Simply press the shortcut Alt + ‘.
This will bring you to the drop-down box shown previously where you can type the style you intend to apply and press enter. This will apply the same style to all selected cells.

Troubleshooting

This tool is run by a macro. As a result, the moment you apply a style using the tool, Excel’s Undo function will reset and any changes made (including applying the style) CANNOT be undone via the Undo button. Please keep this in mind when using this tool and always remember to make a back-up of your model.
Occasionally, the Alt + ‘ does not bring you into the drop-box. When this occurs, press the Esc key multiple times to reset all active key-strokes and try again. If it still fails, try changing the menu tab to something else before trying the hotkey again. While this is happening, manually selecting the drop-box and keying in/selecting the style name still works. If all else fails, restarting Excel 2007 will solve the issue.
If you immediately type in the style name after entering the shortcut, the shortcut may not register and you will be typing the style name into selected cells. If this occurs, press the Esc key, and retry the hotkey.