Shifting and Moving Selections

One of the convenient features of Myrtle is the ability to move data selections where you want them.  In this post, we introduce the shift operations and their keyboard shortcuts.

First, let's create some data to play with.  Select the 3x3 region of cells starting at A1.

Next, fill the region.  To do this, bring up the table menu by right-clicking on the table (command+click on Mac's) and then selection "Fill" or by simply using the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+f).

Select "Ok" and you should get the following...

Now let's see how easy it is to move this block of data around in Myrtle's spreadsheet.  To move the block one column to the right select "Shift Right" from the table menu or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+0.  On most keyboards the "0" key also is the right parenthesis key so this is a good way to remember this as the "Shift Right" operation.

Now let's shift the same block of data down.  Select "Shift Down" from the table menu or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+k.  You should now see your block of data has moved down one row.  

You may have noticed how Myrtle's shifting keyboard shortcuts are arranged like the cardinal directions found on a compass.

  N          i
W + E      9 + 0
  S          k

For example, to shift the block of data to the left select you may either select "Shift Left" from the table menu or simply use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+9.

Finally, you can bring this block of data all the way back to its home by shifting it up (Ctrl+i).

Now be sure to practice these Myrtle's shifting operations until you feel comfortable using them.