Have you ever found yourself struggling to indicate completed tasks in Excel? You've created a to-do list, but now you need to insert check marks next to the completed items. Maybe the workload is high, and you need to complete this task quickly. But don't worry!
In this article, we'll show you six useful ways to insert check marks in Excel, including using symbols options, character codes, and keyboard shortcuts.
Method 1: Inserting a Symbol from the Insert Tab
Inserting a Symbol from the Insert Tab is a convenient way to insert a check mark in Excel. If you use WPS Office, you can find the "√" symbol directly in Insert-Symbol (Recently used symbols), click it to insert a check mark immediately.
However, if you couldn’t find it, the process may be slightly different. Here are the steps:
1. Click on the "Insert" tab in the Excel ribbon.
2. Click on the "Symbol" button, which is located on the right-hand side of the ribbon.
3. In the dropdown menu, select "More Symbols".
4. In the "Symbol" dialog box, select "Wingdings" from the "Font" dropdown menu.
5. Scroll down and find the check mark symbol (it looks like a "√").
6. Click on the symbol to select it, and then click the "Insert" button.
7. Close the dialog box.
Pros
Offers a wide range of symbols to choose from
Easy to insert the symbol directly from the Insert tab
Useful for users who need to insert a variety of symbols in their Excel documents
Cons
Can be inconvenient to search for the check mark symbol among the numerous other symbols available
Requires several clicks to access the symbol, which can be time-consuming
May not be as quick or efficient as some of the other methods available
Method 2: Using Check Box to Edit Contents
If you want a check box that can be edited with text, you can use the "Forms" option in Excel. This method provides more flexibility as the check box can be edited and customized according to your preference. Follow these steps to insert a check box using the "Forms" option:
WPS Office
WPS Office Excel does have a "Forms" tab that provides easy access to various form controls, including checkboxes.
1. Open WPS Excel and create a new or open an existing workbook.
2. Click on the "Forms" under the “Insert” tab on the top menu bar.
3. Select the "Checkbox" option from the available form controls.
4. Click and drag on the worksheet where you want to place the checkbox.
Microsoft Office
1. Click on the "Developer" tab in the Excel ribbon. If you cannot see the "Developer" tab, right-click on the ribbon and select "Customize the Ribbon." In the "Customize Ribbon" window, select "Developer" and click "OK."
2. Click on "Insert" in the "Developer" tab.
3. Click on "Check Box" in the "Form Controls" section.
4. Click and drag to draw the check box in the cell where you want to insert it.
5. Right-click on the check box and select "Format Control."
6. In the "Format Control" window, go to the "Control" tab and enter the cell link where you want to display the check mark when the box is checked.
7. Click on the "Protection" tab and uncheck the "Locked" option.
8. Edit the text in the check box by right-clicking on the check box and selecting "Edit Text."
Pros
Allows for the inclusion of editable text alongside the check box.
Provides an option for users to uncheck the box if needed.
Can be customized to match the formatting of the document.
Cons
The check box may not be as visually clear as other methods.
Requires more steps than simply inserting a check mark symbol.
The check box may not align properly with other elements in the document.
Method 3: Copying and Pasting the Check Mark
Another simple method to insert a check mark in Excel is to copy and paste it from another document or source. If you already have a check mark symbol in another document that you want to use in Excel, this method is perfect for you.
Steps
1. Find a check mark symbol in another document or source.
2. Select the check mark symbol and press "Ctrl+C" to copy it.
3. Go to your Excel spreadsheet where you want to insert the check mark.
4. Click the cell where you want to insert the check mark.
5. Press "Ctrl+V" to paste the check mark into the cell.
Pros
Easy to operate.
No need to create the check mark from scratch.
Cons
Have to copy and paste as many times as you need the check mark, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
The check mark may not be formatted the way you want it to be, and you may need to adjust the font or size manually.
Method 4: Converting True False to Checkbox in Excel
If you have a column in your Excel sheet filled with "TRUE" or "FALSE," you can convert them to checkboxes using this method.
1. Create a new column next to the column with the "TRUE" or "FALSE" values.
2. Enter the following formula in the first cell of the new column: =IF(A1=TRUE, "þ", "¨")
3. Replace "A1" in the formula with the cell reference of the first cell in the column with the "TRUE" or "FALSE" values.
4. Drag the formula down to the bottom of the new column.
5. Right click and click on the "Format" button and go to the "Font" tab.
6. In the "Font Style" section, select "Wingdings" as the font type.
7. Click "OK" to return to the worksheet.
8. Drag the formula down to the bottom of the new column, cells will now be replaced with checkboxes.
Pros
You can easily check and mark the items you want.
It allows you to convert an entire column at once.
Cons
It can be a bit complicated for beginners who are not familiar with Excel formulas.
It only works for columns with "TRUE" or "FALSE" values.
Method 5: Using the Character Code
Another method to insert a check mark in Excel is by using the character code. This method works well if you have a system that has compatible settings.
Steps
1. Click on the cell where you want to insert the check mark.
2. Go to the "Home" tab and switch the font to "Wingdings."
3. Press and hold the "Alt" key and type "0252" on the numeric keypad.
4. Release the "Alt" key and a check mark will appear in the cell.
Pros
Easy to operate
You can insert a check mark in a cell quickly without needing to go to the Insert or Symbol tab.
Cons
This method may not be available for all systems.
You need to remember the character code or copy and paste it from another source.
Method 6: Using a Keyboard Shortcut Excel Key
Keyboard shortcuts can be a faster way to insert a check mark in Excel.
Steps:
Click on the cell where you want to insert the check mark.
Press the "Alt" key on your keyboard.
While holding down the "Alt" key, enter the number "0252" on the numeric keypad.
Release the "Alt" key, and a check mark symbol will appear in the cell.
Pros
Quick and easy to use once you have memorized the keyboard shortcut
Does not require any external resources or additional software
Cons
Need to memorize the keyboard shortcut
Shortcut may differ depending on the version of Excel or the operating system being used.
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FAQs
Q. How do I remove all tick marks in a Microsoft Excel workbook at once?
To remove all tick marks in an Excel workbook at once, you can use the Find and Replace function. Here's how to do it:
1. Press Ctrl+A to select all cells in the workbook.
2. Click on the Home tab in the ribbon.
3. Click on the Find & Select drop-down menu, then click on "Replace".
4. In the "Find what" field, enter the character code for the tick mark.
5. Leave the "Replace with" field blank.
6. Click on the "Replace All" button.
7. Click "OK" to confirm the removal of all tick marks.
8. Close the Find and Replace dialog box.
This will remove all the tick marks from your Excel workbook.
Q. Can I check the mark in the Google sheet?
Yes, you can insert check boxes in Google Sheets. To do so, select the cell where you want to insert the check box and then go to "Insert" and select "Checkbox".
Final Thoughts on Useful Ways to Insert Check Mark in Excel
In conclusion, there are several useful ways to insert check marks in Excel, including using the Insert tab, check boxes, copying and pasting, converting True/False to checkboxes, using character codes, and keyboard shortcuts.
While some methods may be more convenient than others, it is important to explore and understand all the available options to find the one that works best for your needs. Additionally, WPS Office is highlighted as a useful tool for Excel users, as it provides all the necessary functions and allows for the exploration of more portable Excel skills.
