How to Move Columns in Excel on Mac

Using Cut and Copy Commands

To move columns in Excel on Mac, use the Cut or Copy commands. This transfers all data, including formulas, values, comments, cell formats, and hidden cells. Careful use of these commands is essential to avoid the #REF! error by ensuring that relative cell references are correctly adjusted.

Moving with the Mouse

Columns can also be moved using the mouse. Click and drag the selected column to a new location. This method copies all data by default. Be aware that moving columns with the mouse may overwrite existing data without warning.

Nonadjacent Columns

To move nonadjacent columns, you must use commands, as the mouse does not support this function. This careful selection ensures that all relevant data is transferred without loss or misplacement.

Troubleshooting Errors

After moving columns, check for the #REF! error, which indicates that a formula is referencing a cell that was moved. Adjust these references manually to ensure accuracy in your data.

Common Use Cases

• 
  Reordering columns for better data visualization
• 
  Organizing financial spreadsheet data by quarter
• 
  Aligning columns to match a standardized report format
• 
  Moving a newly added column next to related data for easier comparison
• 
  Adjusting column positions to facilitate data entry

Excel vs. Sourcetable: A Detailed Comparison

Excel has been a staple in data management, known for its robust functionality and widespread use. It offers versatile tools for data analysis, charting, and complex calculations. However, Sourcetable emerges as a modern alternative, specializing in data consolidation from numerous sources into a single intuitive spreadsheet interface.

Unlike Excel, Sourcetable introduces an AI copilot feature. This assists users in formula generation and template creation, simplifying the data management process. Sourcetable's AI copilot provides a conversational interface, streamlining tasks that typically require more advanced Excel knowledge.

Sourcetable's data integration capabilities surpass Excel's, offering real-time synchronization across various data platforms. This ensures that users can access and query up-to-date information without manual imports, a limitation often encountered with Excel's static datasets.

In conclusion, while Excel offers a familiar and comprehensive toolset for data analysis, Sourcetable innovates with AI-assisted features and superior data integration, positioning itself as a powerful alternative for modern data management needs.