How to redo in Excel: Simply press Ctrl + Y on Windows or Ubuntu, or Cmd + Y on macOS. 🔁 This command instantly re-applies your last undone action, allowing you to restore formatting, formulas, deletions, or cell changes that were mistakenly undone. Whether you’re correcting an over-undo or toggling between steps, redo is the perfect partner to the undo feature. And yes—it works flawlessly across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux systems! 💡
🧠 Why Use the Redo Function in Excel?
Redo is essential when you:
- Accidentally undo too many steps
- Want to repeat a formatting or data action
- Need to retrace your edits without starting over
- Are editing large datasets and switching between views
- Need to save time by avoiding redoing manual work manually
With one keystroke, you can confidently go back and forth in your workflow.
⌨️ Redo Shortcuts in Excel for All Operating Systems
| Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu (LibreOffice Calc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redo last undone action | Ctrl + Y or Ctrl + Shift + Z | Cmd + Y or Cmd + Shift + Z | Ctrl + Y |
| Undo an action | Ctrl + Z | Cmd + Z | Ctrl + Z |
| Open redo options via toolbar | Click Redo icon (curved arrow) | Same | Use toolbar or Edit > Redo |
💡 On macOS, both Cmd + Y and Cmd + Shift + Z can work depending on system preferences or app version.
🔧 How to Redo Using the Toolbar
Excel also offers a Redo button in the Quick Access Toolbar:
- Look at the top-left of the Excel window
- Find the curved arrow icon pointing right
- Click it to redo your last undone action
- Hover over it to confirm the action you’ll redo
✅ The Redo button activates only when there’s an undo action to reverse.
🔄 What Actions Can You Redo in Excel?
You can redo most of the same actions that you can undo:
| Action | Redoable? |
|---|---|
| Cell entries | ✅ Yes |
| Formatting | ✅ Yes |
| Row/column deletion | ✅ Yes |
| Copy/paste | ✅ Yes |
| Formula edits | ✅ Yes |
| Saving files | ❌ No |
| Macros/VBA changes | ❌ No (unless scripted) |
📌 Redo only works immediately after an undo—if you make a new edit, redo history is cleared.
🐧 How to Redo in LibreOffice Calc (Ubuntu/Linux)
LibreOffice Calc supports redo functionality almost identically:
- Redo:
Ctrl + Y - Undo:
Ctrl + Z - Use Edit > Redo from the top menu
- Or click the Redo arrow in the toolbar
💡 LibreOffice also supports up to 100 redo/undo levels by default!
🎯 Real-Life Uses for Redo in Excel
| Scenario | Redo Example |
|---|---|
| Mistakenly undid a cell input | Ctrl + Y brings it back |
| Undid row deletion but wanted it gone | Redo to delete again |
| Testing formatting styles | Toggle changes with undo/redo |
| Comparing data views | Switch between edits in a few taps |
| Training/teaching Excel | Show step-by-step redo during demos |
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
- ❌ Redo only works immediately after an undo
- ❌ Performing any new action clears the redo stack
- ❌ Redo can’t recover saved/deleted files
- ❌ Macro-driven actions may not be redoable
- ✅ Use redo immediately after testing changes via undo for best results
✅ Rule of thumb: If you can undo it, you can usually redo it—just act fast!
FAQs
What is the redo shortcut in Excel on Windows?Ctrl + Y or Ctrl + Shift + Z works for redoing your last undone action.
What is the redo shortcut on Mac?
Use Cmd + Y or Cmd + Shift + Z, depending on your system.
Can I redo multiple steps in Excel?
No—Excel redoes one action at a time. You’ll need to press the shortcut repeatedly.
Why is redo not working?
Redo only works if an undo was the last action. Any new input resets redo memory.
Can I see a list of redoable actions?
No. Unlike Undo, Excel does not provide a multi-step redo dropdown list.
Does redo work in Excel Online and LibreOffice?
Yes, redo is supported with the same shortcuts in both platforms.
✅ Final Thoughts on How to Redo on Excel
Knowing how to redo on Excel is just as important as knowing how to undo. It helps you confidently test edits, revert changes, and manage your workflow with precision. 🔁 Whether you’re fine-tuning a budget, exploring visual styles, or editing formulas, the redo function gives you an extra layer of control—saving time and reducing frustration.
And with easy-to-remember shortcuts on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu, redoing in Excel is just a keystroke away. Go ahead—press that redo button and move forward with confidence! 🚀🧩
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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