Alt ESV

Alt + E + S + V in Google Sheets (Paste Special Values)

The classic Excel 2003-era sequence: Alt + E + S opens Paste Special, then V pastes values only. Modern Excel still accepts it, which is why so many analysts have it in muscle memory.

In Excel: Classic menu tab, Classic Paste Special (Alt + E + S). In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: "Values Only".

What Alt + E + S + V Does in Excel

The classic Excel 2003-era sequence: Alt + E + S opens Paste Special, then V pastes values only. Modern Excel still accepts it, which is why so many analysts have it in muscle memory.

How to Use Alt + E + S + V in Google Sheets

  1. Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Sheet.
  2. Select the cells you want to work on (if the command needs a selection).
  3. Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Excel-style key-tips appear over the sheet.
  4. Press E, S, then V. ShortieCuts runs Paste Special Values, just like Excel.

Built-in Google Sheets alternative: Ctrl + Shift + V (Cmd + Shift + V on Mac) also pastes values only.

Related Shortcuts

KeysShortcut
Alt ESF Paste Special FormulasAlt + E + S opens the classic Paste Special dialog and F chooses Formulas, pasting the copied formulas without their formatting.
Alt ESX Paste Special All Except BordersAlt + E + S opens the classic Paste Special dialog and X chooses All Except Borders.

FAQ

Does Alt + E + S + V work in Google Sheets?

Not on its own. Google Sheets doesn't have Excel's ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + E + S + V won't run Paste Special Values. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, Alt + E + S + V works in Google Sheets the same way it does in Excel.

What does Alt + E + S + V do in Excel?

Paste Special Values. The classic Excel 2003-era sequence: Alt + E + S opens Paste Special, then V pastes values only. Modern Excel still accepts it, which is why so many analysts have it in muscle memory.

How do I use Alt + E + S + V on a Mac?

With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then E, then S, then V: Option + E + S + V. The same key-tips appear as on Windows.

Is there a built-in Google Sheets shortcut for Paste Special Values?

Ctrl + Shift + V (Cmd + Shift + V on Mac) also pastes values only.

Is ShortieCuts free?

ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.