Alt HEF

Alt + H + E + F in Google Sheets (Clear Formats)

Removes all formatting from the selected cells but keeps their values and formulas.

In Excel: Home tab, Fill & Clear. In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: "Clear Format".

What Alt + H + E + F Does in Excel

Removes all formatting from the selected cells but keeps their values and formulas.

How to Use Alt + H + E + F 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 H, E, then F. ShortieCuts runs Clear Formats, just like Excel.

Built-in Google Sheets alternative: Ctrl + \ (Cmd + \ on Mac) also clears formatting.

Related Shortcuts

KeysShortcut
Alt HFID Fill DownCopies the top cell of the selection down through the rest of the selection.
Alt HFIR Fill RightCopies the leftmost cell of the selection across the rest of the selection, the standard way to roll a formula across a timeline.
Alt HFIS Fill SeriesOpens the Series dialog to fill a range with a stepped sequence of numbers or dates.
Alt HEA Clear AllClears everything from the selected cells: contents, formatting and comments.
Alt HEC Clear ContentsClears the values and formulas from the selected cells but keeps their formatting.
Alt HEM Clear Comments and NotesRemoves the comments and notes attached to the selected cells.
Alt HER Remove HyperlinksRemoves hyperlinks from the selected cells while leaving the text in place.
Alt HVV Paste ValuesPastes only the values of the copied cells.

FAQ

Does Alt + H + E + F work in Google Sheets?

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

What does Alt + H + E + F do in Excel?

Clear Formats. Removes all formatting from the selected cells but keeps their values and formulas.

How do I use Alt + H + E + F on a Mac?

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

Is there a built-in Google Sheets shortcut for Clear Formats?

Ctrl + \ (Cmd + \ on Mac) also clears formatting.

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.