Alt + H + O + L in Google Sheets (Lock Cell)
In Excel, Alt + H + O + L toggles the Locked setting on the selected cells, which takes effect when the sheet is protected.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In Excel: Home tab, Organize Sheets. In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: "Protect Range".
What Alt + H + O + L Does in Excel
In Excel, Alt + H + O + L toggles the Locked setting on the selected cells, which takes effect when the sheet is protected.
How to Use Alt + H + O + L in Google Sheets
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Sheet.
- Select the cells you want to work on (if the command needs a selection).
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Excel-style key-tips appear over the sheet.
- Press H, O, then L. ShortieCuts runs Lock Cell, just like Excel.
Google Sheets has no locked-cell flag, so ShortieCuts opens Protect Range for the selection instead.
Without an extension: Google Sheets doesn't support Excel's Alt key-tips, so Alt + H + O + L won't run Lock Cell on its own.
Related Shortcuts
| Keys | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Alt HOR | Rename SheetPuts the active sheet's tab name into edit mode so you can rename it. |
| Alt HOM | Move or Copy SheetOpens the Move or Copy dialog for the active sheet. |
| Alt HOT | Tab ColorOpens the color palette for the active sheet's tab. |
| Alt HOP | Protect SheetOpens sheet protection so others can't edit the active sheet. |
| Alt HVV | Paste ValuesPastes only the values of the copied cells. |
| Alt HVF | Paste FormulasPastes the copied formulas without bringing over the source cells' formatting. |
| Alt HVT | Paste TransposePastes the copied range with rows and columns swapped, so a row of headers becomes a column and vice versa. |
| Alt HVB | Paste All Except BordersPastes everything from the copied cells (values, formulas and formatting) except their borders. |
FAQ
Does Alt + H + O + L work in Google Sheets?
Not on its own. Google Sheets doesn't have Excel's ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + O + L won't run Lock Cell. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, Alt + H + O + L works in Google Sheets the same way it does in Excel.
What does Alt + H + O + L do in Excel?
Lock Cell. In Excel, Alt + H + O + L toggles the Locked setting on the selected cells, which takes effect when the sheet is protected.
How do I use Alt + H + O + L on a Mac?
With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then O, then L: Option + H + O + L. The same key-tips appear as on Windows.
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.