Abstract: The techniques disclosed herein enhance data entry programs by streamlining processes for the creation and formatting of cells. A data entry program can include a user interface comprising a grid of active cells that are formatted to store data such as a list or a spreadsheet. To create new cells a user can provide a hover input at a desired position relative to a position of an existing list. A set of inactive placeholder cells can then be generated in response to the hover gesture. The inactive placeholder cells can be displayed as a graphical preview alongside active cells which can be adjusted by moving the position of the hover input. The inactive placeholder cells can then be activated with a confirmation input and appended to the list as new active cells and accordingly formatted. In this way, a user can create and format new cells with a single input.