Md. Abdur Rahim Rasel
While working with Microsoft Excel, sometimes we need to copy cell format to identify the same types of data. We can use different methods to copy cell format in Excel. Today, in this article, I’ll show you four suitable ways by which you can learn how to copy cell format in Excel effectively with appropriate illustrations.
Copy Cell Format in Excel: 4 Easy Ways
Let’s say, we have a dataset where some Student Names, Student ID, and their CGPA are given in Column B, Column C, and Column D respectively. From this dataset, we will copy some specific formats for the convenience of our work. Here’s an overview of the dataset of our today’s task.
1. Apply the Format Painter Command to Copy Cell Format in Excel
Suppose, From our dataset, we want to copy the format of cell C8 where Hanry’s Student ID is situated. For copying the format of cell C8, we can apply the Format Painter command from our Home Tab. Let’s follow the instructions below.
Steps:
- First of all, select cell C8.
- Then, from your Home tab, go to,
Home → Clipboard → Format Painter
- After that, a Format Painter sign will appear in front of you.
- Now, Left-Click on your Mouse on cell D8. Finally, you’ll get your desired output which is given in the below screenshot.
2. Insert Copy Paste Special to Copy Cell Format in Excel
After learning how to copy cell format by using Format Painter, here we’ll get to learn how to copy cell format by applying the Paste Special command. In this method, we’ll copy the format of cell C9. Let’s follow the steps below.
Steps:
- First, select cell C9.
- After selecting cell C9, press Ctrl + C on your keyboard.
- Again, select cell D7.
- Now, Right-Click on your Mouse on cell D7. After that, a new window pops up. From that window, click on Paste Special.
- After that, a new Paste Special window will appear in front of you. Now, from the Paste Special window, go to,
Formats → OK
- After completing the above steps, you will be able to copy the format of cell C9 which is given below screenshot.
3. Apply the Keyboard Shortcuts to Copy Cell Format in Excel
In this method, we’ll learn how to copy cell format by using keyboard shortcuts. It is the easiest way to copy cell format. Follow the steps below to learn!
Steps:
- First, select cell C11.
- After that, press the following on your keyboard,
Alt + H + F + P
- Where Alt turns on the keyboard shortcuts, H selects Home tab, and F & P selects Format Painter.
- Press the keys one by one not simultaneously.
- After performing the above process, a Format Painter sign pops up, and press Left-Click on your Mouse. Finally, you’ll be able to copy the format of cell C11 without copying cell values.
Read More: How to Use Excel Cell Format Formula
4. Use of the Fill Handle to Copy Cell Format in Excel
This method is very convenient to use to copy cell format in Excel and the easiest way also. Here we’ll copy the format of cell C5 to the entire column without changing the cell values by using Fill Handle. To copy the cell format, follow the instructions below.
Steps:
- First of all, select cell C5.
- After selecting cell C5, place your cursor on the Right-Bottom of that cell and instantly the Fill Handle (+) pops up and drags it downward.
- Now, look at the below screenshot, you’ll see that Fill Handle to copy the format and values of cell C5. But we want to copy cell format only. To do that, Left-Click on the AutoFill Options and select Fill Formatting Only options.
- Finally, you’ll be able to copy the cell format without the values that have been given in the below screenshot.
Things to Remember
👉 While using Fill Handle, go to,
AutoFill Options → Fill Formatting Only
👉 Another way is to copy format cells,
Home → Clipboard → Format Painter
Download Practice Workbook
Download this practice workbook to exercise while you are reading this article.
Conclusion
I hope all of the suitable methods mentioned above to copy cell format will now provoke you to apply them in your Excel spreadsheets with more productivity. You are most welcome to feel free to comment if you have any questions or queries.
