Using Copy and Paste for Formatting

In other issues of ExcelTips you learn how to use the Format Painter to quickly and easily copy formatting between cells. Despite how handy it is, there may be times when you don't want to use the Format Painter. For instance, you may have the toolbar turned off, and it would be a hassle to turn it on just to copy a format. In instances like this, you can use copying and pasting to copy formats to a different cell or cell range.

To copy formatting using this method, you use techniques traditionally used when editing the contents of your worksheet:

1. Select the cell or cells whose format you wish to copy.
2. Press Ctrl+C, press Ctrl+Insert, or choose Copy from the Edit menu. This copies the cell contents to the Clipboard and places a dotted, moving border around your selection.
3. Select the cell or cell range into which you want the formats pasted.
4. Choose Paste Special from the Edit menu. Excel displays the Paste Special dialog box. (Click here to see a related figure.)
5. Choose the Formats radio button.
6. Click on OK.