How to Paste Formatting in Excel

Excel is a powerful tool for organizing and analyzing data, and it offers a variety of features to help make this process more efficient. One such feature is the Format Painter, which allows users to quickly copy the formatting from one cell or range of cells to another. This can be especially useful when working with large sets of data or when trying to create a consistent visual appearance across multiple worksheets or workbooks.

In this article, we will explore how to use the Format Painter in Excel and some of the ways it can help streamline your workflow. Suppose we have the following dataset.

You may have noticed that there is some formatting applied on a cell containing total sales of product A & we want to apply the same formatting for product B & C respectively. To do so, follow these steps.

Method 1 – Paste Special Dialog Box

Step 1 – Select The Cell

• Select the cell or range of cells, columns or rows whose formatting you want to paste to other cells or columns.
• For our example, its cell E2.

Step 2 – Copy The Cell

• Copy the cell or range of cells by pressing CTRL + C or right click on the cell & select copy command.

Step 3 – Select The Blank Cells

• Select the blank cells where you want to paste the formatting.

Step 4 – Paste Special Option

• Right click on the blank selected cells & click on the Paste Special option.

Step 5 – Paste Special Dialog Box

• Paste Special Dialog Box will appear on your screen.
• Select Formats & click OK.

Step 6 – Formatting Pasted

• Cell formatting will be pasted to the blank cells.

Method 2 – Format Painter Button

Step 1 – Select The Cell

• Select the cell or range of cells, columns or rows whose formatting you want to paste to other cells or columns.
• For our example, its cell E2.

Step 2 – Click On The Format Painter Button

• Click on the format painter button.

Step 3 – Cell Formatting Pasted

• Now drag the selection handle over the blank cells. Cell formatting will be pasted.