Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Quickly Duplicating Drawing Objects.
You probably know that you can copy drawing objects using the familiar copy (Ctrl+C) and paste (Ctrl+V) commands. You may not know that there are other ways—quicker ways—that you can accomplish the same task.
The first method simply entails selecting the object and pressing Ctrl+D. That's it; the object is duplicated. In addition, if you hold down the shortcut key for a few seconds, the "autorepeat" feature of your keyboard will kick in and you can duplicate the object a zillion times in short order. Once duplicated, you can move the new objects where ever you need them in your worksheet.
If you prefer to use the mouse, you can duplicate objects by holding down the Ctrl key as you click an drag the object you want to duplicate. When you release the mouse button, the object is duplicated at the point where you released the button.
Another benefit of both of these approaches is that you don't need to use the Clipboard. That means you won't disturb anything you previously copied to the Clipboard. These techniques work equally well for ClipArt, WordArt, and AutoShapes, as well as text boxes.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (800) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Quickly Duplicating Drawing Objects.
Save Time and Supercharge Excel! Automate virtually any routine task and save yourself hours, days, maybe even weeks. Then, learn how to make Excel do things you thought were simply impossible! Mastering advanced Excel macros has never been easier. Check out Excel 2010 VBA and Macros today!
Want to add some spice to the graphics in your worksheets? There are many colors and effects in Excel that allow you take ...
Discover MoreNot only can you place drawing objects in your worksheets, but you can organize those objects so some are in front and ...
Discover MoreWant to fill a drawing object with different types of effects? Excel provides several effects that can make your drawing ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2015-10-06 01:26:54
Prashant Kulkarni
I tried this Guys, In Excel 2010 the following was working: Ctrl + Select the object + Drag and Drop; however in 2013 a small change is there, it is: Ctrol + Left button/selection key in lappy + Drag and drop. I tried this, it is working
2014-07-14 12:03:01
Stan
Yep, that was it. Thanks Bryan, for staying with it. (I thought I'd tried that before but maybe not).
2014-07-10 11:01:26
Bryan
Stan: I did a little more playing around. The only way I can duplicate your behavior is if I let go of Ctrl before I let go of the mouse. If you are letting go of the mouse first and it still doesn't create a copy, then maybe there is just something wrong with your software/hardware.
2014-07-09 11:00:32
Stan Lieberman
I got the little plus sign and dashed rectangle but it still just moves it; doesn't duplicate it.
2014-07-08 07:57:39
Bryan
The Ctrl+Drag method works for me using xl2010. Make sure when you press Ctrl the cursor changes to show a little plus sign and a dashed rectangle.
2014-07-07 11:09:29
Stan Lieberman
The "control key + drag" method does not work for me. (Excel 2010). It just moves the object (in this case, a shape).
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: 
Comments