Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. 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.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 9, 2021)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
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 wherever 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 and 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. (Don't release the Ctrl key until after you release the mouse 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, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Quickly Duplicating Drawing Objects.
Professional Development Guidance! Four world-class developers offer start-to-finish guidance for building powerful, robust, and secure applications with Excel. The authors show how to consistently make the right design decisions and make the most of Excel's powerful features. Check out Professional Excel Development 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 MoreExcel allows you to create all sorts of drawings using a wide assortment of tools. When you need to take an action upon ...
Discover MoreAdd a drawing object to a worksheet and chances are good you'll need to move it in some way. Here's how to use the mouse ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. 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