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: Turning Off AutoFill.
The AutoFill feature of Excel is a great timesaver when you need to fill in a series of cells based on the content in other cells. It is also a feature that you can turn off, if you prefer. (For instance, the AutoFill handle visible at the bottom-right corner of a selection may be distracting to you, and you want to turn it off.)
To turn off AutoFill, follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Advanced options of the Excel Options dialog box.
Besides turning off AutoFill, the above steps also turn off the ability to drag the contents of a cell from one location to another.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (6129) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Turning Off AutoFill.
Program Successfully in Excel! John Walkenbach's name is synonymous with excellence in deciphering complex technical topics. With this comprehensive guide, "Mr. Spreadsheet" shows how to maximize your Excel experience using professional spreadsheet application development tips from his own personal bookshelf. Check out Excel 2013 Power Programming with VBA today!
Don't want people using your workbook to be able to use AutoFill? You can add two quick macros that disable and enable ...
Discover MoreWant to fill a long column with predictive data? It's easy to do by using AutoFill and a double-click of the mouse.
Discover MoreAutoFill is a great tool for filling cells with data. What do you do when it doesn't work like you expect, however? ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2016-04-05 16:17:16
I am a paralegal Student: Almost finish with the program but need to learn the applications with speed, proficiency; Word, excel, PowerPoint, access and Publisher. I probably should devote more time in the computer area. Any tips and information on these programs with be most helpful. Thanks.
2015-12-09 03:32:52
Jack Havivi
HI,
Great site and it is helping me learn about excel so that my work is faster and easier.
I would like to know how to turn off the series fill in excel 2007. it keeps adding one to the date and most of my work I need the same date and information in the column.
2015-05-05 22:39:21
DJ
Unchecking "enable autocomplete for cell values" works better for me to disable autofill. :)
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 © 2020 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