Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. 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: 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, the Format Painter may not be visible at the top of the screen and it would be a hassle to display it 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:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12469) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Using Copy and Paste for Formatting.
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!
Information in a worksheet needs to be displayed using fonts. If you understand the two different types of fonts ...
Discover MoreHave you ever seen a worksheet in which some zero values have a negative sign in front of them? There's a reason for ...
Discover MoreWhen you create workbooks for others to use, you might want to make sure that they can't change the formatting and paper ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2018-04-20 17:25:09
Dennis Costello
Just getting around to commenting on this one. I generally use Alt-E-S-T for this purpose, rather than fumbling to get to the Ribbon. After all, you're already on the keyboard, having typed the Ctrl-C. Alt-E-S brings up the Paste-Special dialog box: from there the next character enables one of the Paste Special options. These are the ones I use all the time:
T is Formatting Only
V is Values Only
W is Column Width
F is Formula (instead of value)
C is Comments
E is Transpose
2017-12-10 09:41:39
John Mann
I don't see the advantage of this method. If I have to go the Home tab to get to the Paste tool, then I also have access to the format painter, which is right beside it, in the same group on the Home tab
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 © 2021 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. 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