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Copying formatting from one cell to another using Format Painter

If you have formatted a cell and want to use the same formatting for another cell or cells, you can easily copy the formatting from that cell to as many additional cells as you like.

  1. Select the cell with the formatting you wish to re-use
  2. Click the Format Painter button on the toolbar.
  3. The selected cell(s) will be highlighted, and the cursor will change to include a paintbrush icon.
  4. Select the cells to which you want to apply the formatting.
  5. The formatting on the cells will change to match the formatting of the first cell.
  6. The Format Painter will be cancelled and the cursor will change back.

You can repeat these steps for each range of cells you want to apply the formatting to. However, there is a quicker way to do this:

  1. Select the cell with the formatting you wish to re-use
  2. Double-click the Format Painter button on the toolbar
  3. Select the cells to which you want to apply the formatting. The formatting on the cells will change to match the formatting of the first cell.
  4. The selected cell(s) will be highlighted, and the cursor will change to include a paintbrush icon.
  5. Select the first range of cells to which you want to apply the formatting.
  6. The formatting on the cells will change to match the formatting of the first cell.
  7. Select the next range of cells to which you want to apply the formatting; again the cell formatting will change to that of the original cell.
  8. Repeat step 7 for each range of cells, until you have finished.
  9. Press the ESC key to cancel the Format Painter; the cursor will change back.

You can also use Copy and Paste Special to achieve the same result:

  1. Select the cell with the formatting you wish to re-use
  2. Choose Copy using one of the following options:
    1. Edit > Copy
    2. Right-click and choose Copy
    3. Press CTRL+C
  3. Select the cells to which you want to apply the formatting.
  4. Choose Paste Special
    1. Edit > Paste Special
    2. Right-click and choose Paste Special
  5. The Paste Special dialog box will appear
  6. Choose Formats and click OK
  7. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each range of cells, until you have finished.
  8. Press the ESC key when you have finished.

Want to learn more? Try these lessons:

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