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How to Copy Format in Excel [5 Ways]

August 23, 2023 3.3K views

Know How to Copy Format in Excel - check different ways and proper steps for this purpose! WPS Office is a powerful spreadsheet application that offers numerous features to enhance productivity. One such feature is the ability to copy formatting from one cell or range of cells to another. Perhaps you're unsure of how to copy format in excel in an appropriate way.

Method 1- Use Paste Special to Copy Cell Format

How to copy and paste in excel without changing the format is a common task, allowing you to quickly apply formatting attributes to different cells. While the Format Painter and other methods are useful, one of the most efficient ways to copy cell format is by utilising the Paste Special feature. This method provides more control and flexibility over what exactly you want to copy.

To use Paste Special to copy cell format in WPS Office, you can follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Launch WPS Office and open the spreadsheet where you have the cell format you want to copy.

Step 2: Select the cell(s) whose format you want to copy. You can do this by clicking on a single cell or dragging your mouse to select a range of cells.

Step 3: Right-click on the selected cell(s) and choose "Copy" from the context menu. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.

Step 4: Now, select the cell(s) where you want to apply the copied format.

Step 5: Right-click on the selected cell(s) and choose "Paste Special" from the context menu. This will open the Paste Special dialog box.

Step 6: In the Paste Special dialog box, select the "Formats" option. This will ensure that only the format of the copied cell(s) is applied, and not the contents or formulas.

Step 7: Click on the "OK" button to apply the copied cell format to the selected cell(s).

That's it! You have successfully used Paste Special to copy cell format in WPS Office. The selected cell(s) should now have the same formatting as the original cell(s) you copied from.

Tips:

  • You can use the Paste Special method to copy other attributes like formulas, values, or column widths by selecting the respective options in the Paste Special dialog box.

  • If you frequently use the Paste Special feature, consider customising your own keyboard shortcut for quick access.

Pros:

  • Copy specific formatting

  • You can copy multiple cell together

  • Choose a format from various formats

  • Selectively copy desired attributes, ensuring consistent formatting.

  • Reduce mistakes and inconsistencies when replicating formatting.

Cons:

  • Loss of conditional formatting

  • Inefficiency for large datasets

  • Limited customization options

  • Hidden dependencies may not update correctly

Method 2- Use Format Painter to Copy Cell Format

The Format Painter tool in Excel is a powerful feature for how to copy a format in excel that allows you to quickly copy cell formatting from one cell or range of cells to another. It provides a simple and efficient way to ensure consistent formatting throughout your spreadsheet. Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to use Format Painter to copy cell format:

Step 1: Open WPS Office and launch the application that contains the spreadsheet you want to work with (e.g., WPS Spreadsheets).

Step 2: Open the worksheet that contains the cell whose format you want to copy.

Step 3: Select the cell(s) with the format you wish to copy. You can select multiple cells by clicking and dragging the cursor over the desired range.

Step 4: Once the cell(s) are selected, locate the Format Painter button. In WPS Spreadsheets, it is usually located on the toolbar at the top of the window, represented by a paintbrush icon.

Step 5: Click on the Format Painter button to activate it. The cursor will now change to a paintbrush icon.

Step 6: Move the cursor to the cell(s) where you want to apply the copied format. As you hover over the cells, you will notice a preview of the format being applied.

Step 7: Click on the cell(s) where you want to apply the format. The format will be instantly copied from the original cell(s) to the selected cell(s).

Step 8: If you want to apply the format to multiple cells, you can click and drag the cursor over the desired range of cells, or you can simply click on individual cells.

Step 9: Once you have finished applying the format, click the Format Painter button again to deactivate it. The cursor will revert to its default appearance.

That's it! You have successfully used the Format Painter to copy cell format in WPS Office. The copied format will be applied to the target cells, allowing you to maintain consistency and formatting across your spreadsheet.

Tips:

  • Client on the “format painter” option and you can click on each format cell individually!

  • To remove the Format Painter selection, press the "Esc" key or click the Format Painter button again if you want to remove the format painter selection.

Pros:

  • Format Painter allows for fast copying of cell formats with just a few clicks.

  • Format Painter retains conditional formatting rules, saving time and effort in reapplying them.

  • Can be used to copy formats across different worksheets and workbooks.

  • Format changes in the source cell automatically update in the destination cells.

  • Ideal for copying formats in large datasets or nonadjacent cells.

Cons:

  • Format Painter applies all formatting attributes, which may not suit specific needs.

  • Applying Format Painter over existing formatting can overwrite or remove desired formatting elements.

  • Copying complex formatting requires multiple clicks and may be time-consuming.

  • Format Painter lacks a preview of how conditional formatting will be applied.

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Method 3- Use Fill Handle to Copy Cell Format

    To use the Fill Handle to copy cell format in WPS Office, follow these step-by-step instructions:

    Step 1: Open the WPS Office spreadsheet that contains the cell format you want to copy.

    Step 2: Select the cell or cells that contain the formatting you want to copy.

    Step 3: Click on the Fill Handle icon in the Home tab.

    Step 4: Drag the Fill Handle to the cells where you want to apply the formatting.

    Step 5: Release the mouse button, and click Fill formatting only.

    The formatting from the selected cells will be applied to the cells you dragged the Fill Handle to.

    That's it! You have successfully used the Fill Handle to copy cell format in WPS Office. The copied format will be applied to the target cells, allowing you to maintain consistency and formatting across your spreadsheet.

    Pros:

    • Fill Handle provides a simple and efficient way to copy cell formats.

    • Conditional formatting rules are preserved when using Fill Handle.

    • Copying formats using the Fill Handle is seamless and requires minimal effort.

    • Format changes in the source cell are automatically reflected in the destination cells.

    • Fill Handle is great for applying consistent formatting to a series of cells or ranges.

    Cons:

    • Fill Handle copies all formatting attributes without the ability to select specific elements.

    • Incorrect use of Fill Handle can unintentionally overwrite existing data in the destination cells.

    • Copying formats using Fill Handle may lead to inconsistent formatting in certain scenarios.

    How to Using Copy format to Design Tables

    One of the most efficient ways to copy cell format is by utilising the Paste Special feature. And you can also use Format Painter to Copy Cell Format. This is another simple and efficient way to ensure consistent formatting throughout your spreadsheet. Using the above mentioned three methods, we can copy format easily to design tables. Follow the following steps for more details…

    Step 1: Download WPS Office

    First download the WPS office or excel fine and then open the spreadsheet

    Step 2: Fill Color to The Part of Table

    Open the sheet whose rows or cell, and color to the first row.

    Step 3: Select One Method to Copy Format

    Now, There are different types of table designs available, such as “Copy and Paste Format”, “Format Painter” or “Fill Handle” . You may choose any format for your table cell or row and use it.

    Step 4: Design Table for Fill Handle

    Drag cells, Then use that copied format for your table to make a professional design and your excel sheet will be ready!

    Pro tips:

    • You can make different types of table design using this tool

    • Its simple and user friendly

    • Use Ctrl + Z to undo any undesired changes.

    By utilising these steps and shortcut keys, you can swiftly do how to copy format in excel, saving time and ensuring consistency in your data visualisation.

    FAQs

    Q: how to copy format in Excel to another sheet?

    To copy format in Excel to another sheet, follow these steps:

    1. Select the cell or range with the desired format.

    2. Press Ctrl + C to copy.

    3. Switch to the target sheet.

    4. Select the destination cell or range.

    5. Right-click and choose "Paste Special" > "Formats" or press Ctrl + Alt + V, then F. The format will be copied.

    Summary of the entire information!

    In conclusion, there are several ways on how to copy cell format in excel.When it comes to choosing the best office suite for such tasks, WPS Office stands out. WPS Office offers a comprehensive set of features and tools that make it a great choice for copying format in Excel. It provides a user-friendly interface, intuitive formatting options, and seamless compatibility with Excel files. WPS Office also supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices, enabling users to work across different devices effortlessly.

    Overall, WPS Office excels in providing a reliable and efficient solution for copying format in Excel, enhancing productivity and simplifying the formatting process.

    15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.