SharePoint Document Issues

How to Copy and Paste Rows in SharePoint List Grid View

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are experiencing difficulties when trying to copy and paste rows in SharePoint's Edit in Grid View using traditional keyboard shortcuts.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Copying and pasting data rows and managed metadata fields within SharePoint List Edit in Grid View.
Observed behavior: Standard shortcuts like Shift+Insert fail to work, Ctrl+C may not highlight selected rows, and managed metadata fields fail to paste correctly if columns are not perfectly matched.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary edit permissions for the SharePoint list and verify that you are using a supported, updated web browser before attempting to edit in Grid View.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Standard Ctrl+V for Pasting Data

Switch from legacy shortcuts to the standard Ctrl+V shortcut, as SharePoint service updates have modified supported behaviors in Grid View.

SharePoint frequently updates the Edit in Grid View interface, which can deprecate older keyboard shortcuts like Shift+Insert. Sticking to primary clipboard shortcuts ensures better compatibility.

Copy the source data

Select the row or cells you wish to copy and press Ctrl+C on your keyboard.

Paste into the destination

Click into the destination cell in Edit in Grid View and press Ctrl+V to paste the data. Avoid using Shift+Insert as it is no longer supported.

Highlighting Issues: Even if Ctrl+C does not visually highlight the row due to browser inconsistencies, the data may still be copied to your clipboard. Test pasting before assuming the copy failed.

Solution 2

Configure Managed Metadata Columns to Match

Ensure that managed metadata columns are identical in both the source and destination lists to successfully copy and paste these specific fields.

Solution 3

Troubleshoot Browser and List Validation Settings

Resolve underlying platform issues by checking browser compatibility, clearing cache, and reviewing account permissions or list rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Shift+Insert not working in SharePoint Grid View?

Recent SharePoint service updates have modified browser behaviors and deprecated certain older keyboard shortcuts like Shift+Insert. Microsoft recommends using Ctrl+V for pasting data in Edit in Grid View.

Can I copy and paste managed metadata fields between SharePoint lists?

Yes, but this requires identical managed metadata columns in both the source and destination libraries. If the term sets or column settings do not perfectly match, the data will not paste.

Why won't Ctrl+C highlight the row in Edit in Grid View?

Browser updates or minor SharePoint UI changes occasionally alter visual feedback. Even if the row isn't highlighted, the data might still be copied. Try pasting with Ctrl+V, or clear your browser cache if the issue persists.

Document & File Issues