36
6
I use Excel to crunch numbers, so I usually don't want to copy the formatting along with the text. But this is the default. Is there a way to default to always match destination formatting when pasting into Excel?
36
6
I use Excel to crunch numbers, so I usually don't want to copy the formatting along with the text. But this is the default. Is there a way to default to always match destination formatting when pasting into Excel?
29
Can't set the default, but more convenient than fiddling with the paste options after each paste:
If you press the Backspace or F2 key before pasting text it will paste the text only, retaining the existing formatting.
source: http://appscout.pcmag.com/business-financial/272436-always-match-destination-formatting
I wonder why this works?
6It works because it puts the cell into edit mode rather than text entry mode. It's equivalent to double–clicking in the cell. – RobG – 2015-08-17T04:40:59.440
4If you are attempting to paste multiple rows, this will not work as it will put the text of all the rows into one cell. – Jon – 2016-08-01T12:21:42.050
In Excel 2013 you CAN set the default paste options, according to Microsoft. Options > Advanced > Cut, copy, paste. Adjust your defaults there. – music2myear – 2018-08-06T22:12:31.260
1This doesn’t work for me in Excel 2007. – Scott – 2013-12-03T22:47:04.547
11
Simply double click on the cell first before pasting.
Note. To make this work you ahve to double click on the cell you are copying, select the cell text, ctrl-c. You can then paste anywhere without having to double-click on the destination cell. This will copy the text only and not the formatting. – redcalx – 2015-07-27T14:15:14.957
1This only works for pasting one cell at a time. If you have many cells in a column, or many columns of a row, or any combination of that, you'd still have to copy and paste each single cell. – Nate – 2016-03-02T22:03:01.117
Thanks, but still not perfect way since you want to use keyboard only, then you need to do another action - press F2 to enter the selected cell first. – DimaSan – 2019-02-21T00:16:52.333
10
Try ALT+E+S+V+ENTER are the key strokes.
You could place a macro in your Personal personal excel workbook for pasting special, but you would not be able to undo the action after.
ALT+E+S+T+ENTER works for me. Your method didn't work, but I'm likely using a newer version of Excel. – kojow7 – 2018-06-03T05:31:56.860
5
I don't believe there is a way to change the default. However, what I've found very convenient is to add the "Paste Formulas" button (which will automatically keep the destination formatting) to the Quick Access Toolbar. To do this:
Now when you copy a cell or range, you can just use Alt+4 (assuming the new button is the fourth in the Quick Access Toolbar) to paste wherever you want and keep the destination formatting.
2Thank you for this! It works to paste multiple cells (e.g. a whole table from a webpage or something) AND it has a keyboard combo to activate. – Nate – 2016-03-02T21:52:04.707
2
In Excel 2013, use the ordinary Ctrl+V shortcut, then press Ctrl, then press M.
2Please elaborate how this answers the question "*Is there a way to default to always match destination formatting when pasting into Excel*". – CharlieRB – 2016-06-01T17:20:08.153
1
In addition to my answer above, there is one more way to achieve this.
Go to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar.
Select "Paste and keep source formatting", then "Add" the same. You can also use the positioning arrows to position this option to the top. Advantage of this is, you can use the shortcut ALT+1 shortcut:
1
According to the MSDN Excel PasteType reference, there is no "paste-matching-destination-theme", although you could paste just the values or formulas.
Similar to the instructions found here, you could add a macro to override the CTRL+V behaviour.
The steps are as follows (embellished slightly from the source page):
select Insert > Module from the menu, and paste the following code in the Module Window:
Sub PasteAsValue()
Selection.PasteSpecial Paste:=xlPasteValues
End Sub
NOTE: replace xlPasteValues
with xlPasteFormulas
if required
.xlsm
"Macro-enabled spreadsheet" - click "No" to have Excel prompt for a different file name and file type to save as)I followed this method however I was receiving the error: pastespecial method of range class failed
. I replaced the VAB line with ActiveSheet.PasteSpecial Format:="Text", Link:=False, DisplayAsIcon:=False
and that seemed to work. I got that line from recording a macro and performing a paste special text only. – Aaron Hoffman – 2018-10-25T19:16:59.647
1
This is another work-around I have found, if you can switch from Excel to Google Sheets:
Source: support.google.com/docs/answer/181110
I just double-checked, and Excel 2016 doesn't have this shortcut yet (by default).
0
The paste forumula method works when one is copying and pasting into the same workbook. When copy to a different workbook, choose paste special and then choose CSV format.
0
Paste with ctrl+V then hit ctrl to open a one key menu with formatting options. By default the letter is V to set the pasted information to the destination cell's former/proper formatting.
A little weird that the ctrl+V and ctrl, then V have such disparate effects, but nonetheless to past and keep the destination formatting:
Copy cell or range of cells, paste to new locations using ctrl+V like you would to move the source formatting, then hit ctrl then V to select a change from the current source formatting into the destination formatting.
ctrl+V, then ctrl, then V. a much quicker method than point and click.
Which version of Excel are you using? – Firee – 2013-12-06T12:29:41.437
@Firee: Excel 2013 – Leftium – 2013-12-06T12:42:33.313