Copying format changes from one table to another in Excel can be a breeze if you know the right tricks. Simply select the cells with the formatting you want to copy, use the Format Painter tool, and then click on the cells in the other table where you want to apply the format. And voila! Your second table now mirrors the formatting of the first.
After you complete this action, the second table will have the same formatting as the first. This includes font style, cell size, border styles, and any other formatting options you’ve applied to the original table.
Introduction
Ever had that moment where you’ve spent what feels like an eternity getting a table in Excel to look just perfect, only to realize you need to replicate that exact formatting in another table? It’s a common scenario whether you’re a student crunching data for a project, an accountant balancing the books, or a marketer analyzing customer trends. Formatting tables can be a tedious task, but thankfully, Excel has some built-in features that can save you time and ensure consistency across your spreadsheets.
This article is for anyone who uses Excel and wants to streamline their workflow. We’re going to cover how to copy format changes from one table to another quickly and efficiently. So, let’s dive in and make your Excel experience a smooth sail!
Step by Step Tutorial: Copy Format Changes From One Table to Another
The following steps will show you how to copy format changes from one table to another in Excel.
Step 1: Select the Source Cells
Select the cells in the table with the formatting you want to copy.
When you’ve got the formatting just right in one table, you’ll want to carry that look over to another table. The first step is to select the cells in your original table that have the formatting you’re interested in copying. You can click and drag to select multiple cells or click on a single cell if that’s all you need.
Step 2: Click on the Format Painter Tool
Click on the Format Painter tool in the Home tab on the ribbon.
After selecting the cells, you’ll see the Format Painter tool in the Home tab on Excel’s ribbon. It looks like a little paintbrush. When you click this tool, Excel knows you want to copy the formatting from your selected cells.
Step 3: Apply the Formatting to the Target Cells
Click on the cells in the second table where you want to apply the formatting.
Now, move your cursor to the second table. When you click on the cells where you want the formatting to be applied, Excel will paste the formatting from the first table. If you want to apply the formatting to multiple cells, just keep dragging the cursor over the cells.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Consistency | Consistency in formatting across tables ensures that your data is presented clearly and professionally. |
| Time-saving | Using the Format Painter tool is much faster than manually adjusting the formatting for each cell. |
| Easy to use | The Format Painter is a straightforward tool that doesn’t require any complex commands or procedures. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited to one format at a time | The Format Painter tool can only copy one set of formatting options at a time. If you have multiple formats to copy, you’ll have to repeat the process. |
| Can be error-prone | If you accidentally click the wrong cell, you can apply the formatting to the wrong place, which can be frustrating. |
| Format Painter can sometimes miss elements | The Format Painter might not always copy over every single element of formatting, especially if there are complex conditional formats involved. |
Additional Information
While the Format Painter is a nifty tool, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to use it effectively. First, if you double-click the Format Painter icon instead of just clicking it once, you can apply the formatting to multiple sets of cells without having to go back and click the Format Painter icon each time. Just remember to click on the Format Painter icon again or press the ESC key to turn it off when you’re done.
Also, if you’re working with very large tables, it’s worth taking a moment to ensure that you’ve selected all the necessary cells before you start painting. It can be easy to miss a row or column, and you might not notice until you’ve already started applying the format. Lastly, remember that the Format Painter copies all the formatting from the selected cells, not just the visual elements like font and color, but also any data formats like date, currency, or number formatting.
Summary
- Select the cells in the first table with the formatting you want to copy.
- Click on the Format Painter tool in the Home tab.
- Apply the formatting to the cells in the second table where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Format Painter to copy formatting between different worksheets?
Yes, you can use Format Painter to copy formatting between different worksheets within the same workbook. Just select the formatting, click on the Format Painter, and then switch to the other worksheet to apply the formatting.
What if I want to copy the formatting to more than one table?
If you want to copy the formatting to multiple tables, double-click on the Format Painter icon instead of a single click. This will keep the tool active until you turn it off.
Does Format Painter copy cell contents too?
No, Format Painter only copies the formatting of the cell, not the contents. Your data will remain unchanged.
Can Format Painter be used to copy conditional formatting?
Yes, Format Painter can copy conditional formatting. However, make sure that the conditions for the formatting are applicable in the target cells as well.
Can I use a keyboard shortcut for Format Painter?
There isn’t a direct keyboard shortcut for Format Painter, but you can use Alt + H + FP to access it quickly from the keyboard in Excel.
Conclusion
Learning how to copy format changes from one table to another using Excel’s Format Painter tool can significantly improve your productivity. It’s a simple yet powerful feature that can save you a lot of time and maintain consistency across your tables. Whether you’re dealing with large datasets or just trying to keep your work looking clean and professional, mastering this tool is a valuable skill.
Give it a try next time you’re working in Excel and see how much easier it makes your formatting tasks. Remember, Excel is a robust tool with many features, so keep exploring and learning to make the most out of your data management!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.