How do you copy formatting in Excel?

There are several ways to copy formatting in Excel, the most common being the Format Painter and keyboard shortcuts.

Using the Format Painter

The Format Painter is a convenient tool for copying formatting from one cell or range of cells to another. Here's how to use it:

1. Select the cell or range that contains the formatting you want to copy.
2. Click the Format Painter button in the "Clipboard" group on the "Home" tab. The mouse pointer will change to a paintbrush icon.
3. Click or drag across the cell or range where you want to apply the copied formatting.
4. The formatting from the original cell(s) will be applied to the new cell(s). To apply the formatting to multiple non-contiguous ranges, double-click the Format Painter button in step 2. Then click on all of your desired areas, and press the Esc key to turn off the Format Painter.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Excel offers keyboard shortcuts for copying and pasting formats:

1. Select the cell or range with the desired formatting.
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + C (or Alt + Ctrl + C) to copy the formatting.
3. Select the cell or range where you want to apply the formatting.
4. Press Ctrl + Shift + V (or Alt + Ctrl + V) to paste the formatting.

Paste Special

Another option is to use Paste Special.

1. Select and copy the cell or range with the desired formatting using Ctrl + C.
2. Select the cell or range where you want to apply the formatting.
3. Right-click and choose Paste Special... or press Ctrl + Alt + V.
4. In the Paste Special dialog box, select Formats and click OK.

This method allows you to selectively paste only the formatting aspects of the copied cell(s).

Summary

Excel provides multiple methods for copying formatting, each suited for different scenarios. The Format Painter is ideal for quick and visual application, while keyboard shortcuts offer speed and efficiency. Paste Special provides the most control over what attributes get pasted.