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Excel - Mastering Excel Fill Without Formatting: Simple and Efficient Solutions - Episode 797

4,078 views · Published 15 January 2009 · 2:59 · Indexed 25 September 2026

Channel: MrExcel.com · 2009 · Education

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Microsoft Excel Tutorial:  Mastering Excel Fill Without Formatting: Simple and Efficient Solutions.

Welcome back to the MrExcel netcast! In this video, we're going to tackle a common issue that many Excel users face - filling cells without formatting. If you've ever tried to extend a series of numbers using the CONTROL key and then used the "Fill Without Formatting" option, you may have noticed that Excel automatically adds borders to the cells. This can be frustrating, especially if you just want to quickly fill a series without any extra formatting.

In our previous podcast, I asked for solutions to this problem and I received some great suggestions from our viewers. One solution is to use the "Paste Special" function and select "Formulas" to copy the numbers down without any formatting. Another suggestion was to enter the first two numbers in the series and then use the fill handle to extend the series, followed by using the "Fill Without Formatting" option. These are both effective solutions, but they may require some extra steps.

However, the best solution came from Derek in the UK. His method involves selecting two cells - not above each other, but the one and the number next to it - and then dragging the fill handle down. This will automatically extend the series and allow you to use the "Fill Without Formatting" option. It's a simple and efficient solution that doesn't require any extra steps.

Of course, there are other ways to solve this problem as well. Some viewers suggested using a formula or adding an apostrophe before the number to change it to text, but these methods may have some drawbacks. For example, converting the numbers to text may cause issues if you need to use them in functions like VLOOKUP. So, it's important to consider the potential consequences before using these methods.

In the end, there are multiple ways to fill cells without formatting in Excel. I want to thank everyone who wrote in with their suggestions and I hope this video has helped you find a solution that works for you. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more helpful Excel tips and tricks. Thanks for watching and we'll see you in the next netcast from MrExcel!

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Back in Episode 795, I asked about the best way to fill 1, 2, 3 without copying the formatting. 3 different approaches to solve this problem will appear in Episode 797. Even if you don't have this issue, you will learn some surprising things about the fill handle's behavior.

Table of Contents:
(00:00) Introduction to the problem
(00:21) Issue with using CONTROL key for extending series
(00:34) Solutions suggested by listeners
(00:55) Using selected cells to extend series
(01:11) Using ‘ before number to change to text
(01:24) Potential issue with using text solution
(01:39) Best solution from Derek in the UK
(02:00) Additional considerations for original problem
(02:18) Recap of solutions
(02:36) Conclusion and thank you for listening

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