How to Copy & Paste Objects in Excel [Easy Duplicating 2024]

Copying and pasting data in a spreadsheet cell is the most common task. With simple keyboard command, you get this work done.

However, the Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V don’t work every time to copy cell data. Especially when you’re copying multiple objects at the same time.

But, there’s nothing to worry about. Microsoft offers multiple methods to duplicate values in between Excel sheets. In this article, I’ll discuss every possible technique that you can use to copy and paste objects in Microsoft Excel.

Keep reading till the end of the article. I’m sure you’ll find an adequate method for duplicating the Excel data you’re looking for.

How to Copy and Paste in Excel

There are different keyboard commands to cut, copy and paste data in Excel. Usually, Ctrl+C (to copy) and Ctrl +V(to paste) are mostly used. But, the problem with those shortcuts is you can’t differentiate whether you’re copying formulas or only the cell values.

To avoid that issue, I’ve included different methods. Using them, you can copy-paste either a specific cell’s content or duplicate data from multiple cells.

But first, you need to understand the various paste options in MS Excel. Take a look at the following chart, which should help you duplicate different values.

You’ll find these options in the Home tab after copying objects. Click on the drop-down menu beside the Paste option.

Here are the Functionality of Paste Menu Option in MS Excel:

Got the idea of how the multiple paste options work? Read the following sections to find out the best way to copy and paste Excel data.

Check out our separate post on how to Install Macro in Excel.

Here are the methods you can follow to copy and paste objects in Excel:

1. Copy and Paste Specific Cell Contents

If you want to paste cell objects that contain formulas, images, or different number formats, try the following method. That would help you duplicate data more smoothly.

Here are the steps to copy-paste specific cell contents:

• Select the cell range you want to copy.
• Right-click on any of the selected cells.
• Select copy from the list.
• Right-click on the target area (where you want to paste the data).
• Tap on the Paste icon > Paste Special.
• Select the options you want and click Ok.

Note: If you paste the items over an already filled cell, your data will get overwritten.

Trying to duplicate multiple data from several adjacent cells? Follow the forthcoming section to do that.

Here’s a complete guide on how to Copy Values Without Formulas on Excel.

2. Duplicate Objects from Multiple Adjacent Cells

When you want to copy-paste images or charts on other Excel cells or even adjoining cells, this duplicating method will bring out the best result. I’ll share two separate methods to duplicate adjacent cells. You can choose what suits you the best.

Here are the steps to duplicate adjacent cell objects:

• Select the range of Excel cells that you want to make a copy of.
• Hold the Ctrl Key.
• Move your mouse cursor at the edge of the selection. You’ll notice that your mouse pointer becomes a plus sign.
• Left-click on your mouse and drag those cells to the destination.

You’re all set. This method works perfectly when you intend to copy-paste data in the same Excel sheet. Also, you have the opportunity to use quick keys to duplicate the cells.

Try these useful Keyboard Shortcuts for Copy Paste:

• To paste only the Values – Ctrl + E + S + V + Enter.
• To paste only the Formulas – Ctrl + E + S + F + Enter.
• To paste only the Formatting – Ctrl + E + S + T + Enter.

Press these keys one after another. But remember to hold the ctrl button while you press other keys.

Check out our separate post on Fix Microsoft Excel Freezing or Slow.

3. Copy & Paste Data into Multiple Cells

Sometimes, you might need to copy and paste a single value into multiple cells. In Excel, you can press  Ctrl + D to copy and paste values at the same time. Also, press Ctrl + R to paste the data into the right column.

However, try the following technique to copy a single value into multiple cells.

Here’s the procedure for copying and pasting a single value into multiple cells:

• Copy the cell value by pressing Ctrl + C.
• Select the cells where you want to paste the value.
• Press Ctrl + Enter to paste the value.

All the cells you selected will contain the value you just copied. Alternatively, you can use a formula: RANDBETWEEN (Bottom, Top).

But in case you’re not planning to use random values, I strongly suggest not using that formula. Also, you can use the fill handle for quick copy-paste. Just hold the plus sign from the cell’s edge and drag it down.

Here’s a complete guide on how to Lock and Unlock Cells in Excel.

How to Copy and Paste in Excel Without Changing the Format

When you directly copy-paste cell data, the pasted value appears exactly the same in the destination cells. This means that the cells that you copied might contain different formulas, data charts, etc.

But, in case you don’t want to use the formatting in the different spreadsheet, try the following settings.

Here are the methods to copy-paste cells without changing formats:

1. Copy & Paste Values Without Changing Format in Excel

Here are the steps to duplicate excel values without changing format:

• Select the excel cell values you want to copy.
• Right-click on any of the selected cells and select Copy.
• Right-click on the destination cell, and from the drop-down menu, pick Paste Special.
• Choose the radio button named Values in the Paste Special window.
• Click Ok to complete the process.

After the process is completed, you’ll notice the data range is pasted in the destination cell.

Read more on how to Excel Documents Open in Notepad on Windows 11.

2. Copy & Paste Formula Without Changing Format in Excel

If you want to copy the Excel formula without changing the format, this guide might help you. Try following these steps to copy-paste objects without modifying the format.

Here are the steps to duplicate data without changing format:

• Select the excel ranges you want to copy.
• Right-click on selected cells and choose Copy from the drop-down menu.
• Right-click on the destination cell and pick Paste Special from the options. A new window named Paste Special will pop up.
• Click on the radio button named Formulas.
• Click Ok to complete the process.

These are the various ways of copying objects in an Excel sheet. I use these methods whenever I need duplication of data in an Excel sheet. If you have any questions regarding this topic, read the following passage.

Frequently Asked Question

How do you copy an object in Excel?

Select the objects that you want to duplicate > press Ctrl + D. If you want further duplication, press and hold Ctrl+D for some time.

How do you copy all objects in Excel?

Open your Excel sheet > On the Home tab, click Find & Select > select Go To Special.

In that window, click on Objects > OK.

How do you copy and paste the same thing into multiple Excel cells?

Select the cell > Press Ctrl + C > Mark all the targeted cell ranges> Press Ctrl + V. Alternatively, hold the fill handle on the sheet and drag it down to the bottom. That will paste values into multiple excel columns.

How do I copy and paste a picture in Excel?

Click on the picture in your spreadsheet > move to the Home tab > Click the arrow icon next to Copy in the Clipboard group >  select Copy as Picture.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, I discussed how you could duplicate Excel ranges in the most simple way. No matter whether you’re using Windows or Mac, you will be able to copy-paste objects more quickly.

However, if any of the methods seem complicated to you, feel free to write them down in the comment section. And also, share which of these techniques helped you to duplicate Excel data.

Till then, peace!