It looks like a simple task – filter a list, so you an see the items you’re interested in. Then, copy data from one column, and paste it into another. But you can have a serious problem pasting in Excel filtered list.
Problem Pasting in Excel Filtered List
Pasting data into a filtered list can quickly turn into a big mess, and you’ll end up overwriting some of your data.
In the screen shot below, I selected 5 cells in column B, and pasted them into the same rows in column E. However, only 2 of the dates were pasted.
Find the Missing Data
What happened to the other 3 dates that I pasted? When I cleared the filter on the list, I could see that all 5 dates were there. They weren’t pasted into the visible rows though – they were pasted into a block of 5 cells, starting with cell E6, where I pasted the data.
In those 5 cells, only two were chocolate chip orders, so those are the only two that I saw, when the list was filtered.
Yikes! I hit the Undo button, immediately, to get the original data back.
Do you have the same problem pasting in Excel filtered lists?
Why does Excel copy the individual, visible cells in a filtered list, then crush our dreams, by pasting them into a contiguous block?
I’d like the option to paste into visible rows, or have that automatically happen, if the list is filtered. Please and thanks!
Workarounds for Pasting
Even though I’ve asked nicely, Microsoft probably won’t be able to fix this problem pasting in excel filtered list by tomorrow. Or ever.
So, to avoid overwriting your data, be sure that you’re not pasting anywhere that rows are hidden. Here are a couple of workarounds that I use:
- You could clear any filters, and sort by a column that will bring the rows of interest together. Then do the copying and pasting, while no rows are hidden.
- To copy the selected items into the same rows, in a nearby column, use the Fill Right or Fill Left shortcut. I’ve made a video that shows how this works. Thanks to Khushnood Viccaji for sharing that tip in the comments below.
- For filters that are more complex, where you can’t do a simple filter to bring the rows together, you could insert a temporary column, and mark the rows, as shown in the screen shot below. Then, clear the filters, sort the temporary column, and copy and paste in the marked rows.
Video: Problem Pasting in Excel Filtered List
Watch this video to see why you have a problem pasting in Excel filtered list, and a couple of workarounds, to help you avoid the problem.
Download the Sample File
To download the sample file for this video, go to the Filtered List Pasting Problems page on my Contextures website.
The zipped sample file is in xlsx format, and does not contain any macros.
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I find another way;
after you filtering the data; just put into the destination row(the row that you want to copy the filtered data) ‘= column name’ than drag/copy down to the last row of the destination row; here you’ll get the same value of the row you want copy in filtered mode ; when done just do ‘copy value’ to clear the function ‘=’ or equation.
Let me try explain using example above :
1. We want to fill the blank column ship date for chocolate chip — this make the destination cell copy
2. We filtered the column ‘shipdate’, uncheck all except for blank(you can view the blank checklist on the very bottom of the filtered list)
3. After the data is filtered, start typing ‘=’ on the first column of shipdate, then move your cursor to column Date then press enter, this will make the blank column on chocolate chip will be the same as column Date
4. Still in filtered mode, put your cursor on edge of that column( previosly blank and become the same as value on column date) (note :the cursor arrow then change to ‘+’), click and drag down
5. When you done, block that range, or simply do ‘ctrl + c’ then ‘paste value'(ctrl + v, press ctl one time, then press ‘v’)
I hope this help
(by the way I was applying this trick on excel 2010 in windows, i never try in other version or system. Feel free to correct me if its not working in other version)
thank you so much …..you saved my day
No use of this, why people copy past the same thing in same sheet.
Resole that how to past from other sheet in filtered data.
S4N0KUN – Thank you! Worked for me
The real chalenge is to paste in filtered cells from another filtered sheet
Radu, I couldn’t agree more. Hmmm…
Do you have solution for that?
Alt;
Thanks for this Khushnood! I was just copying one cell to many, so I can copy one cell, select where to paste, Alt;, then paste. Simple workaround for copying one cell into several and I see how your paste left, right, up or down works too.
You’re welcome Brenda 🙂
great Khushnood Viccaji!
Used your method, worked like a charm 🙂
the X method would be useful too!
thanks guys!
moschg
You’re welcome moschg 🙂