how do you copy formats from one cell to another?

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rhsorenson Author

Level 1

0 points

how do you copy formats from one cell to another?

Can I create a list of standard formats for cells and with one stroke utilize one of many formats?

McBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Aug 7, 2011 4:21 PM

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Answer 1

Ashka

Level 4

3,891 points

Aug 7, 2011 4:36 PM in response to rhsorenson

I usually select the whole table, rows, columns or cells, and use the inspector. 🙂

Copy and pasting cells does copy the set format along with the contents. You can also drag up, down and sideways and again the set format will come along for the ride along with the contents.

You can add the copy and paste style icons onto the tool bar.

Formulas can be selected & dragged along rows too.

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Answer 2

rhsorenson Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 7, 2011 4:38 PM in response to Ashka

However, as an example, borders around cells do not seem to copy. I often set up column headings with a border of 1.5pts, thick line, and black fill. This takes three clicks - and then If I wish to repeat this for another group of cells I go thru the exercise all over again (if I did not select all the first time). Thoughts?

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Answer 3

Ashka

Level 4

3,891 points

Aug 7, 2011 4:59 PM in response to rhsorenson

The Copy and paste style icons you can put on the tool bar will copy & paste the borders.

There is the option to allow border selection on the bottom of the border drop down. This allows you to select the borders with the curser across or down the whole table which might come in handy.

S.

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Answer 4

rhsorenson Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 7, 2011 5:58 PM in response to Ashka

That was great to utilize the copy/paste style buttons - did not know they existed.

So let's try this one - what about creating formats for various numbers - as an example, I like a format that has comma's, maybe 2 decimals (sometimes), brackets for negative numbers, and a "-" for a zero. Also, maybe with a dollar sign sometimes... Can I create a "standard" set of number formats to one-click deploy into various spreasheets or cells?

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Answer 5

Ashka

Level 4

3,891 points

Aug 7, 2011 6:53 PM in response to rhsorenson

Hi again.

Your easiest way is going to be setting up custom formats: Copy & Pasting is going to get messy very quickly.

Inspector > Cells (42) > Bottom of the formats drop down box > Custom.

You can make as many as you wish, just remember to Name them 🙂

Thanks for the stars ...

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