These instructions apply to Excel for Microsoft 365 and Excel versions 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010.
Work With the Excel Fill Handle
The fill handle works in conjunction with the mouse.
Fill handle uses include:
Try this easy example within your own Excel spreadsheet.
Place the mouse pointer over the fill handle.
The pointer changes to a small black plus sign (+).
you’ve got the option to copy data without copying the formatting.
Here is a prime example of Excel’s auto-fill feature:
jot down the number2in cellD1and press theEnterkey.
throw in the number4in cellD2and pressEnter.
Click and hold down the mouse pointer on thefill handlein the bottom right corner of the cellD2.
Drag the fill handle down to cellD6.
CellsD1toD6should contain the numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12.
As an example, here is how you might add the days of the week within your worksheet.
Press theEnterkey on the keyboard.
choose the cellA1again to make it the active cell.
Place themouse pointerover thefill handlein the bottom right corner of the active cell.
When the mouse pointer changes to the plus sign,click and hold downthe mouse button.
Drag the fill handle to cellG1to auto-fill the days of the week from Monday to Saturday.
Select theFiletab of the ribbon.
SelectOptionsto bring up the Excel Optionsdialog box.
Select theAdvancedtab in the left-hand pane.
Scroll to theGeneralsection of the options list in the right-hand pane.
Select theEdit Custom Listbutton in the right-hand pane to open theCustom Listdialog box.
punch in the new list in theList entrieswindow.
SelectAddto add the new list to theCustom Listswindow in the left-hand pane.
SelectOKtwice to close all dialog boxes and return to the worksheet.
The new AutoFill list appears in theCustom Listswindow.
