Pasting values made easy - Neale Blackwood shows how

Q: I use Edit > Paste Special > Values frequently and was wondering, what is the easiest way to do it?

A: The easiest way to paste values is by dragging the range or cell with your right mouse button. When you release the button the menu has 'Copy Here as Value Only'.

When you drag a range or a cell you need to have the arrow cursor shape visible. This method can also be used if you are copying the values on top of the existing formulae.

Simply drag the range or cell one cell across or down with the right mouse button and then, without releasing the button, take it back to the original range or cell and then release the button. When you use 'Copy Here as Value Only' the formula will be replaced by the values.

There is also a Paste Values toolbar icon that you can put on your toolbar. In Excel XP onwards the Paste toolbar icon has a drop-down menu and Values is one of its options.

Neale Blackwood CPA is a senior business analyst with Access Analytic Solutions, which provides Excel consulting services. Email: nblackwood@accessanalytic.com.au. For back issues go to www.cpaaustralia.com.au/links?excel

Reference: November 2007, volume 77:10, p. 20