Pasting values in Excel offers several significant advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the link to the original data (like with the TRIM or PROPER function), ensuring data integrity and preventing accidental changes. This process significantly reduces file size, enhancing performance, especially in large spreadsheets.
In Excel, you can paste in values in 4 different ways
- With the Ribbon
In the Home tab, you have the option to paste in values
- Shortcut for all Excel versions
With a combination of 2 sequences of shortcuts, you can paste in values
- Shortcut for Excel 365
A new shortcut has been created to paste in values only for Excel 365 users
- Mouse trick
With a tricky movement of the mouse, you can paste only the values
Convert a formula in values
To explain how to copy-paste values, we will use the TRIM function as an example. This function is very useful for clearing your cells of extra spaces, as in column A.
- In Column B, we have built a formula with the TRIM function to remove the extra spaces.
- So now, we must keep this result.
- The only way to keep the values (without the formula) is to copy column B and paste them into it.
Paste in values with the Ribbon
- Copy the cell in column B
- Go to the Home tab
- Click on the arrow under Paste
- Select the option Values
And then, the formulas with the TRIM function don't exist anymore; only the result is kept 👍
Combinaison of shortcuts
- Copy the cell in column B
- Press the keys Ctrl + Alt + V to display the Paste Special Dialog box
- Then, press V to select the Value options
New Shortcut for Excel 365
A new shortcut has been released for Excel 365 users only.
- Copy your cells
- Press the combination Ctrl + Shift + V (and that's it)
Trick with the mouse
There is another way to paste in values with the mouse but this technique is tricky.
- Select your cells with the mouse
- Put the cursor on the edge of the selection
- Right-click on the mouse button
- Move the selection slightly to the right and return to the original position.
- Release the button of the mouse
- Choose the option Copy here as values only
- With the last technique, you don't need to copy your data
- Only the movement of the mouse does the action.
